The epitrachelion is an essential part of the liturgical vestments of Orthodox priests and bishops. It is a long piece of dense fabric worn around the neck, with its two ends of equal length hanging down the front. The name "epitrachelion" (επιτραχήλιον) translates from Greek as "around the neck." The front sections of the epitrachelion are usually sewn or buttoned together up the center; it is worn over the sticharion and under the zone and the phelonion.
The epitrachelion symbolizes the gifts of divine grace received by the priest at ordination for preaching the Word of God; without it, he cannot perform the service. The epitrachelion is a sign of the preservation and succession of priestly grace: it acts as a reminder that the clergyman performs the Holy Mysteries not by his own power, but by the authority granted to him from above. Without the epitrachelion, a clergyman has no right to celebrate services or administer the sacraments, for it is this vestment that bears witness to his spiritual authority and responsibility before God and the Church.
Color: Gold
Fabric: Damask
Size: 155*32cm
