Orthodox Priest Albs (Podriznik)
5 itemsOur Orthodox priest albs — known in the Slavic tradition as the podriznik (подризник) and in Greek usage as the priest's sticharion — are the foundational garment of the liturgical vesture, worn beneath the phelonion and other vestments. Each alb is cut and sewn to your measurements in our family workshop so it hangs correctly and moves well throughout the service.
We work in lightweight liturgical brocades and rayon blends chosen for breathability and drape, with hand-finished cuffs and hems. Embroidery, trim, color, and sleeve style can all be tailored to your parish or personal preference. Browse the albs below, or contact us to discuss a fully custom order.
Choosing an Orthodox Priest Alb
The podriznik is worn directly over the cassock and under the outer vestments, so fit and fabric weight matter more than ornament. A well-cut alb sits cleanly at the shoulders, clears the floor by an inch or two, and lets the cuffs and hem show neatly beneath the phelonion or sakkos.
Fabric and color
White and light gold are the most traditional choices, since the alb is glimpsed rather than fully seen, but we can make albs in the full range of liturgical colors to match a set. Lighter brocades and blends keep the garment comfortable through long services.
Custom work
Cuffs, hems, and crosses can be embroidered to your specification, and every alb is made to your measurements. If you need a matching set — alb with phelonion, epimanikia, and epitrachelion — we can coordinate fabric and embroidery across the full vestment.
Frequently asked about albs & priest sticharions
What is the difference between a priest stikharion and a deacon stikharion?
The cut. A deacon’s stikharion is the outermost vestment he wears, so it is made wide, full-sleeved and of decorative fabric. A priest’s stikharion (podriznik) is worn underneath the phelonion, so it is narrow-sleeved, lighter, and made not to add bulk. They are not interchangeable.
What measurements do you need for a podriznik?
Height, shoulder width, chest, sleeve length, and the finished length from the shoulder to the ankle — taken over the cassock the priest will wear underneath. If you have measurements saved in your account we will use those; otherwise send them with the order and we will confirm before cutting.
What colour should the podriznik be?
Most priests order white or gold, since the garment barely shows and white suits every liturgical colour above it. Some parishes prefer to match the set exactly; we can make it in any colour you order the phelonion in.
Can you match it to a vestment set I already own?
Yes. Send a photo of the set and, if you can, a small offcut or the name of the brocade. We match the galloon and embroidery so the cuffs and hem read as part of the same set.
How long does a made-to-measure stikharion take?
About 4-6 weeks for a plain podriznik with embroidered cross and trim; longer if it is part of a full set being made together. Tell us your date when you order — ordinations especially — and we will confirm the schedule.
