Vestments
- Priest Vestments sets
- Epitrahelion sets
- Epigonations
- Deacon Vestments Sets
- Stikharions
- Albs, Priest Stikharions
- Orarions
- Cuffs, PORUCHI
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- Cassock, Ryassa
Covers
Church Items
Color
Epitaphios, Shrouds
20 itemsThe epitaphios — called plashchanitsa in Slavic and the “holy shroud” in English — depicts the body of Christ as He was laid in the tomb. It is processed around the church on Good Friday and lies on the analogion through Pascha week. We hand-embroider every epitaphios in our Florida workshop.
Browse the shrouds below or commission a custom one for your parish.
About the epitaphios
The epitaphios is one of the most important — and most visually striking — pieces of Orthodox liturgical embroidery in the Church. It is brought out only twice a year: on the evening of Holy Friday, when it is solemnly processed around the church to symbolize the burial of Christ, and on Pascha night, when it returns to the altar to symbolize the empty tomb.
Iconography
The central image is the body of Christ, laid out as in burial, surrounded by His Mother, the disciples John and Joseph of Arimathea, the myrrh-bearing women, and angels. The composition follows the same model whether the epitaphios is from a 14th-century Byzantine workshop or our own shop today — it is one of the most stable iconographic schemes in the tradition.
Size and fabric
Standard parish epitaphios is about 36" × 60", sometimes larger for cathedrals. Made on a heavy backing of velvet, brocade, or silk, with the figures embroidered in colored silks and gold/silver thread. Fringe and tassels along all four edges. The piece is reinforced so it can be carried flat on a bier during the Good Friday procession.
Frequently asked about epitaphios, shrouds
How big should our parish epitaphios be?
Most parish epitaphios are 36" × 60". If your church has a large nave you may want 42" × 72". The size is partly aesthetic and partly practical (how it looks on your bier).
How long does a custom epitaphios take?
3-9 months depending on the level of embroidery. A fully embroidered epitaphios with detailed faces and figures is the longest-running project in our shop.
Can you repair an old epitaphios?
Yes — we restore antique epitaphios. Send photos and we will assess. Common repairs include resewing torn fringe, reinforcing the backing, and replacing worn metal thread.
What color of velvet is traditional?
Dark red, deep purple, or burgundy — the colors of mourning and royalty. Some traditions use black for Holy Friday specifically.
Is the epitaphios used outside of Holy Week?
Rarely. The main uses are the Holy Friday procession, Pascha night, and the feast of the Dormition (when an icon of the Theotokos’ falling-asleep is sometimes processed in the same manner).
