Priest Vestments sets

What's in a complete set of priest vestments?

The vestments worn by an Orthodox priest at the Divine Liturgy carry meaning long before they catch the eye. Each piece corresponds to a moment in salvation history and is described in the prayers said while vesting:

• Sticharion — the white inner robe symbolising the garment of salvation. In Slavic and Greek traditions the sticharion is often visible only at the cuffs and hem.
• Epitrachelion — the stole, signifying the grace of priesthood. A priest cannot serve a single sacrament without it.
• Zone — the belt, worn over the epitrachelion. Practical (it gathers the garments at the waist) and theological (girding for service).
• Poruchi (cuffs) — bound around the wrists, signifying the bonds of Christ and the strength of the hands lifted in prayer.
• Phelonion — the outer chasuble, the most visible vestment. Cut shorter in front so the priest's hands are free to bless and to handle the Holy Gifts.

Liturgical colours and when they're worn

Vestment colour follows the calendar. Most parishes order at least two full sets to start (gold and one penitential dark colour) and add seasonal colours over time:

• Gold / yellow — most Sundays and feasts of the Lord. The default working set in most parishes.
• White — Pascha, Theophany, the Nativity, weddings, funerals (in Greek practice).
• Red / crimson — feasts of martyrs; Holy Thursday and Holy Week in Slavic practice.
• Blue — feasts of the Theotokos.
• Green — Pentecost, Palm Sunday, feasts of monastic saints.
• Purple / dark red — Great Lent (Slavic practice) and the Cross.
• Black — Great Lent weekdays (Slavic) and burials.

Materials and embroidery

We work primarily with brocade woven in Greece and Italy, with embroidery in metallic-wrapped threads (gold, silver, oxidised silver) over a stiffened base. For premium commissions we offer goldwork (gold-laid embroidery over a padded outline) on icon panels — the technique used historically on Byzantine vestments, where the icon catches candlelight from across the nave.

All seams are reinforced for the weight of the brocade; linings are pre-shrunk cotton or polyester twill depending on the climate the vestments will serve in. Embroidery is washed and pressed before assembly so dimensions don't shift after the first cleaning.

How to order: measurements and timing

A made-to-measure phelonion and sticharion need nine basic measurements (height, neck girth, shoulder, sleeve length, chest, chest width, waist, garment length, weight). You can submit them online at our measurements form — we send a PDF copy with every order so the priest has it on file for the next commission.

Production time is typically 4–8 weeks for a standard set, longer for goldwork. Rush orders for ordinations are possible when scheduled in advance.

Caring for embroidered vestments

Hand-embroidered vestments are not delicate, but they reward a little care. After service: hang on a wide shoulder hanger (never on a peg by the collar), away from direct sunlight. Treat oil and wax stains within a few days. For cleaning, dry-clean by a specialist who knows how to press around embroidery — never tumble dry. With reasonable use a set will serve 15–25 years.