Orthodox Bishop Vestments
40 items
Our Orthodox bishop vestments are made and fully embroidered in our Florida atelier — the sakkos (the bishop's outer vestment, in place of the priest's phelonion), the great and small omophorion, the epigonation, the mitre, and the matching cuffs and accessories. Each piece is tailored to the hierarch's measurements and to the brocade and iconography he chooses.
Commissioning episcopal vestments is a substantial undertaking; we work directly with the bishop or his secretary throughout. Contact us to begin a commission or to discuss a full coordinated set.
The vestments of an Orthodox bishop
A bishop is vested in everything a priest wears, and more — the additional pieces mark the fullness of the apostolic ministry he carries. A complete episcopal set includes:
- Sakkos — the bishop's outer vestment, a wide tunic with short sleeves, fastened down the sides with bells and buttons, worn in place of the priest's phelonion. It descends from the imperial dalmatic of Byzantium.
- Omophorion — the broad band worn around the shoulders, the distinguishing vestment of the episcopate, symbolising the lost sheep carried on the Good Shepherd's shoulders. A bishop has both a great omophorion (worn for the first part of the Liturgy) and a small omophorion.
- Epigonation — the diamond-shaped thigh-shield worn at the right side.
- Mitre — the crowned headdress, embroidered and set with icons, worn by bishops (and by some awarded archimandrites and archpriests).
- Cuffs (epimanikia), sticharion, and epitrachelion — the same foundational vestments worn by priests, made to match the set.
Iconography and embroidery
Episcopal vestments are the most heavily embroidered garments in the Church. The sakkos and omophorion typically carry crosses, seraphim, and icon panels — often the Great Feasts, the Deesis, or the patronal saint — worked in gold and silver thread, frequently with raised goldwork. We design the iconographic programme with the bishop so it expresses his see and his patron.
How a commission works
Because a full set is a major commission, we begin with measurements, brocade selection, and an agreed iconographic plan, then keep the bishop or his secretary updated through production. Sets can be ordered complete or built up piece by piece — many hierarchs add seasonal colours over time. Lead times are longer than for priest vestments given the depth of embroidery; we confirm a schedule at the start of every commission.
The orlets, the sulok and the other hierarchal items
A bishop's service needs more than the vestments he wears. We also make the orlets, the round eagle rug the bishop stands on during the services, from an 18-inch rug for a parish visit to cathedral sizes; the sulok, the embroidered cloth tied to the bishop's staff; and the skrizhali, the embroidered tablets sewn onto the mantle of a bishop, an archimandrite or an abbot. Each can be made to match a vestment set already in use, so a parish preparing for a hierarchal visit can order the whole set of items together.
Measurements and timing
The sakkos and the sticharion are cut to the bishop's own measurements: height, chest, shoulder width, sleeve length and the length from the collar to the hem. Our measurement form lists every one, and the guide to measuring for vestments shows how to take them. The omophorion, epigonation, orlets and sulok need no body measurements at all. A single piece is made in the usual 4-8 weeks; a full embroidered set takes longer, and we agree the date before work begins, so a consecration or a feast-day visit can be planned around it.
Frequently asked about bishop
What is included in a full set of bishop vestments?
A complete episcopal set includes the sakkos (outer vestment), the great and small omophorion, the epigonation, the mitre, the cuffs (epimanikia), the sticharion, and the epitrachelion. Sets can be ordered complete or built up piece by piece, often adding seasonal colours over time.
What is the difference between a sakkos and a phelonion?
The phelonion is the priest's outer chasuble; the sakkos is the bishop's outer vestment worn in its place. The sakkos is a wide tunic with short sleeves, fastened down the sides with small bells and buttons, descending from the Byzantine imperial dalmatic. Only bishops wear the sakkos.
Can you make a mitre to match the set?
Yes. We make embroidered mitres set with icons to coordinate with the brocade and iconography of the full vestment set. The mitre can be ordered with the set or separately. See also our mitres category.
How do you handle the iconography on episcopal vestments?
We design the iconographic programme with the bishop — crosses, seraphim, and icon panels (the Great Feasts, the Deesis, or the patronal saint) in gold and silver, often with raised goldwork. Send us the bishop's preferences for style and subject and we develop the design before embroidery begins.
How long does a full episcopal set take?
Because of the depth of embroidery, a full set takes considerably longer than priest vestments — commonly several months. We confirm a precise schedule at the start of each commission and keep the bishop or his secretary updated through production. Individual pieces can be made faster.
Do you make the orlets (the bishop's eagle rug)?
Yes. We make embroidered orlets in round sizes from 18 inches for a parish visit up to cathedral sizes, in velvet or cotton, and sets of several rugs for the bishop's places in the church. Tell us the diameter you need and whether it should match an existing set, and we will confirm the design before we begin.
