The Epitrachelion

52 Weeks of Orthodoxy: A photo a week from our life in Christ in the Orthodox Church

When our priest came to bless our home this week, he let me take a close look at his beautiful Epitrachelion.  The icons of our Savior and the Theotokos were so vividly embroidered and stood grand against the bright gold and embellishments of the garment.  The epitrachelion is a required vestment whenever a priest is blessing your home or serving as a priest in any capacity.  It is worn around the neck with the two adjacent sides falling equally across the front of the body. It represents the outpouring of grace to the people through the priesthood.  Psalm 133:2 provides the historical background for this tradition.  “It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.”   Often, this garment is has seven appliqued crosses, one at the back of the neck and three down each side.  Father’s epitrachelion contained seven icons, making it visually stunning.