One of our earliest authorities on the subject of Eastern vesture is St Germanus of Constantinople (circa 715 A.D.). In his treatise Μυστικὴ Θεορία he enters at considerable length into a discussion of Ecclesiastical Vestments and also of Monastic Costume, giving details, which are curious, but of little or no value, concerning the alleged symbolic meanings which they bear.

In the present chapter we have to discuss the vestments of the principal Eastern Churches—the Orthodox 'Greek' Church, so called, the Armenian Church, and the remote body of Christians on the coast of Malabar. The general appearance and style of the vestments of these churches is similar; there are, however, minor differences, which will appear as we proceed.

The vestments and personal ornaments of the Orthodox Greek Church are as follows:

  1. The στοιχάριον.
  2. The ἐπιμανίκια.
  3. The ἐπιτραχήλιον.
  4. The ὠράριον.
  5. The ζώνη.
  6. The φαινόλιον.
  7. The ἐπιγονάτιον.
  8. The ὠμοφόριον.
  9. The μάνδυας.
  10. The χαμαλαύχη.
  11. The ἐξωχαμαλαύχη.
  12. The πατέρεσσα.
  13. The ἐγκόλπιον.
  14. The σάκκος.

The Armenian vestments are as follows:

  1. The Vakass.
  2. The Shapich.
  3. The Poor-ourar.
  4. The Kodi.
  5. The Pasbans.
  6. The Shoochar.
  7. The Sagavard.

Fig. 23.—Armenian Priest.

The Malabar vestments are:

  1. The Cuthino.
  2. The Orro.
  3. The Zunro.
  4. The Zando.
  5. The Phaino.
  6. The Cap and Shoes.