Theology and Development of Vestments and Clerical Vesture in the Orthodox and Byzantine Rite Church Traditions

Abstract

From the time of the tabernacle, and the first calling of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, God has instituted specific ways to “set apart” his ministers from the “lay” people around them, and to prepare them for a life of service in God. Following the theological and typological priesthood established by God in the Old Covenant, the vestments, clerical, and monastic clothing of the Orthodox Church trace their origins to both this Biblical example, and to the political world of the late Roman Empire. Establishing the origin, theology, and usage of these garments that “set apart” those who serve the Lord, this paper seeks to answer the question of “why?” “Why” do Orthodox clerics and monastics wear this clothing, and what does it mean?