1. Books of the Church & Priestly Vestments

2. Books of the Church The Church has prepared five readings for each Liturgy; the Pauline Epistle, the Catholic Epistle, the Acts (Praxis), the Sinaxarium, and the Gospel These readings provide an opportunity for biblical contemplation and teaching. These readings are in addition to the readings said during the raising of Vespers and Morning Incense

3. During periods of fasting and feasts, prophecies are read. Jonah’s fast, Weekday Lent, Holy Week Psalmodia book Books for marriages, funerals, Lakkan (raising of water), feast of the cross...among others Three liturgical books (St Basil, St Gregory, and St Cyril) Hymn books

4. Priestly Vestments God ordered Moses to make special garments for Aaron his brother (and the Levites), and the priests to use at the time of the service, “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and beauty.....to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest” (Ex 28:2-3) The passage mentions these garments: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven tunic, a turban and a sash. (see video)

5. Service vestments are white

6. Why are the vestments white? “Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment (Ps 104:2) “ And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow,…”(Dan 7:9). The transfiguration (Matt 17:2) “And she saw two angels in white sitting,” (Jn 20:12) “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments…”(Rev 3:5). “And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” (Revelation 19:8). Symbol of purity, cleanliness, and innocence

7. The tunic (tonia) It is the white robe worn by all the ranks (Bishop, presbyter and deacon)

8. The stole: (batrashil) This is the red wide ribbon that surrounds the shoulders of the deacon and it takes the shape of a cross from the back It reminds the deacon of the blood of Jesus that saves, and readiness for service

9. Breastplate/chestpiece See video

10. The cuffs Those are two pieces of cloth that covers from the wrist to the elbow of the priest (Bishop)... The old traditions says they were two handkerchiefs the priest used to have them during the service to wipe his tears.

11. The girdle It is a belt that goes around the priest’s waist

12. The taylassan (priests only) It is the head cover…and it is like the twenty four elders who had their crowns while they stands before God…it reminds the priest with the honor and glory of his divine service

13. Other garments The crown (bishop only) The cope (bornus) The ballin: (only bishop) The shield: (only bishop)