Vesting Prayers are prayers which are spoken while a cleric puts on vestment

Vestment

Vestments are liturgical garments and articles associated primarily with the Christian religion, especially among Latin Rite and other Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, and Lutherans...

s as part of a liturgy

Liturgy

Liturgy is either the customary public worship done by a specific religious group, according to its particular traditions or a more precise term that distinguishes between those religious groups who believe their ritual requires the "people" to do the "work" of responding to the priest, and those...

, in both the Eastern

Eastern Christianity

Eastern Christianity comprises the Christian traditions and churches that developed in the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Asia Minor, the Middle East, Northeastern Africa, India and parts of the Far East over several centuries of religious antiquity. The term is generally used in Western Christianity to...

 and Western

Western Christianity

Western Christianity is a term used to include the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church and groups historically derivative thereof, including the churches of the Anglican and Protestant traditions, which share common attributes that can be traced back to their medieval heritage...

 churches. They feature as part of the liturgy in question itself, and take place either before or after a liturgical procession

Procession

A procession is an organized body of people advancing in a formal or ceremonial manner.-Procession elements:...

 or entrance

Entrance (Liturgical)

In Eastern Orthodoxy, an entrance is a procession during which the clergy enter into the sanctuary through the Holy Doors. The origin of these entrances goes back to the early church, when the liturgical books and sacred vessels were kept in special storage rooms for safe keeping and the procession...

 to the sanctuary

Sanctuary

A sanctuary is any place of safety. They may be categorized into human and non-human .- Religious sanctuary :A religious sanctuary can be a sacred place , or a consecrated area of a church or temple around its tabernacle or altar.- Sanctuary as a sacred place :#Sanctuary as a sacred place:#:In...

, as depends on the particular liturgical rite or use

Catholic Liturgical Rites

The Catholic Church celebrates a number of different Liturgical Rites, a term that refers to a particular form of liturgy.They are not to be confused with the Rites in the sense of sui iuris particular Churches, of which there are 22 Eastern and one Western....

 which is being observed.

Of a Celebrant who is a Bishop, before Pontifical Mass

At the Buskins:

Calcea, Domine, pedes meos in praeparationem evangelii pacis, et protege me in velamento alarum tuarum.

The Bishop says, as he takes off the Cope

Cope

The cope is a liturgical vestment, a very long mantle or cloak, open in front and fastened at the breast with a band or clasp. It may be of any liturgical colour....

:

Exue me, Domine, veterem hominem cum moribus et actibus suis: et indue me novum hominem, qui secundum Deum creatus est in justitia, et sanctitate veritatis.

He washes his hands, saying:

Da, Domine, virtutem manibus meis ad abstergendam omnem maculam immundam; ut sine pollutione mentis et corporis valeam tibi servire.

'Give virtue to my hands, O Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might serve you with purity of mind and body.'

At the Amice

Amice

The amice is a liturgical vestment used mainly in the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Church, in some Anglican churches, Armenian and Polish National Catholic churches. It consists of a white cloth connected to two long ribbon-like attachments, by which it is fastened around the shoulders of the...

:

Impone, Domine, galeam salutis in capite meo, ad expugnandas omnes diabolicas fraudes, inimicorum omnium versutias superando.

'Place upon my head, O Lord, the helmet of salvation, for fighting and overcoming all the wiles of the Devil: and for overcoming the savagery of all my enemies.'

At the Alb

Alb

The alb , one of the liturgical vestments of the Roman Catholic, Anglican and many Protestant churches, is an ample white garment coming down to the ankles and usually girdled with a cincture. It is simply the long linen tunic used by the Romans...

:

Dealba me, Domine, et a delicto meo munda me; ut cum his, qui stolas suas dealbaverunt in sanguine Agni, gaudiis perfruar sempiternis.

'Purify me, Lord, and cleanse my heart so that, washed in the Blood of the Lamb, I may enjoy eternal bliss.'

At the Cincture

Cincture

The cincture is a liturgical vestment, worn encircling the body around or above the waist. The term has two distinct meanings, the usage generally dividing along denominational lines...

:

Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo fidei et virtute castitatis lumbos meos, et extingue in eis humorem libidinis; ut jugiter maneat in me vigor totius castitatis.

He takes the Pectoral cross

Pectoral cross

A pectoral cross or pectorale is a cross, usually relatively large, suspended from the neck by a cord or chain that reaches well down the chest. It is worn by the clergy as an indication of their position, and is different from the small crosses worn on necklaces by many Christians, which have no...

, saying:

Munire digneris me, Domine Jesu Christe, ab omnibus insidiis inimicorum omnium, signo sanctissimae Crucis tuae: ac concedere digneris mihi indigno servo tuo, ut sicut hanc Crucem, Sanctorum tuorum reliquiis refertam, ante pectus meum teneo, sic semper mente retineam at memoriam passionis, et sanctorum victorias Martyrum.

At the Stole:

Redde mihi, Domine, obsecro, stolam immortalitatis, quam perdidi in praevaricatione primi parentis; et, quamvis indignus accedere praesumo ad tuum sacrum mysterium cum hoc ornamento, praesta, ut in eodem in perpetuum merear laetari.

'Restore unto me, I beseech You, O Lord, the stole of immortality, which I lost through the collusion of our first parents, and inasmuch as I presume to draw near to Your holy Mystery with this adornment, unworthy though I be, grant that I may be worthy to rejoice in the same unto eternity.'

At the Tunicle

Tunicle

The tunicle is a liturgical vestment associated with Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism.For a description of the tunicle, see dalmatic, the vestment with which it became identical in form, although earlier editions of the Caeremoniale Episcoporum indicated that it should have narrower sleeves...

:

Tunica jucunditatis, et indumento laetitiae induat me Dominus.

At the Dalmatic

Dalmatic

The dalmatic is a long wide-sleeved tunic, which serves as a liturgical vestment in the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and United Methodist Churches, which is sometimes worn by a deacon at the Mass or other services. Although infrequent, it may also be worn by bishops above the alb and below...

:

Indue me, Domine, indumento salutis et vestimento laetitiae; et dalmatica justitiae circumda me semper.

'Lord, endow me with the garment of salvation, the vestment of joy, and with the dalmatic of justice ever encompass me.'

At the Episcopal gloves

Episcopal Gloves

The Episcopal gloves or Pontifical gloves are a Roman Catholic pontifical vestment worn a by bishop when celebrating Solemn Pontifical Mass. The Episcopal gloves are worn from the beginning of the Mass until the offertory, when they are removed...

:

Circumda, Domine, manus mea munditia novi hominis, qui de caelo descendit; ut, quemadmodum Jacob dilectus tuus pelliculis hoedorum opertis manibus, paternam benedictionem, oblato patri cibo potuque gratissimo, impetravit; sic et oblata per manus nostras salutaris hostia, gratiae tuae benedictionem mereatur. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui in similitudinem carnis peccati pro nobis obtulit semetipsum.

At the Chasuble

Chasuble

The chasuble is the outermost liturgical vestment worn by clergy for the celebration of the Eucharist in Western-tradition Christian Churches that use full vestments, primarily in the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches, as well as in some parts of the United Methodist Church...

:

Domine, qui dixisti: Jugum meum suave est, et onus meum leve: fac, ut illud portare sic valeam, quod possim consequi tuam gratiam.

'O Lord, Who said: My yoke is easy and My burden light: grant that I may bear it well and follow after You with thanksgiving.'

At the Mitre

Mitre

The mitre , also spelled miter, is a type of headwear now known as the traditional, ceremonial head-dress of bishops and certain abbots in the Roman Catholic Church, as well as in the Anglican Communion, some Lutheran churches, and also bishops and certain other clergy in the Eastern Orthodox...

:

Mitram, Domine, et salutis galeam impone capiti meo; ut contra antiqui hostis omniumque inimicorum meorum insidias inoffensus evadeam.

At the Ecclesiastical ring

Ecclesiastical ring

An ecclesiastical ring is a finger ring worn by a clergyman, such as a Bishop's ring.-Historical antecedents:St. Clement of Alexandria says that a man might lawfully wear a ring on his little finger, and that it should bear some religious emblem—a dove for the Holy Spirit, a fish for Christ or an...

:

Cordis et corporis mei, Domine, digitos virtute decora, et septiformis Spiritus sanctificatione circumda.

At the Maniple

Maniple (vestment)

The maniple is a liturgical vestment used primarily within the Catholic Church, and occasionally used by some Anglo-Catholic and Lutheran clergy. It is an embroidered band of silk or similar fabric that when worn hangs from the left arm...

:

Merear, precor, Domine, manipulum portare mente flebili; ut cum exsultatione portionem accipiam cum justis.

Of a celebrant who is a Bishop, before Low Mass

The Bishop says, as he takes off the Cope:

Exue me, Domine, veterem hominem cum moribus et actibus suis: et indue me novum hominem, qui secundum Deum creatus est in justitia, et sanctitate veritatis.

He washes his hands, saying:

Da, Domine, virtutem manibus meis ad abstergendam omnem maculam immundam; ut sine pollutione mentis et corporis valeam tibi servire.

'Give virtue to my hands, O Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might serve you with purity of mind and body.'

At the Amice:

Impone, Domine, galeam salutis in capite meo , ad expugnandas omnes diabolicas fraudes, inimicorum omnium versutias superando.

'Place upon my head, O Lord, the helmet of salvation, for fighting and overcoming all the wiles of the Devil: and for overcoming the savagery of all my enemies.'

At the Alb:

Dealba me, Domine, et a delicto meo munda me; ut cum his, qui stolas suas dealbaverunt in sanguine Agni, gaudiis perfruar sempiternis.

At the Cincture:

Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo fidei et virtute castitatis lumbos meos, et extingue in eis humorem libidinis; ut jugiter maneat in me vigor totius castitatis.

He takes the Pectoral Cross, saying:

Munire digneris me, Domine Jesu Christe, ab omnibus insidiis inimicorum omnium, signo sanctissimae Crucis tuae: ac concedere digneris mihi indigno servo tuo, ut sicut hanc Crucem, Sanctorum tuorum reliquiis refertam, ante pectus meum teneo, sic semper mente retineam at memoriam passionis, et sanctorum victorias Martyrum.

At the Stole:

Redde mihi, Domine, obsecro, stolam immortalitatis, quam perdidi in praevaricatione primi parentis; et, quamvis indignus accedere praesumo ad tuum sacrum mysterium cum hoc ornamento, praesta, ut in eodem in perpetuum merear laetari.

'Restore unto me, I beseech You, O Lord, the stole of immortality, which I lost through the collusion of our first parents, and inasmuch as I presume to draw near to Your holy Mystery with this adornment, unworthy though I be, grant that I may be worthy to rejoice in the same unto eternity.'

At the Chasuble:

Domine, qui dixisti: Jugum meum suave est, et onus meum leve: fac, ut illud portare sic valeam, quod possim consequi tuam gratiam.

'O Lord, Who said: My yoke is easy and My burden light: grant that I may bear it well and follow after You with thanksgiving.'

At the Maniple:

Merear, precor, Domine, manipulum portare mente flebili; ut cum exsultatione portionem accipiam cum justis.

Of a Celebrant who is a Priest

The Celebrant first says, whilst washing his hands:

Da, Domine, virtutem manibus meis ad abstergendum omnem maculam ut sine pollutione mentis et corporis valeam tibi servire.

'Give virtue to my hands, O Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might serve you with purity of mind and body.'

Then whilst putting on the amice, which he first puts on his head, and then over his shoulders:

Impone, Domine, capiti meo galeam salutis, ad expugnandos diabolicos incursus.

'Place upon me, O Lord, the helmet of salvation, that I may overcome the assaults of the devil.'

At the alb:

Dealba me, Domine, et munda cor meum; ut, in sanguine Agni dealbatus, gaudiis perfruare sempiternis.

'Purify me, Lord, and cleanse my heart so that, washed in the Blood of the Lamb, I may enjoy eternal bliss.'

At the cincture:

Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo puritatis, et exstingue in lumbis meis humorem libidinis; ut maneat in me virtus continentia et castitatis.

'Gird me, O Lord, with the girdle of purity, and extinguish in me all evil desires, that the virtue of chastity may abide in me.'

At the maniple:

Merear, Domine, portare manipulum fletus et doloris; ut cum exsultatione recipiam mercedem laboris.

'Grant, O Lord, that I may so bear the maniple of weeping and sorrow, that I may receive the reward for my labors with rejoicing.'

At the stole, which he crosses over his breast:

Redde mihi, Domine, stolam immortalitatis, quam perdidi in praevaricatione primi parentis: et, quamvis indignus accedo ad tuum sacrum mysterium, merear tamen gaudium sempiternum.

'Restore unto me, O Lord, the stole of immortality, which was lost through the guilt of our first parents: and, although I am unworthy to approach Your sacred Mysteries, nevertheless grant unto me eternal joy.'

At the chasuble:

Domine, qui dixisti: Iugum meam suave est et onus meum leve: fac, ut istud portare sic valeam, quod consequar tuam gratiam. Amen.

'O Lord, Who said: My yoke is easy and My burden light: grant that I may bear it well and follow after You with thanksgiving. Amen.'

At a Solemn High Mass, the deacon and subdeacon may use these prayers when vesting also, but instead of the chasuble, use the dalmatic and tunicle respectively, and the prayers for them indicated in the Pontifical Mass.

Of a celebrant who is a priest

Washing his hands, the Celebrant prays:

Oremus. Largire sensibus nostris quesumus Domine omnipotens Pater: ut sicut exterius inquinamenta manuum abluuntur: sic per te mentium sordes misericorditer emundentur: et crescat in nobis augmentum sanctarum virtutum. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'Let us pray.
Grant to our understandings, we beseech You, O Lord, almighty Father; that as the defilements of the hands are washed away outwardly, so the filth of our minds may mercifully be cleansed by You; and may the growth of holy virtues increase within us. Through Christ our Lord.'

He then kneels before the vestments and says four times the Angelic Salutation

Hail Mary

The Angelic Salutation, Hail Mary, or Ave Maria is a traditional biblical Catholic prayer asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Hail Mary is used within the Catholic Church, and it forms the basis of the Rosary...

.

He then makes the Sign of the Cross

Sign of the cross

The Sign of the Cross , or crossing oneself, is a ritual hand motion made by members of many branches of Christianity, often accompanied by spoken or mental recitation of a trinitarian formula....

 over himself and each vestment.

At the Amice:

Pone Domine galeam salutis in capite meo: ad expugnandas et superandas omnes diabolicas fraudes: omniumque inimicorum meorum seviciam superandam. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'Place upon my head, O Lord, the helmet of salvation, for fighting and overcoming all the wiles of the Devil: and for overcoming the savagery of all my enemies. Through Christ our Lord.'

At the alb:

Indue me Domine vestimento salutis: ac tunica justicie: et indumento leticie circumda semper. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'Clothe me, O Lord, in the vestment of salvation; and the tunic of righteousness: and encompass me forever with the garment of gladness. Through Christ our Lord.'

At the Cincture:

Precinge Domine cingulo fidei: et virtute castitatis lumbos mei corporis: et extingue in eis humorem libidinis: ut jugiter maneat in me tenor totius castitatis. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'Gird me, O Lord, with the cincture of faith, and the loins of my body with the virtue of chastity, and extinguish my fleshly desires, that the unbroken chain of a chastity entire may continually abide in me. Through Christ our Lord.'

At the Maniple:

Merear queso Domine deportare manipulum justicie: et ferre cum patientia: ut illum cum exultatione deferendo cum tuis Sanctis portionem accipiam. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'May I worthily carry, O Lord, the maniple of justice, and bear it with patience: that bearing it with joy, may I receive a portion with Your Saints. Through Christ our Lord.'

At the stole:

Redde mihi Domine obsecro stolam immortalitatis: quam perdidi in prevaricatione primi parentis: et quia cum hoc ornamento quamvis indignus accedere ad tuum sanctum presumo mysterium: presta ut cum eodem letari merear in perpetuum. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'Restore unto me, I beseech You, O Lord, the stole of immortality, which I lost through the collusion of our first parents, and inasmuch as I presume to draw near to Your holy Mystery with this adornment, unworthy though I be, grant that I may be worthy to rejoice with the same unto eternity. Through Christ our Lord.'

At the Chasuble:

Jugum tuum Domine suave est: et onus tuum leve: presta ut sic illud deportare valeam: ut consequi possim tuam gratiam. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'Your yoke, O Lord, is sweet; and Your burden light; grant that I may so avail to wear it so as to obtain Your grace. Through Christ our Lord.'

After vesting:

R. Pater peccavi in celum et coram te: jam non sum dignus vocari filius tuus. Fac me sicut unum de mercenariis tuis.

V. Quanti mercenarii in domo patris mei abundant panibus: ego autem hic fame pereo: surgam et ibo ad patrem meum et dicam ei.

P: Fac me sicut unum de mercenariis tuis.

'R. Father, I have sinned against heaven and before You; I am not now worthy to be called Your son: Make me as one of Your hired servants.

V: How many hired servants in my Father's house abound with bread, and I here perish with hunger! I will arise, go to my Father and say to Him:

P: Make me as one of Your hired servants.'

Kyrie Eleison:

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

'Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.'

Pater Noster:

Pater noster qui es in celis. Sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua: sicut in celo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie. Et dimitte nobis debita nostra: sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. Sed libera nos a malo.

'Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'

Responsories:

V. Ab occultis meis munda me Domine.

R. Et ab alienis parce servo tuo.

V. Domine exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.

'V. From my hidden sins cleanse me, O Lord.'

'R. And from those of others spare Your servant.'

'V. O Lord, hear my prayer.'

'R. And let my cry come unto You.'

A prayer for purification from sin:

Oremus. Deus qui de indignis dignos: de peccatoribus iustos: et de immundis facis mundos: munda cor meum et corpus meum a omni sorde et cogitatione peccati: et fac me dignum atque strenuum sanctis altaribus tuis ministrum: et presta ut in hoc altari ad quod indignus accedere presumo: acceptabiles tibi hostias offeram pro peccatis et offensionibus: et innumeris quotidianis meis excessibus: et pro peccatis omnium viventium: et defunctorum fidelium: et eorum qui se meis commendaverunt orationibus: et per eum tibi meum sit acceptabile votum: qui se tibi Deo Patri pro nobis obtulit in sacrificium: qui est omnium opifex et solus sine peccati macula Pontifex. Jesus Christus filius tuus Dominus noster. Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus: per omnia secula seculorum. Amen.

'Let us pray. O God, who makes the unworthy worthy, the sinners just, and the unclean clean: cleanse my heart and my body from all filth and thoughts of sin: and make me a fitting and striving minister to Your Holy Altars: and grant that upon this Altar to which I, unworthy, dare to approach, I may offer You acceptable sacrifices for my sins and offenses, and my daily and innumerable excesses, and for the sins of all the living, and of the faithful departed, and of them that have commended themselves to my prayers, and may my vow be acceptable to You through Him who offered Himself a sacrifice to You, O God the Father, for us, who is the worker of all works, and the only High Priest without the stain of sin: Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God; forever and ever. Amen.'

Divine Liturgy

When it is time to celebrate the Divine Liturgy

Divine Liturgy

Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. As such, it is used in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. Armenian Christians, both of the Armenian Apostolic Church and of the Armenian Catholic Church, use the same term...

, the priest and deacon enter the temple

Temple

A temple is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, or analogous rites. A templum constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest, or augur. It has the same root as the word "template," a plan in preparation of the building that was marked out...

 (church building), say the entrance prayers

Entrance prayers

The entrance prayers are the prayers recited by the deacon and priest upon entering the temple before celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the Eastern Orthodox Church and those Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Byzantine Rite....

, and venerate

Veneration

Veneration , or veneration of saints, is a special act of honoring a saint: an angel, or a dead person who has been identified by a church committee as singular in the traditions of the religion. It is practiced by the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic, and Eastern Catholic Churches...

 the icon

Icon

An icon is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, from Eastern Christianity and in certain Eastern Catholic churches...

s of the Lord

God the Son

God the Son is the second person of the Trinity in Christian theology. The doctrine of the Trinity identifies Jesus of Nazareth as God the Son, united in essence but distinct in person with regard to God the Father and God the Holy Spirit...

 and the Theotokos

Theotokos

Theotokos is the Greek title of Mary, the mother of Jesus used especially in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches. Its literal English translations include God-bearer and the one who gives birth to God. Less literal translations include Mother of God...

. Then, before beginning the Liturgy of Preparation

Liturgy of Preparation

The Liturgy of Preparation, also Prothesis or Proskomedia , is the name given in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Byzantine-rite Eastern Catholic Churches to the act of preparing the bread and wine for the Eucharist...

, the priest and deacon enter the altar (sanctuary) and venerate the Holy Table (altar table) and, taking their vestments they vest in the following manner.

Deacon

When the deacon vests, he must first take his vestments to the priest (or the bishop if he is present) and receive a blessing to serve. Before he puts each vestment on, he first crosses

Sign of the cross

The Sign of the Cross , or crossing oneself, is a ritual hand motion made by members of many branches of Christianity, often accompanied by spoken or mental recitation of a trinitarian formula....

 himself, kisses the cross on the vestment and says the appropriate vesting prayer quietly to himself as he puts it on.

Before approaching the priest for a blessing, the deacon takes up his vestments (sticharion, orarion and epimanikia) and goes to the High Place

High place

High Place, in the English version of the Old Testament, the literal translation of the Hebrew במה .This rendering is etymologically correct, as appears from the poetical use of the plural in such expressions as to ride, or stalk, or stand on the high places of the earth, the sea, the clouds, and...

 (the area behind the Holy Table, where the bishop's throne sits) and makes three metanias to the east, saying each time, "O God, cleanse me a sinner."

The Deacon, holding his vestments on the palm of his right hand, comes to the priest and, bowing his head, says:

Bless, Master, the Sticharion

Sticharion

The sticharion is a liturgical vestment of the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, roughly analogous in function to the alb of the Western Church...

 and Orarion

Orarion

The Orarion is the distinguishing vestment of the deacon and subdeacon in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches. It is a narrow stole, usually four to five inches wide and of various lengths, made of brocade, often decorated with crosses embroidered or appliquéd along its...

.

The Priest says:

Blessed is our God + at all times, now and always and for ever and ever.

The Deacon says Amen, kisses the right hand of the Priest, withdraws to another part of the sanctuary (the diaconicon

Diaconicon

The Diaconicon is, in the Eastern Orthodox and Greek-Catholic Churches, the name given to a chamber on the south side of the central apse of the church, where the vestments, books, etc, that are used in the Divine Services of the church are kept .The Diaconicon contains the thalassidion...

) and puts on his vestments saying (for the Sticharion):

My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed me with the garment of salvation and covered me with a tunic of happiness; He has crowned me as a bridegroom and as a bride, adorned me with jewels.

And he kisses the Orarion and puts it on his left shoulder, saying nothing. Then he puts on the Epimanikia

Epimanikia

Epimanikia are liturgical vestments of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches. They are cuffs made of thickened fabric, usually brocade, that lace onto the wrists of a bishop, priest, or deacon...

 over his right hand, saying:

Your right hand, Lord, is made glorious in might; your right hand, Lord, has crushed the enemies; and in the fullness of your glory, You have routed the adversary.

At the left hand:

Your hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding and I shall learn your commandments.

Priest

When the priest vests, he first blesses each vestment with his right hand, kisses the cross on the vestment, and puts it on, saying the appropriate prayer. However, if a bishop is present in the church when it is time to vest, the priest will first take his vestments to the bishop and ask his blessing. In this case, the priest will not bless each vestment before putting it on, but rather cross himself, kiss the cross on the vestment and put it on.

Taking in his right hand the Sticharion

Sticharion

The sticharion is a liturgical vestment of the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, roughly analogous in function to the alb of the Western Church...

 and making three reverences toward the East to the Holy Doors, the Priest blesses it:

Blessed is our God + at all times, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.

He then puts it on, saying:

My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed me with a robe of salvation arid covered me with a tunic of happiness; He has crowned me as a bridegroom arid adorned me with jewels as a bride.

At the Epitrachelion

Epitrachelion

The Epitrachil is the liturgical vestment worn by priests and bishops of the Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches as the symbol of their priesthood, corresponding to the Western stole...

:

Blessed is God + who pours out grace upon his priests: as the chrism upon the head, which ran down unto the beard, the beard of Aaron, ran down even to the hem of his garment, at all times, now arid always and for ever and ever. Amen.

At the Zone

Zone (vestment)

The Zone ; occurs in Homer as a woman's girdle and can even refer to her waist itself. Classical Greek had a verb put a girdle around the loins, or "gird one's self."...

:

Blessed is God + who girds me with strength arid makes my way blameless arid strengthens my feet like the hart's, at all times, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.

At the Epimanikia (the right hand):

Your right hand, + Lord, is made glorious in might; your right hand, Lord, has crushed the enemies; and in the fullness of your glory, You have routed the adversary.

At the Epimanikia (left hand):

Your hands + have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding and I shall learn your commandments.

At the Epigonation

Epigonation

The epigonation , or palitza , is a vestment used in some Eastern Christian churches.-Description and usage:...

 (Palitsa) and Nabedrennik

Nabedrennik

A Nabedrennik is a vestment worn by some Orthodox priests. It is a square or rectangular cloth worn at the right hip, suspended from a strap attached to the two upper corners of the vestment and drawn over the left shoulder....

(if he has been awarded their use):

Gird Your sword at Your side, Mighty One, in Your splendor and beauty. String Your bow; go forth, reign for the sake of truth, meekness arid righteousness. Your right hand shall lead You wonderfully, at all times, now arid always and for ever and ever. Amen.

At the Phelonion

Phelonion

The phelónion The phelónion The phelónion (Greek: (plural, , phailónia; Latin paenula) is a liturgical vestment worn by a priest of the Eastern Christian tradition. It is worn over the priest's other vestments and is equivalent to the chasuble of Western Christianity.- Origin :...

:

Your priests, Lord, shall clothe themselves with righteousness, and Your saints shall rejoice in joy, at all times, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.

After that priest and deacon go to the basin and wash their hands, saying:

I will wash my hands in innocency; so will I compass Thine altar, O Lord,
That I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all Thy wondrous works.
LORD, I love the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth.
Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with men of blood;
In whose hands is craftiness, and their right hand is full of bribes.
But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity; redeem me, and be gracious unto me.
My foot standeth in an even place; in the congregations will I bless the Lord.

Bishop

When a bishop is going to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, all of the other clergy arrive early, before the bishop. The deacons and servers receive blessings and vest in the manner described above. However, only the priest who will be performs the Liturgy of Preparation will vest, the other priests remain in choir dress

Choir dress

Choir dress is the vesture of the clerics, seminarians and religious of traditional churches worn for public prayer, either apart from the eucharist or by those attending the eucharist as the clergy part of the congregation rather than as the celebrants...

.

The bishop is formally received in the church before the Little Hours

Little Hours

The Little Hours are the fixed daytime hours of prayer in the Divine Office of Christians, in both Western Christianity and the Eastern Orthodox Church. These Hours are called 'little' due to their shorter and simpler structure compared to the Night Hours...

. The bells ring

Russian Orthodox bell ringing

Russian Orthodox bell ringing has a history starting from the baptism of Rus in 988 and plays an important role in the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church.-Theology:The ringing of bells is one of the most essential elements of an Orthodox church...

 as the bishop approaches the church, and the clergy come out of the altar (sanctuary). The priest who celebrated the Liturgy of Preparation carries a tray covered with an aër

Aër

The Aër is the largest and outermost of the veils covering the Chalice and Diskos in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Byzantine Rite. It is rectangular in shape and corresponds to the veil used to cover the chalice and paten in the Latin Rite, but is...

 on which is placed a blessing cross

Blessing cross

A Blessing Cross is a hand cross held by a priest or bishop in Eastern Christianity when he gives a benediction. It is often made of precious metal and may be adorned with enamelwork, and precious or semi-precious gemstones...

. The protodeacon

Protodeacon

Protodeacon derives from the Greek proto- meaning 'first' and diakonos, which is a standard ancient Greek word meaning "servant", "waiting-man," "minister" or "messenger." The word in English may refer to various clergymen, depending upon the usage of the particular church in question.-Eastern...

 carries the censer

Thurible

A thurible is a metal censer suspended from chains, in which incense is burned during worship services. It is used in the Catholic Church as well as in Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, some Lutheran, Old Catholic, and in various Gnostic Churches. It is also used...

. Other servers carry the dikirion and trikirion

Dikirion and trikirion

Dikirion and trikirion are liturgical candlesticks, used by a bishop of the Eastern Orthodox and Greek-Catholic Churches to bless the clergy and faithful...

, the bishop's crozier and a standing candlestick

Candlestick

A candlestick, chamberstick, or candelabrum is a holder for one or more candles, used for illumination, rituals, or decorative purposes. The name 'candlestick' derives from the fact that it is usually tall and stick-shaped.Candlesticks are also called candle holders...

.

The bishop enters the church clothed in his monastic habit and klobuk

Klobuk

thumbA klobuk is an item of clerical clothing worn by Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic monastics and bishops, especially in the Russian tradition...

, and carrying his walking stick

Walking stick

A walking stick is a device used by many people to facilitate balancing while walking.Walking sticks come in many shapes and sizes, and can be sought by collectors. Some kinds of walking stick may be used by people with disabilities as a crutch...

. As he enters the narthex

Narthex

The narthex of a church is the entrance or lobby area, located at the end of the nave, at the far end from the church's main altar. Traditionally the narthex was a part of the church building, but was not considered part of the church proper...

, a server takes his walking stick and the subdeacons place the episcopal mandyas on him as the choir chants Axion Estin

Axion Estin

Axion estin , or It is Truly Meet, is a theotokion, i.e. a Hymn to Mary , which is chanted in the Divine Services of the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches...

 (or, if it is one of the Great Feasts, the Ninth Irmos

Irmos

The irmos is the initial troparion of each individual ode in a canon as chanted in the Eastern Orthodox Church and those Eastern Catholic Churches which use the Byzantine Rite...

 of the canon

Canon (hymnography)

A canon is a structured hymn used in a number of Eastern Orthodox services. It consists of nine odes, sometimes called canticles or songs depending on the translation, based on the Biblical canticles. Most of these are found in the Old Testament, but the final ode is taken from the Magnificat and...

 of the feast). The bishop kisses the blessing cross and holds it for each of the priests to kiss. The bishop is then handed his crozier and the clergy go in procession

Procession

A procession is an organized body of people advancing in a formal or ceremonial manner.-Procession elements:...

 to the ambon

Ambon (liturgy)

The Ambon or Ambo is a projection coming out from the soleas in an Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Catholic church. The ambon stands directly in front of the Holy Doors...

 in front of the iconostasis

Iconostasis

In Eastern Christianity an iconostasis is a wall of icons and religious paintings, separating the nave from the sanctuary in a church. Iconostasis also refers to a portable icon stand that can be placed anywhere within a church...

. Instead of saying his own vesting prayers, the prayers are recited aloud for him by the protodeacon

Protodeacon

Protodeacon derives from the Greek proto- meaning 'first' and diakonos, which is a standard ancient Greek word meaning "servant", "waiting-man," "minister" or "messenger." The word in English may refer to various clergymen, depending upon the usage of the particular church in question.-Eastern...

, and the bishop venerates the icons. He then turns and blesses as the choir sings Ton Despotin

Ton Despotin

Ton Despotin is an acclamation chanted by the cantor or choir in honour of a bishop when he gives a blessing in the Eastern Orthodox or Eastern Catholic churches...

. He then stands on the kathedra (a platform in the center of the temple) and the priests each come to him, receive a blessing, and return to the altar to vest. The subdeacons remove the bishop's mandyas and place his episcopal vestments on him. As each vestment is placed on him, the protodeacon swings the censer and recites the appropriate vesting prayer, changing any reference from "my" and "me" to "thy" and "thou", and ending each prayer with "always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen."

During the vesting, the choir chants the following hymn (especially during the Liturgy of St. Basil):

The prophet

Prophet

In religion, a prophet, from the Greek word προφήτης profitis meaning "foreteller", is an individual who is claimed to have been contacted by the supernatural or the divine, and serves as an intermediary with humanity, delivering this newfound knowledge from the supernatural entity to other people...

s proclaimed thee from on high, O Virgin

Theotokos

Theotokos is the Greek title of Mary, the mother of Jesus used especially in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches. Its literal English translations include God-bearer and the one who gives birth to God. Less literal translations include Mother of God...

: the Jar

Manna

Manna or Manna wa Salwa , sometimes or archaically spelled mana, is the name of an edible substance that God provided for the Israelites during their travels in the desert according to the Bible.It was said to be sweet to the taste, like honey....

, the Staff

Aaron's rod

Aaron's rod refers to any of the staves carried by Moses' brother, Aaron, in the Old Testament of the Bible. The Bible tells how, along with Moses' rod, Aaron's rod was endowed with miraculous power during the Plagues of Egypt which preceded the Exodus...

, the Tablets of the Law, the Ark

Ark of the Covenant

The Ark of the Covenant , also known as the Ark of the Testimony, is a chest described in Book of Exodus as solely containing the Tablets of Stone on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed...

, the Candlestick, the Table

Showbread

Showbread , in the King James Version: shewbread, in a biblical or Jewish context, refers to the cakes or loaves of bread which were always present on a specially dedicated table, in the Temple in Jerusalem as an offering to God...

, the Mount Uncloven , the Golden Censer

Altar

An altar is any structure upon which offerings such as sacrifices are made for religious purposes. Altars are usually found at shrines, and they can be located in temples, churches and other places of worship...

 and the Tabernacle

Tabernacle

The Tabernacle , according to the Hebrew Torah/Old Testament, was the portable dwelling place for the divine presence from the time of the Exodus from Egypt through the conquering of the land of Canaan. Built to specifications revealed by God to Moses at Mount Sinai, it accompanied the Israelites...

, the Gate Impassable , the Palace and Ladder

Jacob's Ladder

Jacob's Ladder is a "ladder to heaven", described by biblical Jacob in the Book of GenesisJacob's Ladder may also refer to:* Ladder of Jacob, a pseudepigraphic text of the Old Testament...

, and the Throne

Throne

A throne is the official chair or seat upon which a monarch is seated on state or ceremonial occasions. "Throne" in an abstract sense can also refer to the monarchy or the Crown itself, an instance of metonymy, and is also used in many expressions such as "the power behind the...

 of Kings.

They may also chant the first vesting prayer, the one for the sticharion:

Thy soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He hath clothed thee in the garment of salvation...

A server brings the vestments on a tray to the bishop. Before each vestment is put on, the bishop blessed it with both hands and the subdeacons lift it up so he can kiss the cross on it. They then place the vestement on him, fastening any buttons or ties on the vestment for him. A bishop wears the same vestments as a priest (note that a bishop always wears the epigonation), except for the following:

• Instead of the phelonion, the bishop wears the sakkos
  Sakkos
  The Sakkos is a vestment worn by Orthodox and Greek Catholic bishops instead of the priest's phelonion. The garment is a tunic with wide sleeves, and a distinctive pattern of trim. It reaches below the knees and is fastened up the sides with buttons or tied with ribbons...
  
  , with the same prayer being said as for the phelonion.

• The Great Omophorion
  Omophorion
  In the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic liturgical tradition, the omophor is the distinguishing vestment of a bishop and the symbol of his spiritual and ecclesiastical authority...
  
  :

When Thou hadst taken upon Thy shoulders human nature which had gone astray, O Christ, Thou didst bear it to heaven, unto Thy God and Father, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

• The Panagia
  Panagia
  Panagia , also transliterated Panayia or Panaghia, is one of the titles of Mary, the mother of Jesus, used especially in Orthodox Christianity....
  
  (pectoral icon
  Icon
  An icon is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, from Eastern Christianity and in certain Eastern Catholic churches...
  
   of the Theotokos
  Theotokos
  Theotokos is the Greek title of Mary, the mother of Jesus used especially in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches. Its literal English translations include God-bearer and the one who gives birth to God. Less literal translations include Mother of God...
  
  )

May God create in thee a new heart, and renew a right spirit within thee, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

• If the bishop bears the dignity of wearing an Engolpion
  Engolpion
  An Engolpion or Enkolpion is a general term for something worn upon the bosom . Formerly also including pectoral crosses, Enkolpion is nowadays used for a medallion with an icon in the center, worn around the neck by Orthodox and Eastern Catholic bishops...
  
  (Icon of Christ), the prayer above is said as the engolpion is placed on the bishop, and the following prayer is said as he is vested with the panagia:

Thy heart is inditing of a good matter; thou shall speak of thy deeds unto the King, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

• The Pectoral cross
  Pectoral cross
  A pectoral cross or pectorale is a cross, usually relatively large, suspended from the neck by a cord or chain that reaches well down the chest. It is worn by the clergy as an indication of their position, and is different from the small crosses worn on necklaces by many Christians, which have no...
  
  :

If any man will come unto Me, let him deny himself, saith the Lord, and take up his cross and follow Me, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

• The Mitre
  Mitre
  The mitre , also spelled miter, is a type of headwear now known as the traditional, ceremonial head-dress of bishops and certain abbots in the Roman Catholic Church, as well as in the Anglican Communion, some Lutheran churches, and also bishops and certain other clergy in the Eastern Orthodox...
  
  :

The Lord set upon thy head a crown of precious stones. Thou askedst life of Him, and He shall give thee length of days, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Then the subdeacons bring the dikirion and trikirion

Dikirion and trikirion

Dikirion and trikirion are liturgical candlesticks, used by a bishop of the Eastern Orthodox and Greek-Catholic Churches to bless the clergy and faithful...

 to the bishop,

May thy light so shine before men that they may see thy good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

And the bishop blesses with the dikirion and trikirion to the four directions of the compass: East, West, South and North, as the choir sings, Ton Despotin.

Then the Third and Sixth Hours begin and the protodeacon begins a censing of the entire temple. Near the end of Psalm 90

Psalm 91

Psalm 91 , referred to by its Latin title Qui habitat , is known as the Psalm of Protection. As a religious song, this Psalm is commonly invoked in times of hardship...

 (the last psalm of the Sixth Hour), at the words "asp

Asp

Asp may refer to:Snakes:* Asp , an archaic term for a venomous snake.* Vipera aspis, a venomous viper found in Europe.* Cerastes cerastes, a venomous viper found in the Sahara desert....

 and basilisk

Basilisk

In European bestiaries and legends, a basilisk is a legendary reptile reputed to be king of serpents and said to have the power to cause death with a single glance...

", the two subdeacons and a server—holding a basin

Sink

A sink is a bowl-shaped plumbing fixture used for washing hands, for dishwashing or other purposes. Sinks generally have taps that supply hot and cold water and may include a spray feature to be used for faster rinsing...

 and ewer, and with a towell around his shoulders—exit from the altar and come forward to wash the bishop's hands. The subedacons pour rose water over the bishop's hands and then lift the towel from the server's neck and give it to the bishop for him to dry his hands. Meanwhile, the protodeacon swings the censer and says the concluding verses of Psalm 25:

I will wash my hands in innocency and I will compass Thine altar, O Lord, that I may hear the voice of Thy praise and tell of all Thy wondrous works. O Lord, I have loved the beauty of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth. Destroy not my soul with the ungody, nor my life with men of blood, in whose hands are iniquities; their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, in mine innocence have I walked; redeem me, O Lord, and have mercy on me. My foot hath stood in uprightness; in the congregations will I bless Thee, O Lord.

After the bishop finishes drying his hands, the subdeacons replace the towel over the server's neck, and all three bow to the bishop and return to the sanctuary.

Other clergy

Altar server

Altar server

An altar server is a lay assistant to a member of the clergy during a Christian religious service. An altar server attends to supporting tasks at the altar such as fetching and carrying, ringing the altar bell and so on....

s, tonsure

Tonsure

Tonsure is the traditional practice of Christian churches of cutting or shaving the hair from the scalp of clerics, monastics, and, in the Eastern Orthodox Church, all baptized members...

d readers and subdeacon

Subdeacon

-Subdeacons in the Orthodox Church:A subdeacon or hypodeacon is the highest of the minor orders of clergy in the Orthodox Church. This order is higher than the reader and lower than the deacon.-Canonical Discipline:...

s vest in the sticharion

Sticharion

The sticharion is a liturgical vestment of the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, roughly analogous in function to the alb of the Western Church...

 (and, for subdeacons, the orarion

Orarion

The Orarion is the distinguishing vestment of the deacon and subdeacon in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches. It is a narrow stole, usually four to five inches wide and of various lengths, made of brocade, often decorated with crosses embroidered or appliquéd along its...

 also, but crossed in front and in back) when serving or receiving Holy Communion. The rubrics do not prescribe saying the prayer for the sticharion when these lower clergy vest.

Other services

When vesting for other services, such as other Sacred Mysteries

Sacrament

A sacrament is a sacred rite recognized as of particular importance and significance. There are various views on the existence and meaning of such rites.-General definitions and terms:...

 (Sacraments), the Daily Office, moliebens, blessing

Blessing

A blessing, is the infusion of something with holiness, spiritual redemption, divine will, or one's hope or approval.- Etymology and Germanic paganism :...

s, etc., the priest will vest in either his epitrachelion alone or, when called for by the rubrics, epitrachelion and phelon. In some traditions, the priest always wears epimanikia

Epimanikia

Epimanikia are liturgical vestments of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches. They are cuffs made of thickened fabric, usually brocade, that lace onto the wrists of a bishop, priest, or deacon...

 any time he wears the epitrachelion

Epitrachelion

The Epitrachil is the liturgical vestment worn by priests and bishops of the Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches as the symbol of their priesthood, corresponding to the Western stole...

. Deacons, subdeacons and servers always vest fully when they serve, though sometimes in the Greek tradition, deacons may wear only the orarion without the sticharion. There are no rubrics at any of these non-Eucharistic services which call for vesting prayers.

External links

• Clerical Attire According to the Byzantine Tradition

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