EOTC

8. The Vestments (Libse Tekihino):

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Vestments which the clergy wear to administer the sacraments of the Church are clothing blessed with prayer, specially woven, and they are kept in a particular place befitting the spiritual service.

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1. Liturgical Vestments should be kept in a vestry of the Church in a clean condition. It is forbidden to wear them in other places for other purposes and by other persons. (Ezek. 44:17-19; Fetha Negest Article 12).

2. It is commanded that the chasuble which the clergy put on their robes should have five hanging strips.

3. The vestment worn for Liturgy by priests must extend from their necks up to their ankles. (Fetha Negest, Article 12, Basil).

4. The priest must choose the vestment that fits him before he puts it on. He should not take the vestment off once he puts it on. If it is long he should use a girdle. (Ex. 28:2-43; Fetha Negest, Article 12, Basil).

5. Before the priest puts on the vestment it must be blessed by a bishop if there is one. If there is no bishop, the priest himself shall bless and put it on. Also the deacon's’ vestment must be blessed. After all the ecclesiastical objects and vestments are dedicated to a church and consecrated, they should neither be taken out of the Church nor used for other purposes. (Ezek. 44:14-19; Fetha Negest, Article 12). If anyone takes these objects and vestments out of the church and uses them for non-spiritual purposes, he will bring wrath and chastisement upon himself like Uzziah and Belshazzar (2 Chron. 26:18-20; Dan. 5:1-31).

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