Epitrakhelion

Made of cherry-colored velvet. It takes the form of a long, narrow panel worn around the neck.

The entire field of the epitrachelion is decorated with a stylized floral ornament of grapevine with clusters and winding floral branches (the embroidery worked in gold and silver metal thread with the addition of metal sequins). On the neck portion, the embroidery runs in a single band, while on the continuous front portion the ornament is arranged in three longitudinal bands, set off by golden galloon. Along the central ornamental band are three four-armed crosses, embroidered in metal thread; on the back of the neck portion is a four-armed cross worked in galloon. Along the bottom edge is a sewn-on fringe trim of gold metal thread.

On the reverse, the epitrachelion is lined with white calico.

The epitrachelion entered the museum's holdings in 1956.

Note: the epitrachelion (Greek epitrachēlion — "that which is around the neck") is part of the liturgical vestments of an Orthodox priest and bishop — a long band that encircles the neck and falls at both ends onto the chest. It may be slit and buttoned, or continuous. The epitrachelion is worn over the sticharion (in full vestments) or over the cassock (in reduced vestments). It symbolizes the grace-filled gifts of the priest as a celebrant of the sacraments. The crosses symbolize that the priest may perform the church sacraments, and the cross on the neck portion signifies that the priest has received the Sacrament, the Gift of the Priesthood, from a bishop, and is subject to him in all things. It also signifies the yoke of service to Christ, who by his sacrifice on the cross redeemed humankind from the power of sin and death.

A bishop wears the epitrachelion as a sign of retaining the priestly grace-filled gifts. Without the epitrachelion, a priest or bishop cannot conduct any service.