Phelonion

The phelonion takes the form of a long, cone-shaped vestment with a low collar. The front is made of burgundy velvet. The shoulder area is decorated with gold-toned galloon with a broken lower edge and an ornament of a winding branch and floral sprigs set into the recesses. The hem border and shoulder area of the phelonion are decorated with a lavish floral ornament in the form of two garlands of flowers, branches, and leaves, the space between them densely filled with metal "dots" (embroidered in twisted and corded gold metal thread and spangle). On the back are two appliqués, embroidered in gold and twisted metal thread: above, an appliqué in the form of a straight four-pointed cross with radiance; below, a many-rayed rhombus with a four-pointed cross set into it. The phelonion is lined with white silk fabric.

The object entered the museum's holdings in 1956.

Note: the phelonion (Greek phailónion), or riza, is the outer, sleeveless liturgical vestment of a priest in Eastern Christianity. In church symbolism, the phelonion represents the chlamys — the outer royal garment in which Jesus Christ was dressed during his trial before Pilate.

Originally the phelonion was circular, covering the whole body from head to foot with only an opening for the head. In Ukraine, the phelonion took the form of a wide cloak, long at the back and short at the front, with a neck opening.