Religious glossary

Also called: riassa

The long, usually black robe worn by Orthodox priests and monastics.

Vestments

Also called: reverendă

The long buttoned robe of Catholic clergy: black for priests, purple for bishops, red for cardinals, white for the pope.

Vestments

Also called: ornat

The sleeveless outer vestment worn by the Catholic priest at Mass; its colour follows the liturgical season.

Vestments

Also called: priestly stole

The long band worn by the priest around the neck and hanging down in front; the sign of priestly grace.

Vestments

Also called: skufia

The black cylindrical hat of Orthodox clergy; monks wear it with a black veil.

Vestments

Also called: yarmulke

The small skullcap worn by Jewish men as a sign of respect for God.

Vestments

The headdress of a bishop (and, as an honour, of some priests), worn at solemn services.

Vestments

Also called: pallium

The broad band with crosses worn by a bishop over the shoulders, symbol of his pastoral care.

Vestments

Also called: deacon's stole

The long band worn by the deacon over the left shoulder, raised to signal the petitions.

Vestments

Also called: chasuble

The wide, sleeveless outer vestment worn by the priest at the Liturgy.

Vestments

Also called: alb

The long, sleeved vestment worn by deacons and, underneath, by priests and bishops.

Vestments

The long band worn by a Catholic priest around the neck; it corresponds to the Orthodox epitrachelion.

Vestments

Also called: prayer shawl

The white striped prayer shawl with fringes at the corners, worn by men at morning prayer.

Vestments