www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Camo Vestments

I was just watching a special about the Military Archdiocese on EWTN, they showed Masses in the Field. There were held in ordinary tents as one would expect but what I though was rather unusual was that the vestments and altar cloth were camo! Now I don't post this as a criticism, it may be something dictated by the Army because they are in the Field. I just thought it was different.

I met an Orthodox military chaplain who said that he had a set of vestments made out of camouflage fabric. He was also very proud that they were high backed "Ukrainian" style as he called them (since they came from Kiev, ya know).

Dave

Since vestment color is determined by the Liturgical season, I imagine camo is for the Hunting Season.

I don't know why one couldn't just make a set out of a solid fatigue green or khaki or something...

Oh, the aforementioned priest also wanted to get a camo riassa, but I don't know if he did.

Dave

Greens for weekdays, and Khakis for Sundays? Would this fit our Bright/Dark prescriptions?

There are different shades of camo, too. They could use the desert/sand camo for Sundays and the darker green camo for weekdays.

Dear Friends,

So no one here has ever heard of "camo-hair" I suppose?

And, Chtec, Big Guy, it's KYIV!

Alex

I'm just saying what this priest said... you don't like it, take it up with him.

I think I recall this priest telling a story that when he started serving on the field, he wore a set of gold vestments. His commander said to him after the service, "Look, we are TARGETS so WHY are you wearing bright flashy gold robes?!" After that, he switched to more subdued camo vestments.

He also served Liturgy on the hood of of a Hum V. Sometimes you just have to improvise.

Dave

Hi Dave,

During WWII and the Korean War many Masses and I would presume Divine Liturgies were offered on the hood of a Jeep. I understand that Latin priests used Eastern antimensions to substitute for the required Latin altar stone containing a saint's relics.

Camo vestments? Better camo then dead. Sometimes the rules must be changed to serve the people.

I am not a liberal.
I am not a liberal.
I am not a liberal.

I must maintain my conservative credentials. :p

Paul

Yes, camo in the time of war (police action)... absolutely.

Black and gold Sunday vestments for the Steelers during football season... I don't think so. [The priest who had these vestments was actually a media item in the P'gh area back in the 70's when the "Stillwers" were in the win column.]

I've also been noticing in the photos published in recent ECL's that the vestment's worn by our Eparchy's priests are becoming more elaborate (for lack of better word). They seem to be getting away from the simplier Byzantine style of solid color with a cross on the back...which is okay by me.

Yes--it's a shame to see all those polyester, double-knit, off the rack vestments go! Where is the tradition???

Dear Chtec,

It's O.K., Big Guy!

Also, the knotted cord rosary that I was talking about some time ago is also given to U.S. servicemen by chaplains and these are worn around the neck.

They obviously cannot be detected on metal detectors etc.

And they make these in camo too!

Alex

Hey folks, don't forget white (winter/arctic) camo for the Paschal season!!!

I wonder if the priest has to paint his face Black and green for a perfect camo and are priests alowed to cut their hair "Mohawk" style?
Lauro