OK.
SACERDOTAL VESTMENTS
Sub-Deacon and Deacon. The Dalmatic (Stikhar) and the Stole (Orar). The Dalmatic, a long straight vestment with long sleeves, which covers the whole person, is called "the robe of salvation and the garment of joy". It is symbolical of a pure and tranquil conscience, a spotless life, and the spiritual joy in the Lord which flows therefrom, in him who wears it. The Stole is a long; wide band of material which is sometimes worn over the left shoulder, sometimes crossed upon the breast and back, in the case of the Deacon. The Sub-Deacon wears his stole always crossed, for convenience in the fulfillment of his duties. But the Deacon binds his stole in the form of a cross shortly before the Holy Gifts are consecrated, thus typifying the wings of the Angels who serve about the altar, as the Deacons themselves typify the Cherubim and Seraphim. Sometimes the Angelic song "Holy, Holy, Holy," is embroidered upon his Stole. The Stole is bound about the Sub-Deacon in the form of a cross at his Ordination, as a symbol that, through the meekness and continence of his members, and the purity of his heart, he is to put upon the robe of purity. The Deacon wears, also, the Cuffs (Porutchi), for convenience during the service, and to remind him that he must not put his trust in his own strength alone, but in the right hand of the Lord, the Almighty and merciful God, and in His strength and aid. (Page xxxvi)
From: Service Book of the Holy Orthodox-Catholic Apostolic Church
By: Isabel Florence Hapgood
Seventh Edition
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
Englewood, NJ 07631 1996 All Rights Reserved
