The Bishop's Vestments
The Bishop also wears the Sticharion, Epitrachelion, Zone, Epimanika and Epigonation in addition to these:
Sakkos: A very luxurious vestment originally worn by the Byzantine emperor. It is shorter then the Sticharion and has wide, shorter sleeves. It represents the red tunic with which the Romans dressed the Savior before his Crucifixion.
Great Omophorion: A long, narrow vestment worn over the sakkos and around the neck and shoulders. The Bishop from the beginning of the Divine Liturgy wears it until the reading of the Gospel, for he represents the Archpriest, Christ, until this time.
Small Omophorion: Worn after the Gospel reading until the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy because from that time on he is a simple celebrant and servant of the Lord. The Omophorion, both Great and Small, are usually decorated with the figure of Christ or that of a lamb and are symbolic of the stray sheep that Christ, the 'good shepherd,' carried on his shoulders.
Pectoral Cross: A cross of precious metal and jewels lays over the Omophorion and is worn as a reminder that the Bishop bears his cross and upholds the commandments of Scripture and faithfully fulfills the holy and saving words of Jesus Christ. When he puts on the cross he prays: "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)
Engolpion: A highly decorated round or oval image of Christ or the Theotokos worn on a chain over the Omophorion. It is a sign of the purity of heart, which a Bishop should possess. It is the official distinctive sign of the Bishop, which he may wear at all times. When he puts on the Englopion he prays: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, a renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Mitra: The Mitra (Mitre, Crown) is a luxurious headdress. It is decorated with small images of Christ and the four Evangelists within the frames of precious stones, and bears the cross on top. It symbolizes the glory of the Lord and the highest ecclesiastical authority, which is given to a Bishop.
Pastoral Staff: A tall staff of precious metal topped by two serpents with a cross in the center. This is a sign of the Bishop's authority. The serpents represent the visible and invisible enemies of the Church and the Cross-symbolizes the power that Christ has granted to the Church and is entrusted to the Bishop. The staff also reminds us of the staff of Moses with which he led the Israelites to the Promised Land and the good shepherd tending to his flock.
Mandyas: This is a long purple clock of royal splendor. It covers everything but the head. Its many folds represent the power of God and the wings of angels. The train is usually held by a Deacon or Acolyte. It is worn at official ceremonies, but not during the Divine Liturgy.
Trikerion and Dikerion: The triple and double candlesticks represent the Holy Trinity and the two natures of Christ respectively. These are the fundamental truths preached by the Bishop from the throne.
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