If you regularly offer or attend church services, you know you and everyone among the ordained must follow certain rules when choosing the right preacher robes for the occasion. Many denominations have strict dress codes that go from the fabric, adornment, color, or even appropriate amount of front buttons for roman cassocks. Many of these rules are based on hierarchy, who presides over a ceremony, or even what the roles are during service or special celebrations.
However, something important to remember is that preacher robes are not intended to make anyone stand out. They serve as equalizers, so the message is always one and the same: the word of Christ.
Here are some tips that will help you decide what preacher robe to get. These are useful both for the newly ordained and those who are thinking of answering the call.
Clericals and vestments
Clergy members can use a variety of clergy attire when they are outside their places of worship. Collared shirts and the “Brother´s Rabat” are among the favorites. However, preacher robes are also an important part of clericals. It is not uncommon for members of the clergy to wear robes during the week during activities with the community or when taking care of temporal issues for their church.
However, cassocks and soutanes are considered underwear during service. They serve as the base for all other vestments. At the time of worship, there are other pieces of garment that are also considered preaching robes such as the chimere and the surplice, but they are only worn for liturgical purposes.
Hierarchies
One of the main reasons preaching robes are important is that they provide clues about the hierarchies present during any event. Most of the ordained must wear black preacher robes or clergy attire when in presence of higher positions. Purple is reserved for jurisdictional bishops during ceremonies. On the other hand, scarlet robes can only be worn by the Presiding Bishop.
However, in certain denominations, such as in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the colors worn by priests depend on a series of factors. For example, a bishop visiting another jurisdiction may only wear the black unless he obtains written permission from the jurisdictional bishop. And in the presence of the presiding bishops, all others must wear the black.
This should not be misconstrued as a way to keep lower tiers in line. The intention is to provide clear signs during each ceremony so the attention is not drawn away from the true purpose of the event.
Quality
This is one element that has greatly changed over the years. Preacher robes have not changed much with time. Although Anglican cassocks were of recent invention, every piece of garment is modeled after ancient robes used by commoners during medieval times. The most important changes have been in terms of materials. Ancient tunics and robes were made for colder weather, so wool and heavy fabrics were the materials of choice. White or black robes were ubiquitous as dying was an expensive process and only the richest could afford them.
Modern churches are heated, allowing priest robes to be lighter. This has allowed for more finely crafted preacher robes made of silk or viva fabrics, making them more breathable while keeping colors more durable and intense.
Now, high-quality preacher robes with the perfect fit and style are sometimes hard to find. Fortunately, for those who want great-looking and durable robes and clergy attire, Divinity Clergy Wear offers exceptional quality and customer service and they help you find precisely what you need. If you are located in the Hamilton NJ area, you can visit their store and learn more about their products.
