Ecclesiastical Embroideries

Sisters design, sew and embroider a variety of ecclesiastical items which can be simply or elaborately decorated with crystals, pearls and trims using metal threads. Items include:

• Vestments

• Altar Cloth Covers and Ceremonial Table Covers

• Dikiri, Trikiri Ribbons

• Gospel Covers, Gospel Bookmarks

• Chalice Set Covers

• Church Banners

• Prosforon Covers

• Icon Stand Covers

• Epitaphion Cloths

• Embroidered Cases

History of Ecclesiastical Embroidery

The long history of ecclesiastical embroidery can be traced to the artists who adorned the Tabernacle in the Wilderness and wove the vestments for the High Priest Aaron.

“And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made clothes of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses. And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.” (Exodus 39: 1-3)

The oldest piece of church embroidery dates from 4th century AD. Ecclesiastical embroidery is essential to and inseparable from the Orthodox Church and the divine services. Vestments of hierarchs and priests, epitaphios, chalice veils, altar cloths, banners, and Gospel covers are among the many ecclesiastical pieces where embroidery is used.

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