The Use of Liturgical Vestments in Worship

By Rev. Rebecca

The first example we have of God mandating that liturgical officiants wear sacred garments for worship is in Exodus. Later we see the saints and elders clothed in robes of white in Revelation as they worship God. (There is simply something that happens interiorly to us when we put on special clothing: it has an effect on our attitude and behavior.) Besides these Biblical models, the continued use of liturgical vestments in worship connects us historically to the Christians of ages past. We wear such garments because this has been the practice of the Church for most of her existence. In wearing liturgical clothing, we are reminded that we do not stand and worship alone in a modern- day vacuum, but are connected to all God’s people throughout time. Each item of liturgical clothing is symbolic. For example, the stoles, collars, and cords represent the yoke of the slave: a slave to Jesus Christ. White albs were worn by early Christians at baptism as a sign of purity. These albs continue to remind us of our baptism as children of God.