ON THE EPISCOPAL VESTMENTS OF THE ANCIENT CHURCH OF THE WEST

Bp. Joseph Vested for the Celebration of the Eucharist After the Offertory 

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

The use of black and white vestments in the Ancient Church of the West is a striking tradition that deeply reflects the humility and simplicity of early Christian leaders. Some assume these colors suggest a desire to "look Protestant," but this could not be further from the truth. In fact, these muted hues link back to early bishops in the Ancient Church, held in equal esteem by the Eastern and Western Churches, who often wore woolen garments in somber colors, representing a simplicity before God and a deep commitment to pastoral humility. The ancient canons (Canon 27, Council of Carthage, AD 419) stipulated that bishops' garments were to be of wool and of modest color, symbolizing their role as shepherds rather than earthly dignitaries. Our tradition has preserved this ancient canon faithfully, and in doing so, we remember the humility of our Celtic Fathers and later Caroline and Nonjuror Fathers, who brought these customs with them as they entered communion with the Eastern Churches. Their joint statement, the "Great Jerusalem Concordat," enshrined the black-and-white vestments as a powerful token of episcopal duty in our liturgical heritage and as a symbol of our love for the Orthodox Church. 

Each part of the vestments bears a profound symbolic meaning. The white Rochet represents the righteousness of Christ imparted at baptism, which marks the beginning of sanctification in every Christian life. St. Gregory of Nazianzus reflects this when he writes, “For Christ, being baptized in water, gave us a garment of light, and put on our nakedness” (Oration on Holy Baptism). This “garment of light” is visually embodied in the white Rochet, a sign of purity that we are reminded of each time we see it worn. For the bishop, it is a call to live as an example of the sanctifying grace available to all believers, a visible call to holiness.

The black Chimere, by contrast, symbolizes our human frailty and brokenness. St. Paul reminds us of our dependence on God’s grace, confessing, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). This piece of the bishop’s attire recalls that they, like all Christians, are weak vessels carrying a sacred treasure. The black reminds us that every member of the Church, especially its leaders, should approach God in humility and repentance, acknowledging our shared humanity and constant need for divine mercy.

The stole, often worn over the Chimere and Rochet, has roots in the Jewish prayer shawl and represents a yoke, a symbol of pastoral servitude. As Christ teaches, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). This garment signifies the bishop’s commitment to a life yoked to the service of Christ and the Church, bound to the people in pastoral care. It is a visual reminder of Christ’s call to “feed my sheep” (John 21:17), a task that requires patience, dedication, and a life devoted to sacrificial love.

In our practice of the Liturgy of St. James, these vestments reinforce the themes of the sacred. When the celebrant wears the Cope over the Chimere and Rochet at the Offertory, it serves as a reminder that the Church is surrounded by angels around the throne of God. This attire signifies that the celebrant acts “In Persona Christi,” that is, in the person of Christ Himself. As St. John Chrysostom writes, “The priest stands bringing down the Spirit…as a supplicant, reminding us that we are partaking of a heavenly mystery” (Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to Timothy). The Cope’s presence around the black and white vestments visually unites the simplicity of our human experience with the majesty of the divine service, showing that we are both of earth and heaven when we stand before the altar.

Together, these elements convey a liturgical preparation not for temporal status or glory, but for a good death in service to Christ, which is the believer's ultimate glorification. St. Augustine captures this beautifully: “For Christ our Lord, at the very hour of His death, bore witness that He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Sermons on New Testament Lessons). The vestments teach that the role of a bishop is to give up one’s life, not for personal honor, but to bring the faithful closer to God. This theme runs through the liturgical traditions of our forefathers, and the black-and-white vestments visually testify to this sacrificial calling.

It is a practice rooted in remembrance as well as imitation. The early Celtic bishops of our Patrimony wore these same colors, understanding that the beauty of a life in Christ was not found in earthly adornments but in the pursuit of humility and unity with Christ. The Nonjuror Fathers of the seventeenth century, too, upheld this tradition, rejecting the finery of silk and ornate patterns in favor of dark woolen simplicity. They believed that it would bring them closer to the Church’s ancient ethos and align them with the ascetic values of the Eastern Churches. This choice reflected a deep theological conviction about the nature of spiritual authority as an embodiment of Christ’s humility and servant leadership.

In the Ancient Church of the West, then, we maintain these black and white vestments not as relics but as living symbols of our faith’s earliest principles. The Rochet and Chimere are reminders that in each generation, Christians are called to live with humility, to serve rather than be served, and to bear witness to the world in simplicity. As we stand in these humble garments, we carry forward a legacy of faithfulness, pointing always to Christ, who is our true Shepherd and the Chief Bishop of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). Thus, our vestments do not signify separation or innovation but are a testament to the unity of the Church across time and tradition, from Jerusalem to the Celtic hills, and into the sanctuaries of today.

THE VESTING PRAYERS 

Vesting Prayer for the Rochet

O Lord, our Righteousness, who clothed me in the garment of salvation at my baptism, grant that this white robe may be a reminder of the purity imparted by Your Holy Spirit. Sanctify me to serve in Your holiness, that I may stand blameless before You and minister at Your altar with a heart cleansed from all defilement. Through Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Vesting Prayer for the Chimere

Almighty God, in whom we find strength in weakness, I take upon myself this black Chimere as a sign of humility and my frailty. May it remind me of my constant need for repentance, that I may approach You with a contrite heart and rely wholly on Your grace. Clothe me in the humility of Your Son, that in all things, I may decrease, and He may increase. Through Jesus Christ, our High Priest and Advocate, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Vesting Prayer for the Stole

O Lord Jesus Christ, who has called us to take up Your yoke, let this stole be for me a gentle burden of Your pastoral care. Bind me to Your people in service, that I may tend Your flock with love and steadfast devotion. Teach me to walk in humility and obedience, bearing witness to Your redeeming love. Strengthen me to feed Your sheep, to comfort the afflicted, and to proclaim Your Gospel in all things. Through Jesus Christ, the Shepherd of the Church, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Vesting Prayer for the Pectoral Cross

Gracious Father, who through the cross has drawn all men unto Yourself, I wear this cross as a reminder of Your unfailing love and my calling to follow in the steps of Your Son. May this symbol of His sacrifice keep me always mindful of the price He paid for my soul and of my duty to bear the cross in my life. Let me proclaim, not with my words alone, but with my life, ‘Christ crucified,’ that His love may be known to all. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior who offered himself on the Cross, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Vesting Prayer for the Cope (to be said at the Offertory)

O Lord of Hosts, who is surrounded by angels and archangels, Cherubim and Seraphim who worship at Your throne, I take upon myself this Cope to represent Your glorious majesty. May I, in this holy vestment, serve before You with awe and reverence, as the angels minister in purity and strength. Grant that as I offer the Holy Sacrifice In Persona Christi, I may reflect the humility and obedience of Your Son, who offered Himself once for all. In His precious name, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, I serve. Amen.