Cassock:

 

The medieval Cassock, known as the Carcalla, was a full length hooded garment with wide sleeves tightly cuffed at the wrists, and usually lined with fur or sheepskin for warmth. It was worn beneath the Alb, and was consequently unseen. At one time it was fastened with front ties and strings, but by the thirteenth century button were in use, the hood was detachable and the stand collar appeared. Later in the century, the buttoning became complex and closely spaced and back pleats from the waistline to him were introduced. It is a close fitting garment, reaching the feet, and may be worn by all ordained clergy as a symbol of servitude. The Apostle or Bishop continues to wear the Cassock as ceremonial garb, because Jesus instructed that those who would be chief among us must be a servant.

 

 

The Rochet:

Symbolic to the Priesthood, the Priest in the Christian Church; we seldom use that name in reality for we are all Priests. Now we have one who stands before us in the office of Chief Intercessor. As the Priest carries the prayers of the people to God, the Prophet carries the Word of God back to the people.
Our Bishop(s) tonight stand in the twofold office as Priest and Prophet.

Cincture:
Placed around his waist, is symbolic of the towel, which Jesus girded Himself and began to wash the Disciple‟s feet and said to us “wash each other‟s feet.” As Bishop you must remain humble just a Jesus did, and be willing to stoop and wash the least of these brethren.

Chimere:

A sleeveless gown usually of Purple or red, but sometimes of black material of quality. It is an upper robe of a Apostle / Bishop. This robe serves as a symbol of the mantel of a prophet. The Chimere is only worn by the Apostle / Bishop, because it signifies one as the chief proclaimer and defender of the faith in the apostolic tradition.

The Tippet:

The tippet is an outer garment usually referred to as the Bishop‟s scarf. It is worn to demonstrate that the Bishop carries the burden of his people upon his shoulders.

Miter:

The Miter is given to the newly consecrated Apostle / Bishop. It is the sign of the Helmet of Salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. This very crown speaks of the decent of the Holy Ghost on the Church at Pentecost. The Apostle / Bishop wears it as one who serves as a Steward of God’s Bride, the Church.

Cross:

Primarily the instrument of suffering on which Christ died and redeemed the world. It also stands for whatever pain or endurance that a Christian undergoes, and voluntarily accepts, in order to be joined with Chris and co-operate in the salvation of souls. The Cross is therefore, a revealed mystery, taught by Christ when he said “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). The mystery of the Cross is one of the principle themes of St. Paul’s writing to the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and Philippians. It also represents the victorious Risen Saviour (different from the crucifix, which states He is still on the cross).

Ring:

This is the signet of authority. It is worn on the right hand (the hand that represents God given authority) just as Christ sits on the right hand of God the Father. It also represents that they are committed and dedicated to Christ and his Church.

The Crosier: (also called the pastoral staff)

The last symbol received by the newly ordained Bishop is the crosier. The principal ordaining Bishop says: “Receive the crosier, the sign of your pastoral office: and keep watch over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as Bishop to govern the Church of God.” Each Apostle / Bishop is a symbol of Christ the Good Shepherd. It is Christ is who the Apostle / Bishop is trying to model himself after and it is Christ who each Apostle / Bishop strives to imitate and model for the flock. The crosier also symbolizes the responsibility that the Apostle / Bishop has in leading all to Christ. Sometimes the crosier will be used to scare off the wolves that want to hurt the flock and other times it can be used to pull the sheep back if they begin to wander off. The crosier tells us that the Apostle / Bishop is a leader after Christ’s own heart

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