Liturgical Handbook of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad

Except when a blessing may be explicitly given for a singular service where the Bishop feels this might be a practical necessity based on unusual circumstances, as a standard rule it is categorically forbidden to ‘pre-vest’ in this way. The entrance prayers are to be said before any vestments are donned, with the clergy clothed only in their cassocks, ryassas and any appropriate head coverings — taking special note that such head coverings (purple skufia, kamilavka, klobuk) are to be worn during the entrance prayers, and not to be set aside out of improper informality. (See the separate question on whether to wear a stole during the entrance prayers.)
This same rule means that when greeting the Bishop during an hierarchical service, the clergy similarly do not ‘pre-vest’ partially and greet the Hierarch with a ryassa covering vestments, but greet him in cassock, ryassa, and any appropriate headgear alone.

This is a sample entry from our Liturgical Handbook of the practices of the Church Abroad, which is available in paperback and in e-Books format for Kindle, smartphones and other devices. Please see the Table of Contents for a complete listing of the more than 150 entries on aspects of liturgical service in the Church Abroad, organised thematically for quick reference or for detailed study. Or, you can obtain the full paperback or eBook now, for reference at any time on your e-reader, smartphone, tablet or other device: