Liturgical Handbook of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad
Does a Hieromonk wear his mantia instead of a phelonion, or together with it?
Category: Monastics and Monasteries

In terms of ‘lesser vestments’, our Church Abroad maintains the old Imperial practice of both the mantia and phelon being worn together on most occasions (during, for example, most parts of a Vigil service where the phelon is appointed to be worn). The Hieromonk’s general attire for ‘lesser vestments’ is his ryassa covered by his mantia, over which he wears the epitrahil (stole) and cuffs. When the service calls for the phelon to be added, this is placed over the top of these other garments.

phelon_and_mantia_example.jpg

Photograph in which is visible a monk-priest (in this case, an Archimandrite, at right) in lesser vestments, wearing the phelon over the mantia, which is is the correct practice in the tradition of the Church Abroad.

In the present-day practice of other Russian Orthodox traditions, the mantia is removed whenever the phelon is added; but the ROCOR maintains this older practice of wearing both.

Cover of the 'Liturgical Handbook of the Church Abroad' eBook 2nd Edition

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: