Diaconal Oraria

The diaconal orarion is the distinctive garment of the Deacon and Sub-deacon. The word comes from the Latin “orare” which means to pray. It is long strip of fabric, worn over the left shoulder, with one end at the front and the other at the back. When he prays, the Deacon holds the front part with his right hand. During the Lord’s Prayer, the Deacon wraps both ends of the orarion on his back so that he can move easily during the Holy Communion that follows. The orarion symbolizes the wings of angels.