Hieratical Epitrachelia

The Hieratical Epitrachelion (in Greek it means "around the neck") is a liturgical  vestment worn by priests and bishops of the Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches as the symbol of their priesthood. In effect it is a development of the Orarion, doubled with both ends handing in front and reaching the full length of the tunic or Sticharion. 

It is usually made of brocade with seven embroidered or appliqued crosses, one at the back of the neck and three down each side. The Hieratical Epitrachelion is the only required vestment whenever a priest is conducting an Orthodox service; without it, he is unable to perform the service.

The following Hieratical Epitrachelia have a silk lining and are gold embroidered according to the Byzantine and Orthodox tradition. At the bottom they have details with fringes.