SLEEVES, ARMLETS

Sleeves or armlets are made of the same material as the epitrachelion* and are worn over the sleeves of the sticharion* and fastened with loops and buttons. Although they form part of the liturgical vestments of patriarchs, bishops, and priests yet sleeves are now reserved for ceremonial occasions. They are embroidered with braid crosses or studded with gems, and may also have embroidered biblical inscriptions, such as "The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly" (Ps. 118:16) on the right sleeve and "Thy hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn thy commandments" (Ps. 119: 73) on the left.