The Garments of Salvation: Orthodox Christian Liturgical Vesture

Krista West is a talented and dedicated tailor of Orthodox vestments who has not only written a history of vestments but a theology of beauty in the Orthodox Church. She claims (twice!) to be "no scholar," and her self-deprecation is no doubt authentic, but this is a work of true scholarship--accessible and illuminating for clergy and laity, expert and non-specialist alike.Khouria Krista, as she is known (as the wife of a priest of the Antiochian Orthodox Church) stands firmly in the tradition of the lay or non-academic expert who adds to and even transcends existing scholarship, not least by synthesizing many disciplines into one delightful volume.She demonstrates how beauty in Orthodox vestments is as essential as it is in iconography, and as meaningful as the church's orientation toward the East (mystically if not geographically). She reminds us that tradition places far more emphasis on beauty within the church, in its interior, than on its exterior appearance. Such beauty helps draw man nearer to God and to deification (theosis). Creating and participating in this beauty, we manifest the work of the Holy Spirit, and this physical, material beauty reflects and participates in the Incarnation and Resurrection of Christ, our God who became physical, true man for our salvation.Channeling the Fathers (e.g. St. John of Damascus and St. Athanasius), she writes that "we recognize that [earthly] matter has been redeemed and resurrected" through Jesus Christ and that "true beauty is the essence of our holy Faith, a fulfillment of our longing for Paradise."Khouria Krista provides a surprisingly interesting history of ancient garments, from the universal tunic (the original basis of the sticharion or alb), the cloak, and the toga. She makes a good argument for the early standardization of vestments in mid-4th century Byzantium, and the earliest distinctions between the various "garments of office" for bishops, priests, and deacons, with each corresponding "scarf of office," was fascinating, as was the explanation of the origin's of the bishop's sakkos in Byzantine official court dress.She presents extremely useful chapters on present-day usage of vestments, on the paraments (vesture used to adorn the church but not worn), and on color and fabric. I love her phrase "riot of color" to describe a desired diversity of fabric, color, and texture.There is no other book like this with such a wealth of information on this topic. Highly recommended for all Orthodox Christians, whatever their ministry or role in the Church.

Khouria Krista West's book is scholarly but very accessible. As a catechist I may have more of a penchant for learning about all things related to our Liturgy than maybe the average parishioner. For anyone who does want to learn more about textiles in our Churches I highly recommend her book. I bought this book almost 2 years ago when it first came out, having been eagerly looking forward to its publication. I just pulled it out once again yesterday and turned to the section on Paraments-- Holy Table cloths, liturgical veils, cloths that cover the proskomedia table, analogions etc. Yet another great chapter! As Khouria Krista says "In the outfitting of the Orthodox Church building we encounter once again the Byzantine celebration of the sense of sight." As Prince Vladimir of Kiev's envoys to Constantinople in 988 reported, having experienced the Divine Liturgy there, "We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth, for surely there is no such splendor or beauty anywhere upon earth." This really is a comprehensive book of "Orthodox Christian Liturgical Vesture". Unnecessary to read cover to cover to benefit from the wealth of information contained in each distinct section.

The book gives a history of liturgical vesture but is heavy going for the lay person. Probably will appeal to academics.

Very informative

The book was disapointing as it did not give enough information regarding the history and developement of Orthodox Christian vesments. I had hoped for much more

I just finished reading The Garments of Salvation: Orthodox Christian Liturgical Vesture by Kouria Krista West and found the text to be very well written. It was interesting, informative and more importantly inspiring. I found the text to be academic and yet very practical. Kouria Krista admits up front in her Prologue that "she is no scholar" but she has taken the time to research her opinion well. With the available texts and with years and years of devout practical experience, prayer and reflection Kouria Krista offers a thought provoking opinion on the evolution of Orthodox Christian Liturgical Vesture. I found her language to be rich and scholarly, which offers a sense of dignity and honor to her subject matter; and yet at the same time, it is very practical, down to earth and useful.In my opinion, The Garments of Salvation is well researched and well written, and well worth the time to read and to have in your personal library.

Garments of Salvation is a good work which helps bring us to a richer life and expression in our worship within the Orthodox church. Khouria Krista presents to us the foundation of our coverings which express the beauty of salvation. She has opened this area in a comprehensive yet readable manner. I enjoyed the education and found it very readable. Thank you, Khouria Krista, for this work of love.