SAKKOS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "sakkos" refers to a type of liturgical vestment in the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic traditions. Derived from the Greek word "sakkos" meaning "bag" or "sackcloth," it is a loose-fitting, ankle-length garment worn by bishops and patriarchs during certain religious ceremonies.
The sakkos is typically made of richly embroidered silk or brocade, adorned with intricate patterns, crosses, and images of saints. It is usually ornamented with decorative gold or silver thread and may feature gemstone embellishments. The vestment is open at the sides and has wide sleeves, allowing the bishop's hands to be free during the liturgical service.
Worn over a sticharion (a long white linen garment) and an epitrachelion (a stole), the sakkos is secured at the waist with a wide belt called an "omophorion." It is often further embellished with pectoral icons and jeweled crosses.
Originally, the sakkos was used as a signifier of the emperor's dignity and importance in Byzantine court culture. However, it was adopted by the church as a liturgical vestment for bishops, symbolizing their role as representatives of Christ and their connection to the hierarchy of the Church.
The sakkos is worn during specific occasions such as the Divine Liturgy, ordinations, and other significant services. Its main purpose is to visually convey the authority, honor, and spiritual significance of the bishop within the ecclesiastical setting.
Etymology of SAKKOS
The word "sakkos" has a Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "sakkos" (σάκκος), which originally referred to a type of garment or large sack made from coarse cloth. In ancient Greece, it was commonly used to describe a mourning robe or a garment worn by prisoners. Over time, the term expanded to include a variety of meanings and uses, such as a bishop's outer liturgical vestment worn over the sticharion or an ancient Roman military tent. Today, "sakkos" is primarily associated with the liturgical vestment in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
