Concerning Priests and Holy Tradition
Excerpts from Precious Vessels of the Holy Spirit
The priest is the incarnation of the absolute, the expression of the constant, stable and
unshakeable, the trumpet of Heaven, the image of incorruption, the mile-marker
of eternity. May he remain forever unchanged, even in his external appearance,
as a reminder and symbol of the ages and of the unchanging truths which he
represents.
—Blessed Elder Epiphanios of Athens
The priests cassock is the flag of the Church of our Christ: for this reason we must try
hard to honor it, we who wear it, with a holy life, so that those who dont wear
it will honor and respect it.
—Blessed Elder Amphilochios of Patmos
I am proud of the cassock I wear and consider it more valuable and seemly
than every other kind of garment, even than the royal purple robes of kings. I
consider myself unworthy to dress in such a modest, honorable and holy garb,
which was honored by numberless monastic Saints, monk martyrs, confessors and
Saints. I am saddened by and pity those clerics who reject the cassock and who
shave their beards.
—Blessed Elder Philotheos of Paros
From "Precious Vessels of the Holy Spirit" - The Lives and Counsels of Contemporary Elders
of Greece by H. Middleton / Protecting Veil Press 2003 - www.protectingveil.com
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