The plural form of epitrachelion, referring to ornamental vestments worn around the neck by clergy in Eastern Orthodox and other Christian traditions.
From Greek 'epi-' (upon) and 'trachelos' (neck). The Greek term was adopted into ecclesiastical Latin and refers specifically to vestments draped upon the neck during religious ceremonies.
Orthodox priests wear these colorful vestments that look like long decorative stoles, and unlike Western clergy stoles, they cross in front in an X pattern, creating a visually striking symbol that's been part of Eastern Christianity for over a thousand years.
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