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Rich Spirituality 131

tradition of the Church. Although it is
thought that sacred music was once accom-
panied by several musical instruments, today
only small bells (k‘šoc‘) have survived. The
organ, which was introduced in the 19th
Century, is now generally played.

Liturgical Vestments
The diverse and richly colored liturgical
vestments (cisakan or ekełec‘agan zgestner)
have their origins in the Bible (Ex. 28:2-5).
The vestments in Cilicia were particularly
influenced by Byzantine and Latin traditions
and oriental religions and their popular
traditional colors and styles. Some of the
royal and national symbols were also widely
used in the vestments as an expression of
the intimate relationship existing between
church, nation, and state.
Each hierarchical order has its particular
vestments. Deacons wear the tunicle (šabik)
and shoulder stole (urar); the celebrant of the
Holy Mass wears the crown (sałavard), alb
(šabik), ventral stole (p‘or-urar), belt (goti),
handkerchief (łenč‘ak), maniple (bazpan),
large collar (vakas), cope (šurjar), and slipper
(hołat‘ap‘). In addition to these vestments, a
bishop wears a large pallium over the shoul-
ders (emip‘oron), strips of brocade (ardaxu-
rak) attached to the shoulders of the collar,
and a mitre (č‘at‘alt‘ag). The catholicos alone
wears the epigonation (konger). These pieces