An ornamental vestment or scarf worn around the neck by priests in Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and other Christian churches, typically decorated with religious symbols.
From Greek 'epi-' (upon) and 'trachelos' (neck), literally meaning 'upon the neck.' The term entered ecclesiastical vocabulary in early Christianity to describe this specific type of vestment.
This garment has been worn for nearly 2,000 years, and in Orthodox tradition, each epitrachelion is embroidered with crosses and religious imagery—priests kiss it before putting it on as a sign of respect for their calling.
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