Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
www.suscopts.org
   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Why do the deacons place their tunics (tunyas) over their left arm?

I think you mean the stole or epitrachelion not the tunic. There are two ways of wearing the epitrachelion: the first one, for the readers and sub deacons, is worn over the two shoulders and around the waist like a girdle with a cross symbolizing the readiness to carry the cross to serve the Lord. The second way, designed for the deacons and the archdeacons, goes over the left shoulder. It looks like the wings of the angels. The deacons and the archdeacons the servants of the altar represent the angels surrounding the throne of God.
Home | Ask A Question | Search Q&A