Why do the clergy wear special vestments during the divine liturgy?
Vestments [Albasat] - [Special clothes that the priests and deacons wear during mass/church services [Ex. 31:10-11; 39:29; 28:40-42]]. God has ordered Moses to make special garments for Aaron, his brother, the Levites, and the priests, to use at the time of service saying, “And you shall make Holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as a priest.”(Exodus 28:2,3). The Fitha Nagast states, “ Vestments with which mass is celebrated shall be white, as is becoming to priest, and not of varied colors. Moreover, Our Lord’s clothing became as white as light when He was transfigured; also, the appearance of angels who announce good news to men is of this color” [12:37]. The Church has chosen the white color for the Service Vestments because it is mentioned about God Himself: “Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment..”(Psalm 104:2). “ And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow,…”(Daniel 7:9). The white color bears the concept of purity, cleanliness, innocence, sanctification of the heart, and the virtues that God’s Ministers should have. “And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” (Revelation 19:8).