Dalmatikon

The Dalmatikon is a long outer vestment that reaches almost to the floor and is worn by deacons. It is fastened at the sides with loops and baubles. It is named after the area from which it originated and was an imperial vestment of the Roman empire. Usually the dalmatikon is edged in gold and carrys ecclesiastical motifs. It can be the color of the day and be highly decorated.

The deacon drapes the orarion over the top of the dalmatikon.

Subdeacons also wear a dalmatikon but with shorter orarion that is crossed.

In the fourth century the dalmatikon began to be used in the Church when the emperor granted the right to wear a dalmatikon to particular high officials within the imperial bureaucracy. Later the right to wear it was extended particular bishops, as well as some highly favored deacons.

Over time, the dalmatikon came to be recognized as the vestment of bishops who were in favor with the emperor. When specific deacons were granted the right to wear the dalmatikon they were recognized as representing the emperor, or a highly favored bishop.

Over the next few centuries, the dalmatikon then came to identify especially those deacons who were archbishop's primary helpers, that is, the patriarchal deacons. In time the dalmatikon came to be adopted as the regular liturgical vestment used by all deacons in both the east and west.