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Since the earliest times, '''vestments''' have been worn by Christian [[clergy]] in the performance of both the divine services and other functions of the clergy. Depending on their purpose and function, the vestment consists usually of very fine clothing which clergy wear in the course of their ministry. Some are reminiscent of the royal vesture of the kingdoms of history, and some derive their shape and function from Scripture. Their primary purpose is for the spiritual edification of the Church.
In one sense, vestments function as a uniform, identifying their wearer by his office and function, but they also serve the spiritual function of helping to bring the faithful into the atmosphere of understanding that in the Church, the Christian seeks to move ever more deeply into the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus, the wearing of vestments helps to render the clergy as [[icons]] of our [[Lord ]] and his [[angels]], serving at the one [[altar]] of God.
Vestments and other distinctive clerical clothing are used in both the [[Byzantine Rite|Eastern]] and [[Western Rite|Western]] rites of the [[Orthodox Church]].
