How can we preserve the sanctity of priestly garments?

St. Basil says, “The garments which he wears as he ministers (the liturgy) should not be taken outside of the church, but must remain in the places where the servants of the church stay or in the place where the church books are kept, in a place that is befitting of the priesthood that is closely linked with the altar. The garments must be white,¹⁵⁴³ and not colorful. They should cover their feet, with an amice¹⁵⁴⁴ over their shoulders. They must not wear shoes as they enter the sanctuary.”

Canon 37 of Hippolytus says, “As often as a bishop partakes of the sacred mysteries, let the deacons and presbyters be gathered together, clothed in white robes, brilliant in the view of all the people; and in like manner with the reader.”¹⁵⁴⁵

1543 White garments are a reminder of the heavenly life, since on many occasions, angels appear in white garments (e.g., Ps. 16:5).

1544 Amice : worn by the Bishop, it is a cover for the head and shoulders that wraps around under the arms in the form of a cross on the chest and on the back.

1545 Hippolytus, Canons of the Church of Alexandria Wrongly Ascribed to Hippolytus Canon 37 (ANF 5:258).

On the Main Features of the Coptic Liturgy