These are the vesting prayers of the priest.
When the priest vests, he first blesses each vestment with his right hand, kisses the cross on the vestment, and puts it on, saying the appropriate prayer. However, if a bishop is present in the church when it is time to vest, the priest will first take his vestments to the bishop and ask his blessing. In this case, the priest will not bless each vestment before putting it on, but rather cross himself, kiss the cross on the vestment and put it on.
Taking in his right hand the Sticharion and making three reverences toward the East to the Holy Doors, the Priest blesses it:
Blessed is our God + at all times, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
He then puts it on, saying:
My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed me with a robe of salvation and covered me with a tunic of happiness; He has crowned me as a bridegroom and adorned me with jewels as a bride.
At the Epitrachelion:
Blessed is God + who pours out grace upon his priests: as the chrism upon the head, which ran down unto the beard, the beard of Aaron, ran down even to the hem of his garment, at all times, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
At the Zone:
Blessed is God + who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless and strengthens my feet like the hart’s, at all times, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
At the Epimanikia (the right hand):
Your right hand, + Lord, is made glorious in might; your right hand, Lord, has crushed the enemies; and in the fullness of your glory, You have routed the adversary.
At the Epimanikia (left hand):
Your hands + have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding and I shall learn your commandments.
At the Epigonation (Palitsa) and Nabedrennik (if he has been awarded their use):
Gird Your sword at Your side, Mighty One, in Your splendor and beauty. String Your bow; go forth, reign for the sake of truth, meekness and righteousness. Your right hand shall lead You wonderfully, at all times, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.[2]
At the Phelonion:
Your priests, Lord, shall clothe themselves with righteousness, and Your saints shall rejoice in joy, at all times, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
After that priest and deacon go to the basin and wash their hands, saying:
I will wash my hands in innocency; so will I compass Thine altar, O Lord, That I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all Thy wondrous works. LORD, I love the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth. Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with men of blood; In whose hands is craftiness, and their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity; redeem me, and be gracious unto me. My foot standeth in an even place; in the congregations will I bless the Lord.
