Sets of Copes

Oftentimes a clergyman can look and find his schedule completely full. From the day to day calls of priesthood to the commitments of the liturgical calendar and the myriad services performed, to a member of the clergy spare time is often a blessing. The priestly wardrobe is not often thought of as important, but any clergymen will know otherwise. Many vestments can be at high demand during peak and busy times in the calendar, and this is where sets of copes become ideal. Here we will explore the meaning behind the cope. You can find these sets in various colors and designs at vestment.co.uk.

The Cope

Copes are part of the catalog of liturgical vestments that are worn often by members of the church. A cope is mainly processional, usually worn in place of a chasuble at blessings and processions, meaning that it is often a very beautiful and grand piece.

Despite its grandeur, the cope actually had some very humble beginnings as a medieval choir-men’s' raincoat. As such, the cope is similar in shape to a shroud or mantle, with a missing hood that has been replaced over the centuries by a panel or length of embroidered fabric. Copes are draped over the shoulder and clasped together across the chest, usually draping down to the ankles. There are a couple of different types of copes, so it is important to take this into consideration when you are looking for sets of copes for your liturgical wardrobe.

Roman

A Roman cope is an awe-inspiring piece, a large and confident garment exuding splendor and holiness. They are sewn from fine materials such as silk and covered in intricate embroidered patterns from top to bottom. They are usually lavish colours such as golds, reds and purples and feature beautiful religious imagery.

Roman copes are less shapely than their other counterparts, they sit over the shoulders and can be quite bulky - however this does not detract from the ancient vestment, but only serves to lend its size to an already extravagant piece. At their inaugurations in St Peter's Square, the popes themselves have been known to don Roman copes.

Gothic

The gothic cope hails from the gothic period of Europe, often setting aside grandeur for function, they tend to be lighter and simpler. Whilst their roman counterparts drape over the shoulders of their wearers, a gothic cope sits firmly, with a little more support. Gothic copes can be simpler than their Roman cousins, but they are indeed splendid pieces of clothing and admired by many when worn.

Semi Gothic

Naturally, as time evolves, so do the copes, and the semi gothic cope is a blend of gothic and Roman. Neither one nor the other, they sit at the intersection of the two separate types. Equally grand, supportive, colourful and beautiful, giving the functionality of full gothic and the procession ready beauty of a Roman.

Marian

Marian copes are special in that they are not defined by shape or design, in truth a Marian cope is a subcategory in that it can be any one of the above three - a Marian cope is predominantly a cope designed to celebrate days of the Marian feast, feast days that recognise the Virgin Mary. Oftentimes they will be partially or fully blue and exhibit appropriate iconography and symbols to represent her.

To Conclude

Like the variance of Christian feast days and multiple periods of the liturgical calendar, sets of copes are as varied as the occasions that they are worn for. Copes are some of the grandest items in the clergyman's wardrobe, and sets of copes should be aplenty, to suitably represent the celebrations that they adorn. Bold and striking, copes are as ancient as they are impressive, and will always be found at services of the church.