How To Iron Priest Vestments Correctly

Having covered the washing process, Nun Agrippina offers you a new video, in which she shares her techniques for ironing a phelonion and other parts of the vestment.

Let us watch it now!

The process is not exceedingly difficult, and the video aims, for the most part, to show you that this task is fully within your capabilities.

You will not need any special equipment - a household iron and ironing board will suffice. That Nun Agrippina uses a more advanced system is simply due to the sheer volume of her work at the sacristy.

Here are some important points to take note of:

1) If you are not sure about your iron, you would be well advised to iron through a cotton cloth, or a piece of gauze: that way, you will take less risk of ruining your vestment.

If you have a reliable iron with steam and a good soleplate coating, you can iron without a cloth. In any case, pay attention to the temperature settings – it is better to start low and up the heat later.

2) Be careful with the ribbons attached to the zone (belt), Nabedrennik and Palitsa (epigonation): they are extremely sensitive to temperature.

3) Also, be careful with the galloon trim - some may shrink when heated. Keep a watch over their behaviour on your garment. If a seamed lace shrinks and pulls the fabric after it, iron and stretch it immediately – and let it cool in that position.

4) If you had missed a drop of wax somewhere on the garment, and you notice it as you iron, try washing it with a Fairy-soaked sponge, some soap and water: it usually helps.

5) A lot of attention in the video is paid to the lining. That is because all fabrics shrink over time, and the fabric on the outside often shrinks faster. The excess lining appears as a result, which forms folds and creases when ironed; these are particularly prone to gather dirt during use and sometimes may protrude over the edges of the garment in the worst cases of shrinkage. Mother Aggripina shows how they can be avoided and concealed.

6) Also, the video gives you some useful tips on how to iron specific elements of a vestment, place them on a hanger and preserve the fruit of your labours longer by putting your vestments in a case between services.

We hope that this issue will increase your confidence in your abilities to iron vestments at home. As mother Agrippina says in the video: "Try to put a piece of your heart and soul in the process. That will not simply keep your garments washed and ironed. Everyone will get to feel your kindness and care for Christ's garments."

God's help in keeping your temples running and all your good works for the benefit of the Church.