the Ara - Byzantine Deacon Stole
the Ara - Byzantine Deacon Stole
This stained glass inspired stole is named for the Constellation Ara, meaning Altar. In many churches, the altar is the table at the front where the Eucharist is consecrated and served from. It is my hope that this stole will serve as a reminder of the places of life where God meets us, such as the Incarnation of Christmas, the joy of weddings, or the light of Easter.
The Ara is crafted with True White Dupioni Silk, inlaid with a cross of Ice Blue Dupioni Silk. Various shades of gold Dupioni Silks compose the stained glass segments around the cross shape. This design is embroidered in black thread to emphasize the stained glass style.
The Ara is also available in Pale Gold Dupioni Silk with a True White Dupioni Silk cross inlay.
The Byzantine Deacon Stole is a gorgeous stole that is also extremely comfortable to wear. It is constructed with a 3.5” wide cross-body loop with an attached tapered stole segment that extends down both the front and back of the body. This stole is essentially two stoles joined together, therefore it is more expensive than the Classic Deacon Stoles. That being said, it is a fantastic value for this stunning stole.
(Kindly note: I do not have an Ara Byzantine Stole to photograph at this time. Hopefully the pictures will be sufficient to understand how this design would look. The draping portions of the Byzantine stole would have the same design as the two lengths shown on the Priest’s version.)
Measurements and Customization Options
Measurements for the Byzantine Deacon Stole
There are three measurements needed for the Byzantine Deacon Stole:
1. the hip-to-hip cross-body measure (keep the tape in same position for the next measurement)
2. the shoulder measure-mark of the hip-to-hip cross-body measure
3. the top of the left shoulder to the length desired for the draping stole portions
The hip-to-hip, cross-body measure
Measuring over your left shoulder, have the tape meet at the point you want your stole to meet and make note of the measurement. (The example measurement is 50")
The shoulder measure-mark
While you still have the measuring tape in position for the previous measure, look at your left shoulder and make a note of what inch mark is squarely on the top of your shoulder. (The example has 26" as the shoulder mark point.)
Shoulder to stole length
Measure from the top of your left shoulder to the length you'd like the draping stole portions to end. You'll essentially be measuring one stole side of the draping portion that will extend down both the front and back of your body.
Lining Fabric Color Choice
The Lining Fabric refers to the fabric on the reverse side of the stole. Each stole comes with a number of suggested color choices for the lining fabric, but requests for different colors can be made.
Lining Fabric Color Recommendations for the Ara include:
Soft Silver Kona Cotton (as pictured)
Pewter Kona Cotton
Base Fabric Options
The Ara Byzantine stole can also be crafted using a base fabric of Pale Gold Dupioni Silk with a White Dupioni Silk cross, rather than the White silk / Ice Blue silk cross that is pictured.
If you prefer the Pale Gold silk option, kindly include your preference on your order.
