[avarberickibe]

I was expecting that, when our Archbishop makes his pastoral visit in May, I might be tonsured as a Reader. It's the role I presently fulfil for the parish, and I have accepted this. I was therefore planning to buy an inexpensive cassock from Istok in the Russian style to wear in church. However, it now appears that moves are afoot to tonsure me as a subdeacon, which is vestment-wise a significantly different event.

Can some kind and knowledgeable person tell me what I should buy? Do I need a cassock too? My priest has no experience of subdeacons vestments having skipped lightly through that office one weekend on his way to higher things.

(I have no plans to enter the Diaconate, and am barred by canon in any event, as my wife is not orthodox.)

Love,
Richard.