The Large Cotta is a liturgical vestment worn by adult servants working in the Sanctuary. It covers the upper part of the body and is worn over the red cassock of the lay servants, as long as they have not been admitted in the Minor Orders. The lower hem of the Large Cotta and the sleeves are adorned with simple lace.
In order to save expenses, authorization has been given to lay servants to wear the purple cassock. It appears today that such permissions have become the rule, and most of the servants working in the Sanctuary expect to wear the purple cassock and the Surplice. The careful reading of the ceremony of ordination of a Cleric makes it obvious that these vestments are reserved for people ordained in the Holy Orders. Thus the normal vesture for non-ordained Servants in the Sanctuary consists of a Large Cotta worn over a red cassock. Servants having been confirmed are considered to be adults.
