 It hangs down in front and back, and symbolizes the wandering sheep which Christ took upon his shoulders as the Good Shepherd.In ancient times, it was made of sheepskin.At other times at services, the bishop may wear a shorter omophorion that has both ends hanging down the front called the small omophorion

The bishop wears a richly embroidered crown, called a mitre which symbolises the authority conferred upon a minister of the Church.