Epimanikia

Epimanikia (singular "epimanikion") are liturgical vestments of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches. They are cuffs (Russian: "porútchi") made of thickened fabric, usually brocade, that lace onto the wrists of a bishop, priest, or deacon. There is usually a cross embroidered or appliquéd to the center.

Bishops and priests attach the epimanikia to the sleeves of the sticharion. [http://www.oca.org/Images/About/Worship/Large/09.jpg] Since the deacon wears a more elaborate sticharion as an outer garment, its large winged sleeves are not bound by epimanikia; rather he wears the epimanikia underneath, tied to his "endorrason" (inner cassock) (Russian: подрясник, "podryasnik"). [http://en.liturgy.ru/photo/f13.htm]

Among most ethnic groups, the epimanikia will be worn by bishops and priests only when they vest fully for the Divine Liturgy. However, among stricter Russian Orthodox clergy a bishop or priest will wear the epimanikia any time he wears the epitrachelion. Deacons always wear the epimanikia whenever they vest.

The Syriac "zende" [http://sor.cua.edu/Vestments/atZende.jpg] are similar to the epimanikia, but extend to cover the entire forearm [http://sor.cua.edu/Vestments/BPZende.jpg] .

They are roughly analogous to the maniple used in the Roman Catholic Church and some other Western Churches.

External links

* [http://www.culture.gr/2/21/215/21505/215051/2150513/eb119l3.html Richly embroidered Epimanikia] Benaki Museum