Epimanikia

Russian Orthodox priest holding a blessing cross. The Greek epimanikia are visible around his wrists.

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. [1] 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). [2]

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 [3] are similar to the epimanikia, but extend to cover the entire forearm [4].

They are roughly analogous to the maniple used in the Western Christianity.

External links

• Richly embroidered Epimanikia Benaki Museum