Skufia
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A Script error: No such module "Lang". (also Template:Transliteration, Template:Transliteration or Template:Transliteration; Template:Langx or Script error: No such module "Lang".) is an item of clerical clothing, a cap, worn by Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Lutheran and Eastern Catholic monastics (in which case it is black) or awarded to clergy as a mark of honor (in which case it is usually red or purple).
Origin
The skufia is said to originate from Jewish headwear in Old Testament times. It is also said to represent the crown of thorns worn by Christ at His crucifixion.[1]
Description
A Script error: No such module "Lang". is a soft-sided brimless cap whose top may be pointed (Russian style),[2][3] flat with embroidered designs (Serbian style),[4] flat and pleated (Greek style),[5] or flat with raised edges (Romanian style).[6] Typically, monastics receive their Script error: No such module "Lang". either when they first become a novice or when they are tonsured.[7] A monk or nun who has been tonsured to the Great Schema will wear a skoufia that has been embroidered with prayers, crosses, and figures of seraphim.[8]
In Russian Orthodox and Orthodox Church in America practice, priests and deacons who have been awarded the purple kamilavka regularly wear a black skufia outside of liturgical worship. However, any clergy from the rank of Reader is permitted to wear the black skufia, if they have received a blessing from their bishop.[9] After five years of being a priest, they are awarded a purple skufia in place of the black one.[10]
High-ranking bishops (such as archbishops and metropolitans) will sometimes wear a black or purple Script error: No such module "Lang". with a small jewelled cross on informal occasions.[11] A nun will sometimes wear a Script error: No such module "Lang". over her monastic veil;[12] while monks often wear the Script error: No such module "Lang". (without a veil) when the klobuk or epanokamelavkion might get in the way of work.
See also
Citations
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- ↑ The Russian-style skufia is traditionally pulled down so that it covers the top of the ears. This is practical, to keep out the cold; but it also has a symbolic practice, reminding the monk not to listen to gossip.
- ↑ thumb_p2433d.jpg Template:Webarchive Retrieved 9 October 2015 Skufia Russian style
- ↑ "Image: _2_12.jpg, (900 x 600 px)" catalog.obitel-minsk.com. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
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- ↑ DSC_0006.jpg Template:Webarchive
- ↑ long.protest.ap.jpp.jpg Template:Webarchive
General bibliography
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