Epimanikia

Russian Orthodoxpriestholding ablessing cross.The Greek epimanikia are visible around his wrists.

Epimanikia(singularepimanikion) areliturgicalvestmentsof theEastern Orthodox ChurchandEastern Catholic Churches.They are cuffs (Russian:нарука́вницы, по́ручи, нарука́вники - narukávnitsy, póruchi, narukávniki) made of thickened fabric, usuallybrocade,that lace onto the wrists of abishop,priest,ordeacon.There is usually acrossembroideredorappliquédto the center.

Bishops and priests attach the epimanikia to the sleeves of thesticharion.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 hisendorrason(inner cassock) (Russian: подрясник,podryasnik)

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

In the Armenian Orthodox usage, the epimanikia is calledbaspan.It is like the garments worn inByzantinetradition.

TheSyriaczendeare similar to the epimanikia, but extend to cover the entire forearm.

They are roughly analogous to themanipleused in theWestern Christianity.

Vesting prayer

• right hand:

Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power:

thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee. (Exodus 15: 6-7)

• left hand:

Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: O give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. (Psalm 119:73)

External links

• Richly embroidered EpimanikiaBenaki Museum