Skouphos

A skouphos (also skufiya, skufia, or skoufos) is an item of clerical clothing worn by Orthodox Christian monastics (in which case it is black) or clergy, sometimes specifically awarded as a mark of honor (in which case it is usually red or purple). It is a soft-sided brimless cap whose top may be pointed (Russian style),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. flat and pleated (Greek style),Example of a Greek skouphos or flat with raised edges (Romanian style).Example of a Romanian skouphos Typically, monastics receive their skufia either when they first become novices or when they are tonsured.Example of a monk receiving his skouphos 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.Example of a Great Schema skouphos 
High-ranking bishops (such as archbishops and metropolitans) will sometimes wear a black or purple skufia with a small jewelled cross on informal occasions.Example of two hierarchs wearing skufias A nun will sometimes wear a skufia over her monastic veil,Example of a nun wearing a skouphos over her monastic veil while monks often wear the skufia (without a veil) when the klobuk or epanokamelavkion might get in the way of work.
==Notes==
==Source==
*Wikipedia: Skufia
==External links==
*Monk wearing Russian-style skufia
*Monks wearing Greek-style skufias
*Schemamonk in embroidered skufia
Category:Vestments