Skufia
A skufia (also skufiya, skoufia or skoufos; Greek: σκούφια or σκούφος) 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
[edit]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
[edit]A skufia 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 skufia 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 skufia with a small jewelled cross on informal occasions.[11] A nun will sometimes wear a skufia over her monastic veil;[12] while monks often wear the skufia (without a veil) when the klobuk or epanokamelavkion might get in the way of work.
See also
[edit]Citations
[edit]- ^ "Diversity of Skufias - Tips for Clergy". catalog.obitel-minsk.com. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
- ^ 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 Archived October 13, 2003, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 9 October 2015 Skufia Russian style
- ^ "Image: _2_12.jpg, (900 x 600 px)" catalog.obitel-minsk.com. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ "Image: red.jpg, (204 × 170 px)". nikitatailor.com. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
- ^ "Image: red2.jpg, (217 × 151 px)". nikitatailor.com. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
- ^ "Ambr6.jpg". newsketemonks.com. Archived from the original on 7 April 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
- ^ "1115". sestry.ru. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
- ^ "HTC: Priest's Headcoverings During Divine Worship". www.holy-trinity.org. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
- ^ "HTC: Liturgical Ranks". www.holy-trinity.org. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
- ^ DSC_0006.jpg Archived February 22, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ long.protest.ap.jpp.jpg Archived February 22, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
General bibliography
[edit]- Philippi, Dieter (2009). Sammlung Philippi: Kopfbedeckungen in Glaube, Religion und Spiritualität. Leipzig: St. Benno Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7462-2800-6.
External links
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