epimanikia

Epimanikia are liturgical cuffs worn by clergy in the Eastern Christian churches, especially within the Orthodox and certain Eastern Catholic traditions, during services such as the Divine Liturgy. The term comes from Greek, literally meaning “upon the sleeve.” They are worn over the cuffs of the inner garment (the sticharion) and beneath the outer vestments, such as the phelonion, so that only the cuffs and part of the forearm are visible.

Typically, epimanikia are two separate cuffs, one for each wrist. They are usually made of white linen or cotton, but for higher rank or festive occasions they may be of silk, velvet, or brocade and often richly embroidered with crosses or other liturgical motifs. They are fastened around the forearms with cords or ribbons to keep them in place during the service.

Functionally, epimanikia protect the sleeves of the sticharion from wear and soiling during liturgical actions. Symbolically, they serve as a visual reminder of service, humility, and the binding of the celebrant to Christ in the duties of the liturgy. Styles and ornamentation vary by tradition and rank; bishops typically have more elaborate epimanikia, while priests and deacons also wear them as part of their standard liturgical vestments. In many churches, Eastern Catholic rites maintain similar practices and terminology.

See also: Sticharion, Phelonion, Liturgical vestments.