A Skufia (also Skufiya or Skoufos) is an item of clerical clothing worn by Orthodox Christian 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). It is a soft-sided brimless cap whose top may be pointed (Russian style) ^*)," target="_blank" >or flat with raised edges (Romanian style) novice or when they are tonsured ^*." target="_blank" > 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 [http://www.sestry.ru/church/img/1115_.

High ranking bishops (such as Archbishops and Metropolitans) will sometimes wear a black or purple skufia with a small jewelled cross on informal occasions An Orthodox nun will sometimes wear a skufia over her monastic veil [http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/06/23/pope.ukraine/long.protest.ap.jpp.jpg; Orthodox monks often wear the skufia (without a veil) when the klobuk or epanokamelavkion might get in the way of work.

Hats | Orthodox vestments

Skufia