Epigonation
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[[Image:Meister der Aphentico-Kirche in Mistra 001.jpg|thumb|[[Fresco]] of St. [[Gregory the Great]] wearing a gold epigonation (the half-visible [[rhombus]] behind the [[Omophorion]]) embroidered with an [[icon]] (14th century, [[Mistra]]).]]
The '''epigonation''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: {{polytonic|ἐπιγονάτιον}}, "over the knee") or '''palitsa''' ([[Russian language|Russian]]: палица, "[[club (weapon)|club]]") is a [[vestment]] used in some [[Eastern Christianity|Eastern Christian]] churches.
==Description and usage==
In [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodoxy]] and [[Eastern Catholic Churches]] which follow the [[Byzantine Rite]] the epigonation is worn by all [[bishop]]s, and as an ecclesiastical award for some [[priest]]s.<ref>{{Citation
| last =Hapgood
| first =Isabel F.
| author-link =
| last2=
| first2=
| author2-link=
| contribution =
| year =1922
| publication-date=1975
| title =Service Book of the Holy Orthodox-Catholic Apostolic Church
| editor-last =
| editor-first =
| editor-link=
| edition=5th
| volume =
| series =
| pages = xxxviii
| place =Englewood, NJ
| publisher =[[Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese]]
| id =
| isbn =
| url =
| accessdate = }}</ref> Its origin is traced to the practice of Byzantine Emperors awarding ceremonial [[sword]]s to their military commanders in recognition of their valour in defending the empire. Such swords were often accompanied by elaborate thigh-shields which were suspended from the belt and protected the leg from bruising caused by the constant bumping of the sword against the thigh. When the emperors began to give awards to the clergy, the thigh-shield alone was awarded.<ref name="Sokolof"/>
The vestment is a stiff, diamond-shaped cloth that hangs on the right side of the body below the waist, suspended by one corner from a strap drawn over the left shoulder. In the Russian tradition it is an award for service; in the Greek tradition it is usually a sign that the priest has an advanced academic degree and a [[blessing]] to hear [[confession]]s. If a Russian priest has been awarded both the [[nabedrennik]] and the ''palitsa'', he shifts the former to the left side. It is considered to symbolise the "sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" ({{bibleverse||Ephesians|6:17|KJV}}); that is to say, the wearer's defending of the faith by smiting all that is impure and vicious.<ref name="Sokolof">{{Citation
| last =Sokolof
| first =[[Archpriest]] D.
| author-link =
| last2=
| first2=
| author2-link=
| contribution =
| year =1917
| publication-date=2001
| title =A Manual of the Orthodox Church's Divine Services
| editor-last =
| editor-first =
| editor-link=
| edition=3rd (re-edited)
| volume =
| series =
| pages =32-33
| place =Jordanville NY
| publisher =Printshop of St. [[Job of Pochaev]], Holy Trinity Monastery
| id =
| isbn =
| url =
| accessdate = }}</ref>
==History==
Its origin is uncertain. According to some authorities it was a decorated ''tablion'' or thigh-shield awarded to officials in the [[Byzantine Empire]], originally military and later civilian. According to others it was originally an ornamental handkerchief, called at that date ''encheirion'', "hand cloth", which received its present form and name in the twelfth century. In the former case it has no Western counterpart; in the latter it would correspond to the Western [[maniple (vestment)|maniple]].
It is also said that it was used to carry documents relating to one's position in the Church. Papers such as those certifying one's ordination and rank would be most relevant when travelling. Carrying them in the Liturgy would be symbolic of bearing one's authority to conduct the Holy things of the Liturgy.
During the [[Sacred Mysteries|Mystery]] (Sacrament) of [[Ordination]], a priest or [[deacon]] is taken in procession three times around the [[Holy Table]] (altar), after each circuit he bows down before the bishop and kisses his epigonation and his right hand.<ref>Hapgood, ''op. cit.'', p. 311.</ref> Also, in some liturgical traditions, when a bishop performs a lesser ordination, such as the setting-apart of a [[subdeacon]], he lays his epigonation over the candidate's head as he says the prayer.
==Sources and references==
{{Reflist}}
*{{CathEncy|last=Braun|first=Joseph|wstitle=Maniple}}
*{{CathEncy|last=Braun|first=Joseph|wstitle=Vestments}}
[[Category:Eastern Christian vestments]]
[[de:Epigonation]]
[[el:Επιγονάτιο]]
[[es:Epigonation]]
[[ru:Палица (богослужебное облачение)]]
[[sr:Надбедреник]]
[[fi:Epigonatio]]