Epimanikia - Definition and Overview

Epimanikia (singular epimanikion) are liturgical vestments of the Eastern Orthodox Church. They are fabric cuffs, usually brocade, that lace onto the wrists of a bishop, priest, or deacon to contain the sleeves of the sticharion. [1] (http://www.oca.org/pages/orth_chri/Orthodox-Faith/Worship/images/liturgypictures/large/9.jpg) There is usually a cross embroidered or appliquéd to the center.

Since the deacon wears a more elaborate sticharion as an outer garment, he wears the epimanikia underneath its sleeves. [2] (http://www.svots.edu/about/graphics/anaphora.jpg)

The Syriac zende [3] (http://sor.cua.edu/Vestments/atZende.jpg) are similar to the epimanikia, but extend to cover the entire forearm [4] (http://sor.cua.edu/Vestments/BPZende.jpg).