A skufia is a soft-sided brimless cap whose top may be pointed (Russian style),[1][2] flat and pleated (Greek style),[3] or flat with raised edges (Romanian style).[4] Typically, monastics receive their skufia either when they first become a novice or when they are tonsured.[5] 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.[6]
High-ranking bishops (such as archbishops and metropolitans) will sometimes wear a black or purple skufia with a small jewelled cross on informal occasions.[7] A nun will sometimes wear a skufia over her monastic veil;[8] while monks often wear the skufia (without a veil) when the klobuk or epanokamelavkion might get in the way of work.
^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.
