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The '''epigonation''' (Greek: ἐπιγονάτιον, literally meaning "over the knee"), or '''palitza''' (Russian: палица, "club"), is a diamond-shaped vestment worn on the right side by [[priest]]s and [[bishop]]s.
In the Byzantine tradition, the epigonation is awarded to a priest upon his elevation to ''exomologos'' (confessor) or the rank of οικονόμος. In the Russian tradition, it is an award given after many years of service. Though a Russian Palitza is identical in shape, and is obviously related to the Greek epigonation, the most literal Slavonic translation for epigonation is actually "[[Nabedrennik]]", which is another vestment, rectangular in shape, which no longer exists in non-Slavic usage.
It represents a shield, originating from the thigh shield worn by soldiers during the days of the early church. The epigonation holds a dual meaning. First, it denotes the celebrant as a "soldier" of Christ. Second, it symbolizes the Word of God, fighting the wiles of the enemy.
==See also==
*[[w:Epigonation|Wikipedia: Epigonation]]
*[[Clergy awards]]
[[Category:Liturgics]]
