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A '''skouphos''' (also '''skufiya''', '''skufia''', or '''skoufos''') is an item of clerical clothing worn by Orthodox Christian [[Monk|monastics]] (in which case it is black) or [[clergy]], sometimes specifically awarded 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),<ref>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.</ref> flat and pleated (Greek style),<ref>[http://www.nikitatailor.com/shop/photographs/skufias/red.jpg Example of a Greek skouphos]</ref> or flat with raised edges (Romanian style).<ref>[http://www.nikitatailor.com/shop/photographs/skufias/red2.jpg Example of a Romanian skouphos]</ref> Typically, monastics receive their skufia either when they first become [[novice]]s or when they are [[tonsure]]d.<ref>[http://www.newsketemonks.com/images/monks/Ambr6.jpg Example of a monk receiving his skouphos]</ref> A [[monk]] or [[nun]] who has been tonsured to the [[Monastic Ranks#Great Schema|Great Schema]] will wear a skoufia that has been embroidered with prayers, crosses, and figures of [[seraphim]].<ref>[http://www.sestry.ru/church/img/1115_ Example of a Great Schema skouphos]</ref>

High-ranking [[bishop]]s (such as [[archbishop]]s and [[metropolitan]]s) will sometimes wear a black or purple skufia with a small jewelled [[cross]] on informal occasions.<ref>[http://ocaphoto.oca.org/filetmp/2003/January/406/Detail/DSC_0006.jpg Example of two hierarchs wearing skufias]</ref> A [[nun]] will sometimes wear a skufia over her monastic veil,<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/06/23/pope.ukraine/long.protest.ap.jpp.jpg Example of a nun wearing a skouphos over her monastic veil]</ref> while [[monk]]s often wear the skufia (without a veil) when the [[klobuk]] or epanokamelavkion might get in the way of work.