Askufia (also skufiya, skoufiaorskoufos; Greek: σκούφιαorσκούφος) is an item of clerical clothing, a cap, worn by Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Lutheran and Eastern Catholic monastics (in which case it is black) or awarded to clergy as a mark of honor (in which case it is usually red or purple).
Askufia 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]Amonkornun 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]Anun will sometimes wear a skufia over her monastic veil;[8] while monks often wear the skufia (without a veil) when the klobukorepanokamelavkion might get in the way of work.
