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.