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'Epimanikia' (singular ''epimanikion'') are liturgical vestments of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches. They are cuffs (Russian: ''porútchi'') made of thickened fabric, usually brocade, that lace onto the wrists of a bishop, priest, or deacon. There is usually a cross embroidered or appliquéd to the center.
Bishops and priests attach the epimanikia to the sleeves of the sticharion. [1] Since the deacon wears a more elaborate sticharion as an outer garment, its large winged sleeves are not bound by epimanikia; rather he wears the epimanikia underneath, tied to his ''endorrason'' (inner cassock) (Russian: подрясник, ''podryasnik''). [2]
Among most ethnic groups, the epimanikia will be worn by bishops and priests only when they vest fully for the Divine Liturgy. However, among stricter Russian Orthodox clergy a bishop or priest will wear the epimanikia any time he wears the epitrachelion. Deacons always wear the epimanikia whenever they vest.
The Syriac ''zende'' [3] are similar to the epimanikia, but extend to cover the entire forearm [4].
They are roughly analogous to the maniple used in the Roman Catholic Church and some other Western Churches.

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★ Richly embroidered Epimanikia Benaki Museum