Engolpion

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An Engolpion or Enkolpion(Greek: εγκόλπιον, "on the chest") is a general term for something worn upon the bosom [1]. Formerly also including pectoral crosses, Engolpion is nowadays used for a medallion with an icon in the center, worn as a vestment by Orthodox and Eastern Catholic bishops. All bishops wear a particular kind of engolpion called a Panagia, which depicts the Theotokos. All primates and some bishops below primatial rank have the dignity of a second engolpion, which usually depicts Jesus.

Some engolpia are hollow, for use as a reliquary.

In other languages