Epigonation or palitza, gold-knitted with rich, detailed designs and three tassels, in high-quality fabric. In the center of epigonation, Saint Nektarios is depicted.
The Epigonation or Palitza is one of the vestments of the priests and the elders, who have an honorary title. It has a diamond shape and is hanged next to the priest's right knee. The epigonation originally served as a kind of towel and symbolized the apron that Jesus Christ had used at the Last Supper, when he washed the disciples' feet. Because of its resemblance to a small shield, the epigonation symbolizes the "spiritual armor" that priests must have as "soldiers of God" in order to protect the flock entrusted to them by the Lord, in the spiritual battle for salvation. According to Byzantine tradition, the epigonation was given as a "reward" to priests, who rose to the rank of confessor.
