The stiff, cylindrical, flat-topped head-dress I wear during services is called a “Kamilavka,” which in Greek means a, “hat made out of camel’s hair.” Monks routinely wear black Kamilavkas as part of their monastic habit, but theirs also have a long piece of flowing fabric attached, known as a “Klobuk.” The purple-colored Kamilavka is an award issued by the diocesan bishop to priests and deacons as a testimony to their hard work and service. Once a Kamilavka has been awarded, it then becomes part of a priest’s normal liturgical vesture. 

A Skuffia is another hat which I often wear – especially during the cold winter months. Its name in Greek means a, “skull cap.” This clerical head-piece is generally worn when one is outside of church or traveling. Whereas the Kamilavka is hard, cylindrical, and flat on top, a Skuffia is made of soft, foldable cloth (usually velvet) and is pointed. A black Skuffia can be worn by any member of the clergy, but a purple-colored Skuffia is an award from the diocesan bishop.