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The '''epigonation''' (from Greek, "upon the knee") is a stiff, diamond-shaped vestment worn on the right side by [[priest]]s and [[bishop]]s. The epigonation is awarded to a priest upon his elevation to archpriest. It represents a shield, originating from the thigh shield worn by soldiers during the days of the early church. The epigonation holds a dual meaning. First, it denotes the celebrant as a "soldier" of Christ. Second, it symbolizes the Word of God, fighting the wiles of the enemy. The epigonation is known as the "palitsa" in the Russian tradition.