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  In the Byzantine tradition, the epigonation is awarded to a priest upon his elevation to archpriest''exomologoumenos'' (confessor). In the Russian tradition, it is an award given after many years of service.  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.