From the 17th century, following the reforms of [[Nikon of Moscow|Patriarch Nikon]], the upper vesture worn by monks of the [[Schema#Great_Schema|Great Schema]] (''skhimonakh'') is in the form of a pointed hood with two long [[w:lappet|lappet]]s which cover the back and breast. It is black in color, and embroidered with crosses, six-winged [[seraphim]], and the text of the [[Trisagion]]. It is worn above the [[mandyasmantiya]] (monastic mantle), and is the same for both monks and [[nun]]s. In the context of monastic vows, it is called the ''koukoulion of kindliness'', and the ''helmet of salvation''. The koukoulion replaces the [[klobuk]] which is worn by the monastics of lower ranks.

The [[List of primates of Russia|Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia]] wears a white koukoulion with a "Zion", a stiffened point topped by a cross. He wears this [[w:ex officio|ex officio]], whether or not he has been [[tonsure]]d into the Great Schema. Koukoulia are also worn by the [[primate]]s of certain other Orthodox churches, for example the [[List of Catholicoses of Georgia|Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia]].