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The epigonation (Greek language: ἐπιγονάτιον, literally meaning "over the knee"), or pálitsa (Russian language: па́лица, "club"), is a vestment used in some Eastern Christian churches.
The vestment is a stiff, lozenge-shaped cloth that hangs on the right side of the body below the waist, suspended by one corner from a strap drawn over the left shoulder. In the Russian tradition it is an award for service; in the Greek tradition it is usually a sign that the priest has an advanced academic degree and a blessing to hear confessions. If a Russian priest has been awarded both the nabedrennik and the palitza, he shifts the former to the left side. It is considered to symbolise the "sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (); that is to say, the wearer's defending of the faith by smiting all that is impure and vicious.
Upon donning his palitza, the cleric prays: " Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O Mighty One, in thy comeliness and thy beauty; and exert, and fare Thee well, and reign in the name of truth, and of meekness, and of justice; and Thy right hand shall guide Thee wondrously. Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen".
It is also said that it was used to carry documents relating to one's position in the Church. Papers such as those certifying one's ordination and rank would be most relevant when travelling. Carrying them in the Liturgy would be symbolic of bearing one's authority to conduct the Holy things of the Liturgy.
During the Sacred Mysteries (Sacrament) of Ordination, a priest or deacon is taken in procession three times around the Holy Table (altar), after each circuit he bows down before the bishop and kisses his epigonation and his right hand. Also, in some liturgical traditions, when a bishop performs a lesser ordination, such as the setting-apart of a subdeacon, he lays his epigonation over the candidate's head as he says the prayer.
An image of Saint Blaise of Sebaste in the Armenian Catholic parish of San Nicola da Tolentino in Rome depicts the saint wearing a gonker.
Good luck have thou with thine honour: ride on, because of the word of truth , of meekness, and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. (Psalm 45: 4-5)
Always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
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