EPIMÀNICA (Ἐπιμάνικα, ἐπιμανίικα). – These are simple cuffs used to tighten at the wrists the ends of the sleeves of the sticharion (alb): oversleeves that do not correspond, as some maintain, to the maniple of the Latins. The e. are used not only in the Byzantine rite, but also in other Eastern rites. They symbolize the power of God and recall the bonds that bound the arms of Jesus Christ during his Passion. This ornament was initially granted by the emperor to the patriarch; it later became the privilege of bishops and was extended to priests and deacons.
Placido de Meester