Monk Schema

The monk’s schema, also known as the Angelic schema, is a sacred garment worn by monks and nuns of the Great Schema, symbolizing their deepest spiritual dedication. It is regarded as a second baptism, through which the monk or nun fully dedicates themselves to a life of asceticism and obedience. According to Canon Law, the conferment of the Great Schema is performed with the blessing of the Abbot and is reserved for monks who have distinguished themselves for over 30 years through their consistency and strict observance of monastic rules. The Angelic schema bears sacred symbols, such as the Cross, the Spear, and the Sponge, usually embroidered in red thread, as well as inscriptions with profound theological meaning. The inscriptions include:

  1. “IC XC NIKA” signifying  the victory of Jesus Christ.

  2. “ΦΧ ΦΠ” interpreted as “The Light of Christ shines upon all.”

  3. “ΕΕ ΕΕ” interpreted as “Lucifer fell, we find Eden” or “Discovery of Helen, rebuke of the Jews.”

  4. “ΡΡ ΔΡ” meaning “The most eloquent of words, streams of tears.”

  5. “ΘΘ ΘΘ” meaning “Vision of God, divine miracle.”

  6. “ΤΤ ΔΦ” meaning “This schema terrifies demons.”

  7. “ΧΧ ΧΧ” meaning “Christ grants grace to Christians.”

  8. “ΤΚ ΠΓ” meaning “The Place of the Skull has become Paradise,” completing the symbolism of the monk’s schema.

In our monastic online shop, you can find small angelic schema made from dark black fabric, embroidered by modern machines with symbolic elements of the Christian tradition. It is worn by monks and nuns, hung around the neck with reverence, as a symbol of continuous dedication to Christ. Specifically, you will find the small Great and Angelic schema, in a rectangular form, rich in theological embroidered elements. At its center are red embroidered letters with the inscription IC XC NIKA, which signifies the victory of Jesus Christ. Below this, there are other inscriptions such as: “ΧΧΧΧ” (Christ is given by Christ to Christians), “ΘΘΘΘ” (God’s vision, divine miracle), “ΦΧΦΠ” (The Light of Christ shines on all), “ΤΣΔΦ” (This Schema terrifies demons), and “ΤΚΠΓ” (The Place of the Skull has become Paradise). Above the Christogram, two angels are depicted, while at the bottom appears the skull symbol, referring to the Crucifixion. Additionally, there is a small angelic schema with a central cross and the inscription IC XC NIKA in the quadrants of the cross. The embroidery is not decorative, it carries deep meaning, reminding the wearer of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Lord.

In our online shop, we offer large monk’s schema, available in three different designs. The differences between them are mainly in the dominant embroidered patterns, the color combinations, and their overall form. Specifically, there is a big monk’s schema with red and gold embroidered details on a black fabric background. The central element of the design is a cross, embroidered vertically in the center, surrounded by a crown of thorns, symbolizing the Passion of the Lord during His Crucifixion. To the right and left of the cross are depicted the spear and the sponge, while the entire design is framed by prominent gold angelic figures, embroidered with golden thread. The same monk’s schema is also available with red embroidered details only, and additionally, you can find a large Russian style monk’s angelic schema, machine made with white embroidery on high quality durable black fabric.

There are different types of monk’s schema, which mainly differ in size and, to a lesser extent, in the embroidered designs featured on each. A common characteristic of all is the black fabric background. For example, there are small monk’s schema, such as the small angelic schema that hangs on the front of the chest of the monks who wear it. Next is the medium angelic schema, significantly larger in size, which covers a greater area on the front of the body. Finally, there is the big monk’s schema, long in length, covering a substantial portion of the body, and representing the most imposing form of the monk’s schema.

A monk or nun receives the monk’s schema during the tonsure. The monastic tonsure is the sacred ceremony through which a baptized believer dedicates themselves to the monastic life, usually following a period of testing. Through this rite, the individual is called to continuous repentance, prayer, and unceasing love of God. For this reason, the tonsure is considered a spiritual rebirth after symbolically cutting their hair as a sign of dedication and obedience to God, the monk receives the angelic form of the monk’s schema and enters a new life devoted to the glory of God.

The majority of monk schema feature common embroidered patterns, while the differences between them are mainly found in the details of the designs and inscriptions, as well as in the colors of the threads used. They have rich symbolic decoration, with the central theme being the Cross, a symbol of faith and salvation. Around the Cross, designs such as angelic figures, the crown of thorns, and the nails are depicted, alluding to the Passion of Christ. The skull at the base of the Cross symbolizes Golgotha, and the inscriptions scattered across the vestment are abbreviations referring to the name of Jesus Christ, His victory over death, and the glory of the Resurrection. On our online shop, you can view all the monk schema we offer, along with their sizes and designs. All products are made from high quality materials, ensuring durability for use by monks and nuns.