(also panagia). (1) A small icon worn on the chest as a kind of medallion, depicting the Virgin Mary. En-colpia were often outstanding works of miniature sculpture, executed in metal (cast or hammered, with enamel, yarn, or niello), ivory, wood, or soft stone. In Russia, they were used as bishops’ insignia.

(2) Iconographic type of the Virgin Mary, depicted as an orant with the infant Christ, in a medallion worn on the chest.