I came across this page because I was looking in vain for photos. I tried every key, but nothing produced pictures of recent developments at this women's monastery. So I scoured for anything of interest.
I thought these regulations were quite useful as a jumping off point for our TOC monasteries or convents or even parishes, as they are quite comprehensive and very specific as guides for visitors to avoid offending the resident clergy, nuns and staff.
I don't know that I have ever seen such conservative dress rules stated. Not even in monasteries in Russia is the apparel of pilgrims and visitors so restricted. Unless things have changed quite a bit.
Neither was this same Convent anything remotely like this when it was in Forestville, north of San Francisco in 'apple country'. Or should I say, apple cider vinegar heaven !
The new location, which went under the Serbian Patriarchate, which is none too conservative, had a great tightening of dress code for all visitors. I wonder why.
Does anyone know anyone who has visited this Convent, by any chance, who could shed light on this question ?
Perhaps Mother Evfrosinia could let us know some day when she has time to look at the Forum whether this is standard and Lesna asks the same of pilgrims to the historic Convent of the Russian Diaspora in Normandie.
"Women are kindly asked to wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting shirts that fully cover the chest up to the neck; long skirts (or dresses) without deep slits; scarves that cover the head and wrap under the chin and around the neck, so that the neck is also covered. Please refrain from wearing lipstick when venerating icons and receiving Holy Communion. Please remove any visible face or body piercing jewelry.
Men are kindly asked to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Please, no baseball caps or clothing with inappropriate words or images. Inside, especially in church, men are asked to keep their heads uncovered. Please remove any visbile face or body piercing jewelry.
For both men and women, socks (at least ankle high) with shoes or sandals are to be worn at all times. Note that our paths are gravel, so please wear appropriate shoes."
http://stpaisiusmonastery.org/visitor-g ... formation/
[ looks like they meant to say guide, not guilde ]