Justin Kissel wrote:What is modest is what doesn't draw attention to yourself, whether that be a suit or a t-shirt.
We had one very nice young man, from Russia, who would wear a tuxedo to church every Sunday. (Until we learned his name we called him "Tuxedoman.")
On Pascha he showed up wearing dark pants and a t-shirt. At least it was white!
Wow, I think there are two different ideas operating here. One, if you are interestied in appearance it shows a sinful weakenss; the other idea is "what is appropriate and modest"? I like fashion and I'm sure I always will. Like all pleasures in life it can be abused and gain control of us, or it can just be something that we enjoy (and we all enjoy something!) that gives us pleasure. In church, when I see a women from Russia, who may be wearing an above-the-knee skirt, coming back to her faith and coming to church out of piety, who cares if she doesn't dress like a peasant out of Tolstoy? There are plenty of American-born converts who keep that look going : ) Also, I've noticed that many Russian-born people really dress up for church, nice shoes, suits, dresses, hats, jewelry, etc. That they are able to worship freely after 80 years I think motivates the thinking that you wear your "best" for church. It certainly is something I think think, that should be regarded as joyous, that faith was not destroyed by Communism. I really think Ania makes a great point: Christians are living in society, if you reject every aspect of it, why not live as a monastic? What I mean is, the Amish decide to separate themselves from the day-to-day world, however isn't Orthodoxy strengthened by its practictioners being in society? Sorry, my brain is shutting down. I hope I made sense, but I doubt it!
This topic makes my head ache, yet I can't keep from commenting...again...I was brought up to dress nicely & modestly for church...meaning keeping your head covered, wearing decent skirts (not even denim), and overall, just looking respectable. I don't understand why people equate that with looking like a peasant or something amish. Ania is right when she says that in Moscow you will get scolded or refused entrance into a church if you are dressed inappropriately (note the word inappropriate, no one ever said that you cannot look attractive). Also, it is true that many Russians today do not dress correctly for church, but that is another complex discussion (you would have to get into the history of the church under communism and the social policies of the past, so to put it shortly, some of these girls are just too excited to finally have some Covergirl red lipstick & designer labels available to them).
I would like to see everyone dress better whenever they are going to church (hey, that means Saturday night vespers too- it isn't just some kind of casual Friday.)
Hi all.
I wasn't sure where to post this question.. is it appropriate for Eastern Orthodox to wear a celtic cross around the neck?.. My husband really wants one and somehow it doesn't feel right for me, but I have nothing valid to tell him. Forgive my ignorance. I keep forgetting to ask my priest about it.
Thanks!
Olja wrote:Hi all.
I wasn't sure where to post this question.. is it appropriate for Eastern Orthodox to wear a celtic cross around the neck?.. My husband really wants one and somehow it doesn't feel right for me, but I have nothing valid to tell him. Forgive my ignorance. I keep forgetting to ask my priest about it.
Thanks!
Well...the various Celtic peoples were Orthodox at one time.
Come to think of it, the kiosk at St. Panteleimon's here in town sells a couple of celtic crosses.
I don't see why there'd be a problem. A friend of mine who often travels to Spain for business was asked to be a godfather. He brought back from Montserrat (there is an ancient Benedictine monastary there, http://www.mrfs.net/trips/2003/Spain/Mo ... errat.html , absolutely beautiful. If your ever in Southern Spain, go there) a beautiful cross for the baby. The priest just blessed it, and said nothing.
Hi Olja,
This should put your mind at ease:
Orthodox Ireland
http://www.orthodoxireland.com/history
Get him a nice Orthodox Christian made Celtic Cross here: http://www.gallerybyzantium.com/celtic.html
