Beards in the Orthodox Tradition

[尼古拉前执事]

Some interesting quotes:

Let the head of men be clipped, unless they have curly hair. But let the chin have the hair. ... Cutting is to be used, not for the sake of elegance, but on account of the necessity of the case ... so that it may not grow so long as to come down and interfere with the eyes. Clement of Alexandria (circa 195 AD), 2.286.

It is enough for women to protect their locks, and bind up their hair simply along the neck with a plain hair-pin, nourishing chaste locks with simple care to true beauty. Clement of Alexandria (circa 195 AD), 2.286.

[尼古拉前执事]

From http://www.churchofthenativity.net/faq.html

What is the significance of the beard worn by many men of your church?

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 The Orthodox Church looks upon the beard as the mark of a Christian man, in that it is the natural appearance of man created by God, and also the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Likewise, the uncut hair of women as their particular glory.  The general attitude of our church is that anything that alters this image in which we were created --  for example, masks, shaving, makeup, and such things -- is not appropriate for Christians.  Lamentably, the younger generations of our Church are neglecting this apostolic tradition and following the styles of the world even when not pressured by concerns of employment and the like.  There is still, however, a deep awareness of this revered tradition that former generations  have instilled on our community, and most of our parishioners --  at least in their later years -- carefully observe it.  Other Orthodox communities have not been able to preserve this tradition at all, and even the clergy often appear beardless.

[David Cavall]

I am new to Eastern Orthodoxy and am finding it to be the answer to many of the questions I've had regarding proper worship.I've just finished Fr.Seraphim Rose's biography and have read a variety of things online. This may seem like an odd question,but,I've noticed these holy men all have beards and long hair.Why is this? Is it tradition?
David

[sue57]

Hi David,
I was told by our priest, that because a (priest) is preaching the words of Christ, he takes on the external signs of Christ (obviously, no way of knowing for sure that He had long hair and a beard, but I'm willing to accept it.) I think also, in Russia, long hair and beards were NOT the fashion, they showed an absence of attention to the styles of the day. I think it does convey a certain "unworldliness", even in this day and age, when long hair and facial hair go in and out of style.
On an amusing note, now, when I see an older guy, like a hippie-type, or biker guy with long hair, I inadvertently think "oh, he looks like a priest."

[尼古拉前执事]

Welcome aboard David!

When a man is ordained a priest or tonsured a monk, he takes a vow not to cut his hair or beard. In a way this is a showing of being open to God's will as your hair will grow however God has ordained it to. It also helps prevent the pride and time taken in shorter, worldly-styled hairstyles.

Here is a great thread on beards in the Orthodox tradition:
http://euphrosynoscafe.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18

[David Cavall]

Many thanks for the information on hair and beards--it definitely answered my questions--as I learn more about Eastern Orthodoxy I am struck by the desire for piety through tradition,self-denial,sacrifice,worship and study.I now recognize how lacking the other faiths are, no matter how well intentioned they may be.
I first came to be aware of Eastern Orthodoxy through the biography about Father Seraphim Rose by Hieromonk Damascene.I have been told there is some error in his teachings,is this true? I will say this,I learned more, and was more inspired by that book then I was by most others(primarily protestant) I have read. Thanks again,
David

[Daniel]

Welcome aboard David!

When a man is ordained a priest or tonsured a monk, he takes a vow not to cut his hair or beard. In a way this is a showing of being open to God's will as your hair will grow however God has ordained it to. It also helps prevent the pride and time taken in shorter, worldly-styled hairstyles.

Dcn. Nicholas,
Do deacons not make the same vow then?

Daniel Ph.