www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Long hair & beards

Stereotype central around here. ^^ I'm a clean shaven bass, who prefers beer over wine, like going to my local Korean BBQ for some clotted blood soup and grilled intestines. I can, however, sing tenor on occasion.

No offense taken as my statement was indeed too broad. The bottom line is that is it not for us to judge why one priest is bearded and another is not. My personal belief is that the rural 19th century Russian look is a barrier to effective ministry that has to be overcome, but that is just my opinion. Again, it is the character of the man that makes the priest, not his sartorial style of choice.

Wow....Which group of North American males portrays our cultural stereotype of 'masculinity' better than do our professional athletes? Most NFL and NHL players are clean-shaven and short-haired....Making a claim about 'tenor' voices and gay stereotypes in their presence would hardly be a good idea! (I know there are many exceptions with long hair, such as Troy Polomahu of the Steelers and others or beards like Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Bills, but I suspect they would join in the fray in support of their clean shaven peers!

I believe Metropolitan Jonah had some rather caustic words for secular priests who like to wander around their parishes looking like 19th century Russian hermits.

Will you forgive me if I tell you that sometimes you guys make me chuckle? How about discussing whether a "real" priest's wife should wear long skirts, covered shoulders and arms and a head covering all the time? Would that seem a little foolish to you? Well perhaps that's how this discussion appears to this priest's wife...

I would suggest that a Pani should dress modestly in a manner that does not cause either scandal or gossip. And that would be determined by the community in which she lives.

I would agree with you, Stuart, although having the tastes of the parishioners determine the "appropriate" wardrobe choices of the Pani seems a little harsh.

A matushka should dress the same as any other modest woman. In public, she should be covered, including her hair. Other than that, I am not aware of any restrictions. What she wears in the privacy of her time spent with her husband is her own concern. For those desirous of learning how a modest woman dresses, may I recommend the Domostroi. http://www.amazon.com/Domostroi-Rules-Russian-Households-Terrible/dp/0801496896

Alexandr

Yes, I can too. But didn't this "indelible mark" just get a lot of these priests in a whole boatload of trouble for practices "associated" with this "indelible mark"?

Alexandr

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I'm sure I'm not the only one here who finds that highly offensive.

It's also ridiculous and the phrase glass houses comes to mind. I recall certain monasteries in Massachusetts and Texas with certain connections to Jordanville in which certain monks with long hair and beards indulged in certain practices with legal consequences. It doesn't mean that I attribute that to their sartorial choices.

I apologize if I have offended you. Your use of quotes around "indelible mark" led me to believe that we were speaking of the same "indiscretion". And you are correct about Boston and Texas. But both of those groups rapidly found themselves outside the Church. Has Rome dealt with the issue as thoroughly?

But we are straying from the heart of the subject. Different cultures and prevailing local practices color how we look at things. Australia has many nude beaches, does it not? That would be very offensive to most American sensibilities. In rural Pennsylvania, "pretty" men are frowned upon. And priests look like priests.

Alright, you are perfectly right to pull my leg! Fashion trends in the time of Ivan the Terrible, indeed. I don't think I'm up to nude beaches, but this totally covered up look doesn't quite describe me either!

LOL!! I was wondering when you were going to catch on!

Seriously, a Matushka should dress modestly in Church and cover her head, whether with a scarf or hat or whatever , it makes no difference, only that it is covered. It is possible to dress modestly without looking frumpy. Her role is to be a role model for the other women in Church. And from what I've seen over the years, most Matushki do a wonderful job of it.

But... what's to discuss?

And now may I politely suggest that you all get on back to your serious discussion of what I should tell my husband about shaving (or not) and dress codes for priests?