www.byzcath.org Forums News & Events Church News Greek Church rejects modernizing look

This was in our local newspaper:

Associated Press:

"Greece's Orthodox Church has decided to stick with tradition, turning down a request by priests who wanted to shed their long beards, black robes and pipe hats, state-run radio said Wednesday."

These priests said most women are unwilling to be seen with a man in robes and a long beard, and had hurt their marriage prospects.

Dear Bisantino,

As long as one keeps the beard nicely trimmed and tidy, I think women like the experience of being tickled by them

But that's neither hair nor there . . .

I think most presbyteras, as one recently told me, draw the line at their sacerdotal husbands coming to bed with their prayer ropes still on their wrists!

(You thought I was going to be serious, didn't you?)

Alex

Do the Greek priests have the custom of daily bathing? A little shampoo and some conditioner can make hair and beards extremely soft indeed.

Dear Administrator,

As we are "in communion with Rome," when in Rome . . .

I think it all ties in with one's overall appearance and whether one is a "slob" or not.

There are stories of women falling in love with priests and monks because of their smart appearance, beard and all.

As I understand it (and again, I was never in a seminary) our priests are bound by certain rules to "keep up appearances" given their public role.

Since we're on the topic of Protestants on another thread here, it was Billy Graham who once said, during one of his crusades, "And I'm going to tell you about another thing Christians ought to do that just may step on a few toes - be sure and take a bath at least once a week! I was talking with a fellow the other day and while I'm sure he had Jesus in his heart, I swear I had to hold my nose!"

The "odor of sanctity" is always pleasant . . .

Alex

Alex,

A number of years ago, I attended the annual Greek festival at the local GO Cathedral. I saw a priest, long slicked-down (oily) hair, parted down the middle, loooong beard, (Rasputin-looking), pushing a baby carriage with his child inside. He came upon a rather striking woman, tall, blond, looked like she walked off the cover of Vogue. He greeted her affectionately and the two walked off pushing the baby carriage. I don't think it was his sister. Talk about contrasts.

Dear Bisantino,

Perhaps they were into oil massages the night before and things REALLY got out of hand . . .

Can you take any more of this?

Alex

I'm glad they have decided to take this route. It wasn't all that long ago that people like Saint Nektarios were complaining about the clergy and seminarians in Greece who insisted on having clean-shaven faces. I'm glad they have not only gone back to the older traditions, but are refusing the Priests to re-modernize. A Priest (and a Christian for that matter) isn't suppose to fit in! God means it when he says we're a peculiar people

Or maybe I'm just trying to justify my own not-conforming-to-the culture view. My gram says I look like Fidel Castro with my beard now, lol.

"These priests said most women are unwilling to be seen with a man in robes and a long beard, and had hurt their marriage prospects."

oddly enough, my wife really loves that look. I could not cut a hair on my chinny-chinchin if i wanted

I really have to ask, does all this mean that the Greek Orthodox have actually dogmatized beards? In some conversations I have read I get the impression that this may be so. Does an Orthodox priest really HAVE to have a beard? Are men who don't refused consideration for the priesthood? I am very curious.

God bless,

Patrick

The practice is just that...a practice.

The Greeks in the homeland refer to the American Greek Orthodox priests as French priests since they wear clerical garb similar to that worn by Catholic priests.

I once knew a priest from Crete--now an American-- who was more than happy to be liberated from the old tradition. So was his wife.

Abdur

And amongst the Greeks, the "French" label is not a bad thing since among the European minded Greeks, France represents an epitome of culture and class (much more so than the Italians, Brits or Germans). Of course, Greek style is best. (:-) )But, if one goes second-best, French is the way to go.

Ultimately, it is the spirituality of the priest which is at the heart of the matter. The vesture is just that: clothes. (Although I must admit that I am overcome with a sense of spiritual peace when I see photos of the Dalai Lama in his traditional Buddhist robes. If he were in a Brooks Brothers suit, I don't think it would present quite the same effect.)

Blessings!

Dear friends,

I think that nobody would find it offensive if I ask you to show a bit of respect, comprenhension and Christian Charity towards our Greek Orthodox brothers. Believe me I do not like at all the old traditional look of Greek Orthodox priests but when I compare the Greek Orthodox priests with their beards (some of them are really clean)and all on with those beardless American Orthodox or Byzantine Catholics bishops...well. What is better form your point of view the traditional Byzantine (or Byzantine-Othoman if you prefer) beards or those Latin rings in the finger of some Byzantine Catholic bishops (I am sure that your bishops although beardless are good and holy bishops)? Dear administrator, yes, most Greek priests have the custom of daily bathing. I also know some Catholic priests that have not this custom.
Yours in Christ,
Francisco

Here, here Francisco! I really think that this thread is taking a silly direction unworthy of the forum. Cleanliness, despite the saying, is NOT next to godliness. Some of the holy fools, the most beautiful saints of the East and the West gave no thought to their looks, image or smell - and God blessed them for it!!!

'Let us lay aside all earthly cares...'

With love in Christ -
Mark, monk and sinner.

"Some of the holy fools, the most beautiful saints of the East and the West gave no thought to their looks, image or smell - and God blessed them for it!!!"

Water is soooooooooo dear in the middle of the desert. Who are you going to impress?

Who are we to judge what is pretty or not? If Vogue-blondes can find happiness with monk-looking clerics, then they're probably getting something they aren't getting elsewhere: respect, love and respectful attention. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The men in Greece are signaling a problem to their authorities: the monastic look isn't getting them the girls they want. It's a guy-woman thing celibates won't understand. I'd love to grow a beard and "play the part," but I'd miss my dear wife.

Check your history!

The holy fools didn't live in the desert but were urban creatures.

In Christ -
Fr Mark.