The question of how a woman should dress in church torments many parishioners. Some resolutely refuse to put on all black or gray, saying that it would be better if they did not go to the service. Others don't like wearing a floor-length skirt that gets in the way of movement. Still others testify that all this is necessary. But is it? In fact, there are 4 main rules that Orthodox women need to follow:
- don't look vulgar and flashy;
- do not wear tight clothes;
- do not wear flashy jewelry (a cross is required from jewelry);
- the head must be covered with a scarf.
For the rest, Christian women can completely rely on their own taste and style. No one has the right to stop them from doing so. But let's move on to how a woman should dress properly for church.
Outerwear
Tops, short-sleeved T-shirts, low-cut T-shirts with foreign inscriptions, to avoidawkward situations and distracting believers from prayer, it is forbidden to wear to church. Do not forget that the whole body of an Orthodox woman who comes to the temple must be hidden under her clothes. Therefore, loose blouses or hip-length shirts are an ideal choice. They must have sleeves and a high collar and be opaque. The same goes for dresses.
Women's underwear
Christian women who ask a question about how a woman should dress to church are often also interested in whether trousers can go there. In fact, it is undesirable, since you will distract the parishioners from prayer, especially those who supposedly know everything about everything. But if there is no other possibility, it is worth putting on special skirts with ties over the trousers, they are now sold in many stores, and sometimes they are provided to parishioners directly in the temple itself during the service.
But still the best choice would be spacious skirts below the knee length, not necessarily to the floor. During worship, you should pray and turn to God, and not think about how uncomfortable it is to stand, and not be afraid to fall. Miniskirts are strictly prohibited! Do not lead the thoughts of men, including priests, in the wrong direction.
Headwear
One of the most important rules for a woman to dress in church is that her head must be covered. There are no exceptions in this case! Another thing is that instead of a scarf in some churches it is allowed to wear a hat, shawl, beret or cap, the main thing is that these products are chosen correctly,rather than hurt their eyes with their own inappropriateness. But you should find out about the possibility of a replacement at the local temple.
Women's shoes
Church service is very long, and you have to stand during it. Therefore, everyone who is interested in how to dress a woman in church in summer or winter should know: shoes for visiting the temple must be chosen comfortable and closed. No sandals, open sandals, high-heeled shoes that strongly click on the floor! If for some reason you cannot wear flat shoes, wear shoes with 2-3 cm heels, to which the heels are nailed.
Wardrobe color
Some, answering the question of how a woman should dress in church, answer: in dark or even better black. This is a very wrong view! Patriarch Kirill himself, answering a question from one of the parishioners, said that the color of clothes and other wardrobe items has nothing to do with good looks, modesty, or Orthodoxy in general. However, this does not mean that you can put on a clown costume and go to the temple in it. An Orthodox woman should look cute and modest, as if she really gathered for a great holiday, and not for a party with her friends. But in what style her clothes will be sewn - whether modern, rural or urban, it no longer matters. Good luck to you!
