It is not recommended for a woman to visit an Orthodox church without a headdress and wearing trousers. Why can't a woman go to church with her head uncovered? The presence of a scarf on the head has always been mandatory for all women since ancient times. Only at home could she afford to be “simple-haired.” The presence of a scarf on her head indicated that a woman belonged to a specific man and served as a manifestation of her husband’s submission and power over her.
In ancient times, trousers were not worn at all. Not a single woman in those days would even dream of putting on a man’s suit, much less hugging her hips, and going out into the street, let alone coming to the temple of the Lord. Let's exclude horse riding.
Why do women wear scarves and skirts to church?
When visiting an Orthodox church, women wear scarves and skirts due to established clothing traditions many centuries ago. Praying or venerating an icon without covering your head is considered not only shameful, but even in some cases sinful. A woman with her open hair can attract the gaze of a strange man. This means she will act as a seductress!
The Apostle Paul said:
And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered disgraces her own head>>(1 Cor. 11:5).
Hair among many peoples is considered not only an attribute of beauty, but also carries great sacred meaning. Quite recently, in the article “Why a wife should not cut her husband’s hair,” this was discussed. Only her husband should see a woman's hair. For everyone else, they are hidden by a scarf. It's about the same with trousers.
Although nowhere in the Holy Scriptures does it speak of trousers as men's clothing. Maybe because in those ancient times they didn’t wear trousers at all. Moses only said that a man should not wear women's clothing, and a woman should not wear men's clothing. (Deut.22:5).
There are different rules of etiquette in Catholic churches; there the requirements for appearance are less strict.
So the requirement that a woman wear a skirt as well as a headscarf is similar to the initiative of temple servants. The issue of compliance with numerous norms of etiquette in Orthodoxy is complex and causes well-deserved indignation among church parishioners. The Russian Orthodox Church of the century stands on the foundation of dogmatism, not wanting to transform in accordance with the spirit of the times. There are too many prohibitions and difficulties in our churches that only people who regularly attend services know. Therefore, often a person who wants to join religion experiences rejection from Orthodoxy in a situation where he is constantly pulled back and dictated the rules of behavior in God’s house.
A few more myths
- Is it possible to pray for the unbaptized?
Of course, it is possible, even necessary, to pray for them and light a candle, but you cannot give for health or peace in their name.
- Is it possible for a woman to enter the temple in pants?
I believe that every woman has a conscience and wisdom. Even though in today’s modern times it is allowed to enter the temple in pants, she must understand that it is better to wear a skirt or dress, things of a classic cut that cover the entire body, and, of course, she must also cover her head with a scarf. A woman's chastity is when she does everything with prudence.
- Is it possible for a woman to enter the temple when she is on her period?
Church is a holy place. You can come to the temple even during “women’s days”, but it is strictly forbidden to venerate shrines (icons, crosses), and it is better not to attend the service. After all, it is a sin.
- Pregnant women
There is a myth that there are also bad people in the temple who, for example, can cast the evil eye. Due to the fear that something might happen (for example, the evil eye), pregnant women rarely go to church. This superstition is fictitious. Indeed, on the contrary, a woman who is carrying a child must often confess, take communion, pray, and attend divine services so that the birth goes smoothly and the baby is born healthy.
- Animals in the temple
Of course, pets are not allowed into church. They can only be near the premises, but not inside the house of God.
- Is it possible to take pictures in the temple?
Yes, you can take several photos in the temple, but when there is a service, it is better to ask permission from the priest before the service.
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Does “Orthodox clothing” exist?
Unfortunately, an unchurched person most often understands “Orthodox women’s clothing” as a shapeless, black blouse, the same “floor-length” skirt and, to complete the look, a carelessly tied scarf. There really is such a trend. Sometimes you get the feeling that deliberate negligence and otherness in clothing are deliberately demonstrated, as if “everything external is alien to me.” Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' repeatedly in his sermons called on parishioners to look modest, but at the same time neat and beautiful:
“We must set an example for the people, including with our appearance. Orthodoxy is not squalor, it is the beauty of life. Orthodoxy does not force us to dress in dark colors.”
There is no “Orthodox fashion” as such. The Holy Fathers and church canons do not contain a list of what can and cannot be worn in church. Likewise, there are no specific instructions on how a woman should dress for church. But a believing woman should look decent, without seducing the opposite sex with her appearance. This applies not only to wearing trousers, which can be loose-fitting and not form-fitting. We are also talking about the length of the dress, the depth of the neckline and the silhouette of the skirt. Clothes must be neat, fit, and not just black or gray.
It is not without reason that they say that clothes indicate a person’s internal state. Therefore, it is natural for believers to look beautiful, one might say elegantly, tastefully. Christ said that even during fasting there is no need to be outwardly despondent, like the hypocrites (Matthew 6:16). There is no need to try to be presentable and express your faith in front of people through negligence in clothing. This is the desire to show imaginary detachment from the material world. When it comes to “Orthodox fashion,” one should stick to the golden mean. Now there are no problems with the assortment of clothes. You can always choose a beautiful dress for visiting a temple that would comply with the norms of church etiquette.
Not a word about trousers
In general, trousers, as an element of men's clothing, became known in the Middle East only during the Crusades, when local peoples saw medieval knights, and in Europe itself, trousers became popular after the invasion of Rome by German barbarian tribes.
Therefore, we will not find any special statements about trousers either from the early Christian saints or from the Christian holy fathers of the Middle Ages, who considered the instructions of the Old Testament and the Council sufficient for women.
General rules on how to dress for women and men when visiting a church or temple
It's simple: prohibitions serve to prevent people and church ministers from being distracted from what they gathered in church for. For all people, there are several general rules for dressing in church:
clothing should be modest, not flashy - it should not stand out from the general background, attract someone’s attention, distract from righteous thoughts, seduce;
you should give up tight-fitting clothes (for the same reason);
the more skin is covered with fabric, the better - there should be no long cuts or cuts;
It is not recommended to wear clothes with provocative, bright, foreign inscriptions or designs that are not pleasing to God - this is direct disrespect for the Orthodox Church;
Women should cover their heads, men should do the opposite.
As you can see, there are not so many requirements and clear instructions. There is a suitable item in every woman's wardrobe. And if not, then you can buy it, not only for visiting church, but also for wearing to other events. Discreet does not mean a lack of style. Of course, for events such as a Wedding or Baptism, you need to dress smartly and festively, but for an everyday visit to the temple, a regular wardrobe is suitable.
Important! People who are non-believers, or who do not attend church, but who are invited to some sacred ceremony and wish to attend it, are also required to comply with the rules of dress. You should respect the rules of the temple, be tolerant and learn humility, showing respect not only for the faith, but also for the people who invited you to their holiday. No one will be allowed into church in inappropriate clothing anyway - a person will lose the opportunity to see the beauty of the ritual and feel the touch of the Lord.
What can you wear to church?
The most important thing is that a woman should look neat and decent. The best option would be a long, fairly loose dress made of opaque fabric, the hem of which necessarily covers the knees.
Tips for choosing clothes and shoes for going to church:
- Sleeves should cover the shoulders. Ideally, a model with long sleeves or 3/4 sleeves is suitable.
- The neckline is small.
- The color of the outfit does not play a special role, but “flashy” colors should be avoided.
- You can wear a below-knee length skirt with a blouse, jumper, tunic or mid-thigh length shirt (sleeves are required).
- If you can't wear a dress or skirt, you can wear trousers. In this case, a large scarf or a special skirt with ties is tied around the hips. Such an accessory is usually found in almost every temple, or you can sew it yourself.
- You need comfortable shoes, without heels or low heels, since you will have to stand for at least 2 hours at work. In winter, early spring and late autumn, boots, shoes with low heels or low platforms are worn.
ADVICE! If the heels click too much, it is advisable to change the heels. Extraneous sounds in church greatly distract from prayer.
What is unacceptable in church
You cannot go to the temple in dresses and skirts longer than the knee, miniskirts, or models with a large slit. Translucent and transparent items (chiffon, lace, guipure, etc.) are strictly prohibited.
Dresses, blouses, sweaters and jumpers with a deep neckline and open shoulders are also considered an inappropriate choice. You cannot come to church in shorts, a top, or a T-shirt. Clothes should not contain prints, inscriptions or decor that contradict the church atmosphere (foreign words, images of pop personalities, animals, an abundance of rhinestones, beads, etc.).
Shoes with stiletto heels, flip-flops or overly creative models are not worn to the temple. Jewelry is used to a minimum: a cross, one or two modest rings, a thin chain, a discreet bracelet.
A woman must have a scarf, hat, bonnet or other women's headdress on her head. This is a rule that has no exceptions. In some churches, priests require parishioners to come exclusively in headscarves. If you plan to visit a new church, you should find out this nuance in advance.
IMPORTANT! You cannot paint your lips, because at the end of the service, parishioners approach the priest to kiss the crucifix and icon. Even if your lips were painted with colorless lipstick, church relics will get dirty. This is unhygienic and disrespectful towards other believers.
How to sew a skirt for a church, temple with pockets: models, patterns, photos
Pockets are a convenient thing because you can put money and other necessary items in them when going to temple. After all, it is inconvenient to go to church with a bag or package; you need nothing to interfere and your hands to be free. How to sew a skirt for a church or temple with pockets? Here are a few models with patterns and photos:
It will be easier if you make pockets along the side seam of the skirt. When you sew the side seam, do not sew the 10-12 cm wide hole at a distance of 15-20 cm from the top. Then cut out the pockets: 4 rectangles measuring 15 cm x 20 cm. Sew them and sew them to the side seams.
How to sew a skirt for a church, temple with pockets: models, patterns, photos
This elasticated skirt is sewn without a pattern. Take two panels 1 m wide and the length of the skirt. Sew them together, leaving holes for the pockets. Make and sew pockets. Sew an elastic band at the top. You can sew on belt straps. Insert the rubber and the skirt is ready.
How to sew a skirt for church, temple with pockets: models
Skirt with large patch pockets on the waist.
How to sew a skirt for church, temple with pockets: photo
Straight pencil skirt with a pleat at the front.
How to sew a skirt for church, temple with pockets: pattern
You can independently come up with your own model of a skirt with elastic or ties with pockets for the temple, and then sew it.
Women's clothing
Indeed, in Deuteronomy, where Moses gives the Israelites the laws by which they should continue to live, it is written: “A woman must not wear a man’s clothing, and a man must not put on a woman’s clothing, for anyone who does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God” (Deut. 22:5).
The famous interpreter of Old Testament texts, theologian and writer Alexander Lopukhin points out: the goal of Moses and God, who speaks through his mouth, is to preserve the Jewish people from unnatural corruption, that is, from homosexuality, which was common among many pagan peoples of the world. The Bible indicates that this is unacceptable: “You shall not lie with a man as with a woman: it is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22). There is a version that cross-dressing was also associated with various pagan rituals, when, when praising demons, priests changed into clothes of the opposite sex.
On the other hand, neither in the times of the Old Testament nor in the times of the New Testament did they know about trousers, and even more so, about women’s trousers: both sexes wore mantles of different lengths. Women's mantles were most likely longer and made of soft and thin materials.
The decision of the Sixth Ecumenical Council, which was convened in Constantinople (Constantinople) in the 7th century, is in complete agreement with the Old Testament. On it, the exarchs of the church determined that: “no husband should dress in women’s clothing, nor any wife in clothing characteristic of a husband... ...nor wear comic disguises... ...not proclaim the vile name of Dionysus...”. Here we are also talking, first of all, about same-sex relationships and rituals of worship of pagan gods.
How to sew a skirt for a church, temple with a wrap: models, patterns, photos
Wrap skirt models are always very original and interesting. Such products are easy to sew yourself, and even a novice craftswoman can do it. Here are a few models:
How to sew a skirt for a church, temple with a wrap: models, patterns, photos
How to sew a skirt for a church, temple with a wrap: models, patterns
How to sew a skirt for church, temple with a wrap: models
So, how to sew a skirt for a church, a temple with a wrap - patterns, photos:
This skirt is made not with ties, but with two buttons. You don't have to make pockets.
How to sew a skirt for church, temple with a wrap: patterns
More detailed pattern of a wrap skirt.
How to sew a skirt for church, temple with a wrap: patterns and photos
A wrap skirt is essentially a rectangular piece of fabric stitched on all sides. It can be gathered and sewn to the belt, or you can make darts and then sew the top to the belt. Any woman can sew such a skirt, even if she doesn’t have a sewing machine at home. All seams can be carefully finished by hand with a needle and thread.
How to sew a skirt for church, temple with ties: models, patterns, photos
It happens that we go on a trip, but we don’t know what attractions we will encounter along the way. You may have to visit temples and monasteries, and a skirt with ties will come in handy. After all, the usual clothing of a tourist is trousers or shorts, and it is not always possible to change clothes on the way to the Holy Place.
How to sew a skirt for church, temple with ties? Here are a few models, patterns and photos:
- A wrap skirt with ties is usually sewn without a pattern.
- The width will be used for the girth, and measure the length of the material according to the length of your future skirt.
- If you want to make flounces, like on this skirt, then you will need another fabric 3 m long. If you make narrow flounces, then 1.5 meters of material will be enough.
- First, cut out and gather the flounces, then sew them to the skirt panel.
- At the end, sew on the belt. It should be 50 cm longer on each side of the skirt. These will be the ties.
How to sew a skirt for church, temple with ties: models, patterns, photos
This is what you get in the end. If there is a lot of fabric and it is different, then you can make a multi-tiered skirt.
How to sew a skirt for church, temple with ties: models, photos
This pattern is an interesting skirt model. Mark on the material a length equal to the volume of your hips and cut the remaining half of this volume to the edge along an oblique line. You will get a beautiful cut edge.
How to sew a skirt for church, temple with ties: patterns
Here is another interesting model of a skirt with ties that are inserted into a plastic or metal buckle.
- Measure your waist circumference.
- Take a rectangular piece of fabric 1.5-2 meters long, and its width will be equal to the length of your skirt.
- Round one lower side of the canvas with a smooth arc to create a beautiful tail. Finish the edges.
- This skirt has no belt. Instead of ties, the ends of the fabric will serve, which need to be tucked into the buckle.
How to sew a skirt for church, temple with ties?
You can sew such a skirt without a pattern. To do this, use light types of fabrics: linen, cotton, chiffon. But, if you want to sew a skirt with ties from a thicker fabric, then use a pattern, since such a product should fit well on the figure, without folds.
How to sew a skirt for a church or temple with your own hands over trousers?
How to sew a skirt for a church or temple with your own hands over trousers?
If you like to wear trousers, and you don’t have suitable clothes in your wardrobe for going to the temple, then you can sew a skirt that is worn over the trousers. This is convenient, because after church you can easily take it off and go about your business in your usual clothes.
How to sew a skirt for a church or temple with your own hands over trousers? Purchase silk that will not wrinkle or another material of your choice. To make it comfortable to wear such a skirt, make it with a wraparound tie. The amount of fabric will depend on the width of the material. If the width is 1.5-2 meters, then you will need as much fabric as you need for the length of the skirt - 0.7-0.9 meters.
Remember: This skirt over trousers should be long (almost to the ankles), otherwise it will look strange.
Skirt model with a belt with darts at the front and back.
How to sew a skirt for church with your own hands over trousers?
An interesting model of a two-layer skirt with ties. The fabric for this skirt should be light and airy.
How to sew a skirt for the temple with your own hands over trousers?
A skirt that doesn't even need to be sewn. There is a knitted material that does not unravel. Just cut out a skirt of the required length and width, make ties and wear the finished product over your trousers. This fabric usually does not wrinkle, and is also very durable and lightweight.
How to sew a skirt for a church or temple over trousers?
How to sew a long beautiful skirt for visiting a temple or church with your own hands: patterns, photos
How to sew a long beautiful skirt for visiting a temple with your own hands: patterns, photos
Many people are sure that if it is modest, it means ugly and old-fashioned. But you can also dress stylishly and tastefully when going to church. How to sew a long beautiful skirt for visiting a temple or church with your own hands? Here are some patterns and photos:
The godet skirt is always in fashion. Sew it from discreet, dense or light material. Get a stylish outfit for going to church.
How to sew a long beautiful skirt for visiting a temple or church with your own hands: patterns
Here are several models of skirts and patterns: straight cut, semi-flared, flared, circle skirt.
How to sew a long beautiful skirt for visiting a temple or church with your own hands?
Skirt-year with counter pleats. Choose an interesting combination of fabrics and create your own unique outfit for going to the temple.
How to sew a long beautiful skirt for visiting a temple or church with your own hands: photo
