From time to time it's important to remember how we should dress for church. Here are the standards that we should follow. Please take the time to share this with the children and adults in your family.

+ Fr. Bill Tragus

DRESSING FOR GOD

Every Christian (and non-Christians, too) should use their best judgment before entering an Orthodox church. The church is not just any ordinary place. It is the House of God. When we enter, we do so humbly, with a sense of unworthiness. We dress as modestly and respectfully as we can because we are in the presence of God Himself.

The way Orthodox Christians dress, both in and outside the temple, reflects their way of life and dedication and humility towards God. We always dress modestly, not in a flashy or provocative way that brings attention to ourselves. Below are some general guidelines for what to wear in an Orthodox church. Keep in mind these vary slightly from parish to parish, depending on the archdiocese (Greek, Russian, Serbian, etc.).

DRESS CODE FOR GENTLEMEN

The dress code for men attending an Orthodox church is rather simple:

  • Collared, button-up shirts
  • Clean dress pants (no shorts, even in the summer, and no jeans)
  • Sweaters, vests, blazers, and suits
  • Ties and coats (not required, but always appropriate)
  • Dress shoes, NO sneakers

(Modesty and humility aren’t just for the ladies; men can distract women, too)! Lastly, avoid wearing clothes with any words or logos on them.

DRESS CODE FOR LADIES

Women should dedicate time to finding appropriate clothing to wear before entering an Orthodox church. The main reason for this is the overabundance of immodest clothing sold in stores these days. Ladies, if you make an effort, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

  • Modest dresses and blouses (avoid low-cut necklines or open backs)
  • Sleeves (no sleeveless tops, unless you wear a sweater to cover the shoulders)
  • Knee-length skirts or longer
  • Clean dress pants
  • Sneakers should not be worn in church
  • No athletic leggings (ie: lululemon’s)

As with the gentlemen, ladies should refrain from wearing jeans or shorts to services. Ladies, we must also avoid short skirts, skin-tight clothing, strapless tops, and clothing with writing or logos on it. When it comes to footwear, so long as your dress shoes or dress sandals are clean and have backs, they are generally acceptable.

CHILDREN

We welcome you to bring your children to church with you. The dress code for children is essentially the same as that for ladies and gentlemen. When choosing clothes for your children to wear to church, avoid revealing tops, shorts, tennis shoes, and clothing with wording. As with adults, children should have clean, tied shoes or sandals.

CHANGING CLOTHES AFTER SERVICES

If you must go somewhere after church where you need to dress casually, you can always bring a change of clothes with you and change after the service. In most church halls, you can access a restroom and change there, if necessary. This goes for children as well, if they want to play outside or in the fellowship hall.

WHAT TO WEAR TO CHURCH IN THE SUMMER

Depending on where you live, summers can get brutal with the heat. Many people struggle to find clothing that is appropriate to wear to Orthodox churches during these hotter months. However, regardless of the temperature, modesty in the house of God is still important. Therefore, all the other dress code guidelines we stressed above still apply in summer, too. Here are some helpful tips for finding modest clothing in the summer:

  • Wear breathable fabrics, like cotton, linen, or rayon
  • Choose lighter colors that reflect light instead of absorbing it
  • Ladies: wear long flowing skirts to allow your legs to breathe; modest maxi dresses are also a great option
  • Gentlemen: opt for khakis and a nice collared, button-up short sleeved shirt

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE NICE CLOTHES?

The Lord expects our best in our present circumstances. Simply dress the best that you can afford to; no one will judge you for this.
If you would like to attend services at an Orthodox church, but feel you don’t have appropriate clothes to wear, reach out to the priest at that parish. Here at St. Basil’s, we have a clothing ministry that distributes clothing to those who need it, whether it’s for their newborn baby, their next job interview, or for a visit to St. Basil’s Church!

DRESS RESPONSIBLY

Orthodox Christians must take responsibility for the way we dress both in and out of church, and the way people perceive us because of it. Our goal in asking our parishioners and visitors to follow these guidelines is not to oppress anyone’s individuality. Rather, it is to remain modest in the presence of our God and focus on prayer, worship, repentance, and communion with Him. If anything, freeing yourself from worry of how people perceive you is liberating. You can be your true self and focus on that which is important: worshiping God.
Dressing appropriately for service means giving God your absolute best. You wouldn’t go to a lovely dinner party in jeans and a t-shirt; why would you go to God’s house that way?