Posted by Joanna on February 03, 2002 at 05:24:51:
In Reply to: women wearing pants in church (why not?) posted by nick on February 02, 2002 at 18:57:50:
: I have noticed that some greek churches frown upon women wearing pants in church. This seems to me to have nothing to do with religion but another way that 'greek men in power' can control women. It is an old fashion custom from the days when women didn't wear pants anyway.
: I am wrliting this in support of my wife who sometimes will wear an attractive pants suit and is criticized by some.
: Now with female doctors, teachers, lawyers, and corporate executives wearing attractive pants suits, isn't it time that our church joined the 21st century? Even our present and prior first lady wear them to church on a regular basis.
: Our church has a more serious problem with losing some families, especially when a mixed marriage is involved.
: Does anyone have any other opinion as to why this is happening in our church?
: Thanks, Nick
Nick,
I think the Orthodox church has this "dress code" for women -for wearing skirts- because it's supposed to be a non-distracting form of dress. In church you're not supposed to be conspicuous in a distracting way ie having a strange outlandish hairstyle, strange clothes. The priest also wears robes which cover his legs -a church tradition but there is a reason for it I'm sure.
BUT, I do remember one of our priests saying: I'd rather a woman to wear pants than a mini skirt!
Plus, it is wrong for other people to criticize. They should give advice with good reason. If you want to find out what's right and why, the best person to ask is your priest or confessor.
Joanna.