Tattoos And Piercings?

What's the Orthodox stance on them? I have just heard from somebody, that if one has a tattoo, the Orthodox Church will not bury them. Could I get some feedback on this? Thanks

P.S. I do not have any piercings or tattoos, nor do I plan on any.

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I don't have the answer WRT the OP but not being buried by the Church is pretty serious. I don't think I would ever get a tattoo, but if that keeps one from the burial rite, I can just imagine what some of my other past sins would do

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From the CF Dictionary:

Tradition of men: Biblical doctrine that I disagree with.

Word of God: My personal opinion.


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I can not imagine the Church denying a Christian burial simply for having a tatoo. The motivation behind the tatoo is important. If it is done for vanity, then it is sinful.

It is common for Christians (including my spiritual father) in/from Muslim lands to have a tatoo of a cross on their right arm or over their heart. It is a statement that they would rather be skinned alive or have their heart cut out instead of giving up their faith.

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Christ is risen from the dead! Trampling down death by death! And on those in the tombs bestowing life!

Here's what an OCA priest said when I e-mailed him with this question:

Burial would not be denied.

They are discouraged because of respect for the body. Although Ethiopian Monophysite Orthodox regularly tatoo as part of their religious tradition.

Peace.

Peter

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"Tradition is the living faith of the dead. Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living." Jaroslav Pelikan

Thanks all. So I guess the bottom line is that they are considered a sin, due to the fact one is not to mutilate one's body. However you can still be buried a Christian if you have one.

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Wait. Did any one say these things are a sin? Sin is an out and out rebellion towards God. "To him who knows to do good, and does it not, to him it has become sin."

What the priest said is it's discouraged. One should examine one's motives. Why would you want either of these things?

Speaking only for me, because I"ve had to answer these questions for myself, to get either a piercing or a tattoo would be because I wanted to draw attention to myself. This is, of course, is vanity. I would be making provision for the flesh, which scripture warns against.

Tattooing the outward skin, or putting a hole in it is not the evil. The evil is that which lies within each of us.

Orthodoxy is not about rules and regulations. It's about renewing the mind. It's about becoming like Christ. It's about our salvation.
The question that each Orthodox Christian must answer for himself is, "Is what I'm doing profitable?". For St. Paul said "All things are lawful, but not everything is profitable."

For any Christian I would hope that their every move would be seen in light of cultivating a closer walk with Christ.

Peace.

Peter

P.S. Dear Orthodox brothers, correct me if I'm out of line.

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"Tradition is the living faith of the dead. Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living." Jaroslav Pelikan

I believe there is a really good answer at the OCA web site on tattoos in the Q&A section. I think it's by Father John Matusiak, if I recall correctly.

I read it awhile back. Fr. John does not condemn tattoos or recommend them.

I have a tattoo of a Russian cross on my right shoulder (lateral deltoid area). Few people have ever seen it or know I have it. I was not thinking correctly when I got the tattoo, but I like it still, nonetheless. It has occurred to me that if I ever fell into the wrong sort of Muslim hands, they would probably cut my arm off at the very least.

When I got the tattoo I didn't know or think I was doing anything wrong.

I love the Cross and honestly am glad to have it there on my shoulder.

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Here is a direct link to the article on tattoos by Father John Matusiak.

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I like Father John's sense of humor. He has an excellent way of correcting without causing offense.

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Virgin Theotokos, rejoice!
O Mary, Full of Grace;
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
For thou hast borne the Savior of our souls.

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Glory to Jesus Christ!
Glory Forever!
O Giver of Life, Glory to Thee!


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Are you talking about the part where the Ethiopian woman walked by with a tattoo of a cross on her forehead?

I enjoyed that, too.

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