Wearing shorts and running shoes to church?

LJCTAM · Oct 17, 2013

Yeah guys. In my slide downhill I wore shorts to church the last time I went. What an absolute bum. At other places where the dress codes would equate to full afterburner, this place was the equivalent of a pilot light.

What is the norm for dress style in EO? As said I went to Coptic church a few times but it was not ever on Sunday (vepsers, prayer services). They were less than formal, ranging from low casual to dressed. Does the EO do a vesper? (Yeah I am clueless)

I don't ever want to treat God like that. I won't ever show up in shorts. People DO judge based on that. (Although mY life is kinda hard they would cut some slack I guess)

I thought about the following to myself: If I were going on the date of the lifetime would I dress like this? Be unexcited like this? Would I show the lack of respect and lack of care in preparation? Is this how one gives God the best? I would give a human my best rather than God?!?!! Sad.

:groupray:

ArmyMatt · Oct 17, 2013

yes, we do Vespers. I would say long sleeves and long pants (especially long pants)are the best way to go, especially if it's your first time in that parish. after that, see what others are wearing and go from there. try to avoid stuff that is distracting and gaudy, and if you are still wondering, ask the priest when you are done with the service.

AV1 · Oct 17, 2013

First fruits. I think this means effort in appearance when you come to meet the Lord as much as it does anything else.

27B6 · Oct 17, 2013

LJCTAM · Oct 17, 2013

AV1 said:
First fruits. I think this means effort in appearance when you come to meet the Lord as much as it does anything else.

My man. AV1. How are ya. Exactly what I was thinking.

gzt · Oct 17, 2013

Pants. Unless you're in a tropical climate.

If pants are a struggle, that's enough. As for me, I hate pants. It was 38 degrees this morning when I left the house and I still wore shorts. But, you know, even when it's 100 of the Lord's very own degrees out, I wear pants to church.

I might wear jeans to vespers. But for liturgy, something nicer.

Brother Bread · Oct 19, 2013

Provide rest for the brothers and don't be a distraction. But don't focus on what not to be, but on Him!!!!

Dewi Sant · Oct 19, 2013

gzt said:
Pants. Unless you're in a tropical climate.

If pants are a struggle, that's enough. As for me, I hate pants. It was 38 degrees this morning when I left the house and I still wore shorts. But, you know, even when it's 100 of the Lord's very own degrees out, I wear pants to church.

I might wear jeans to vespers. But for liturgy, something nicer.

I am near certain it is dependent upon local culture.

In Greece where it is frequently above 100' F, trousers are still required in the church.
Or so I am told. (by a pious lay person...I haven't asked a clergyman, but I expect that it is a requirement)

This gives no one the right to turn people away on account of dress code.
During the service of Bridgroom vespers, several people came to venerate the icon, among which I saw people wearing short trousers or skirts and vests. It was touching to know that these same people took that time out of their lives to keep their faith alive.
We must not judge these people but be thankful always that they come.

Of course, there are the uber pious men who stand at the front in their three piece suits, pouring forth buckets of sweat.

Again, no judgement.
Though personally, I would at least remove the suit jacket.

Brother Bread · Oct 19, 2013

I once had a man tell me a vest and jacket kept him cooler in the summer. I thought... Really? I never tried it. He He He.

Dewi Sant · Oct 19, 2013

I think there is some wisdom to wearing long clothes in hot places.
White linens are very comfortable.

Natural fibres do tend to be more pleasant in the heat, synthetic are more effective at keeping body warmth in during cold months.

Knee V · Oct 19, 2013

Just get there.

If in the process you're able to dress as modestly as the climate will allow, then that would be a bonus.

I'm not a big believer in "wearing your Sunday best," as if our clothes will impress God. I just want to make sure that I dress in a way that won't be a distraction or stumbling block to someone else.

buzuxi02 · Oct 19, 2013

Yeah, I wouldn't wear shorts to church. Unlikely anyone will kick you out but you may get stares. There's no one enforcing dress code and I've seen a lot of questionable outfits. Although I did come close to throwing out Criss Angel from church many years ago when he showed up in this over the top goth outfit and black painted finger nails. Don't worry didn't have the cajones to do it.

LJCTAM · Oct 19, 2013

Well went to an Antiochian service tonight. My soul needed that.

ArmyMatt · Oct 20, 2013

what stuck out at you in the service?

LJCTAM · Oct 21, 2013

ArmyMatt said:
what stuck out at you in the service?

pm'd/next post explaination

ArmyMatt · Oct 21, 2013

got it, pretty sweet I must say

Wearing shorts and running shoes to church?

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