Proper Attire for Clergy Outside the Church

Is it always necessary for priests and deacons to don cassocks beyond the church's confines, or are there circumstances in which secular clothing is more suitable? How should one choose their attire when navigating public transport during rush hours or while shopping, situations where raising the vestment may not be feasible? And if one does opt for secular clothing on occasion, what form should it take?

In this article we aim to explore the authoritative perspectives of bishops and pastors within the Russian Orthodox Church regarding the attire of clergy outside the context of worship and the church, using the resources available at priest.today.

While your specific circumstances may differ from those of the clergy and bishops we cite below, we trust that this information will assist you in adopting a well-rounded perspective on this matter.

"Black Letter Law"? A Bit of History

The guidelines for the attire of clergymen trace their origins back to Canon 27 of the Quinisext Council, which states:

"A clergyman must not wear an unsuitable dress, [i.e., not befitting his rank] either when traveling or at home. Should he do so, he shall be temporarily suspended from serving in the clergy for one week."

While this regulation has endured for several centuries, in our modern era, many canonical norms are, in practice, relaxed or not strictly adhered to, thanks to the principle of oikonomia (pastoral flexibility). So, what about the rule governing the appearance of a priest?

In Russia, for instance, this issue only became prominent within the last century. During the pre-revolutionary period, it was considered unnatural for a priest to adopt the attire of a layperson outside of divine services. The exception to this rule was made for clergy serving abroad, for whom the Holy Synod officially authorized the wearing of civilian clothing.

The clergy of the Russian Empire in traditional attire outside the church.

The question of clergy dressing in secular attire, particularly for those who held secular positions, was first brought up at the Local Council of 1917-1918. However, at that time, it was deemed entirely unacceptable and was not even considered.

Arguments in Favor of Clerical Vestments

There exist compelling reasons to uphold the observance of the Ecumenical Council's rule by wearing inner, and perhaps even outer cassocks, in contemporary times. Two strong arguments advocate for this practice.

1) Clerical attire serves as a form of silent preaching. Esteemed pastors highlight that when people encounter a clergyman, they may feel inclined to approach him with questions, seek advice, or request blessings.

"A priest's vocation is not merely a profession; it's a way of life. One must discern when to be formally attired and when some informality is permissible. Through their oath of office, priests commit to preach 'timelessly and at all times,' which means always. Wearing a cassock is, in itself, a form of preaching, signaling that the Church is alive and integral to life, not merely an adjunct.": Archimandrite Spyridon¹ wisely notes.

"In regions where the majority of the population historically adheres to other faiths, such as Muslims, seeing a priest in a cassock provides spiritual encouragement for the Orthodox minority." Archpriest Vyacheslav² adds another dimension.

2) Appropriate ecclesiastical attire instills discipline in clergymen, fostering greater organization and mindfulness in their thoughts and actions. Many archpastors continue to recommend the wearing of cassocks with this in mind.

Bishop Konstantin³ recounts his personal experience: "When I was ordained a deacon and began serving in Moscow, I noticed that wearing church attire in public, even in the underground, heightened my focus, attentiveness, and inner composure. Transitioning to civilian clothing immediately led to a sense of inward relaxation."

Bishop Anthony⁴ recalls an enlightening encounter: "I remember a meeting with a bishop who came to inspect our theological school. During the gathering, a seminarian inquired about wearing cassocks. I will forever cherish the profound words he shared: 'This garment will save you from many sins."

Bishop Mefodiy⁵ emphasizes the significance of continuous use of priestly attire: "It is advisable to always wear a priest's robe. Beyond the inner cassock, an outer garment, such as a cassock or symbolic waistcoat, is recommended.

This practice serves as a constant reminder of a priest's calling. The priesthood cannot be donned and doffed like ordinary clothing. When one hangs their vestments on a hook and dons lay attire, there's a risk of losing the sense of being a priest at all times—day and night, everywhere and always."

Arguments in Favor of Ordinary Clothing

There are pastors who firmly believe that there are situations in which wearing a full-length priestly garment may be impractical or inappropriate.

Archimandrite Seraphim⁶: "For instance, in rural areas, it can be challenging to maintain vestments' cleanliness, especially in slushy or rainy conditions. Engaging in substantial shopping or household chores while wearing a cassock may also prove inconvenient."

Priest Valery⁷: "In my early years of ministry, I rarely removed my cassock. However, after extensive work in both the church and my household, my cassock deteriorated rapidly. Acquiring a new one posed challenges, primarily due to budget constraints and the need to travel to the city for measurements and ordering. Consequently, I began wearing my second cassock exclusively for services and official events, while adopting civilian attire at home.

Over the past two decades of living in the village, I predominantly wear a cassock only for services and formal occasions. In everyday life, virtually everyone recognizes me as a clergyman, even without clerical attire."

Archpriest Oleg⁸: "When I attend public places representing the Church, I choose to wear a cassock. However, for routine activities like traveling on public transport, visiting the hospital, or shopping, I find the cassock to be out of place. In the rural areas where I serve, I am well-known, and there is no need to constantly emphasize my clerical identity. Often, I navigate the church premises in my work attire, a practice that locals have become accustomed to."

Dignity in All Circumstances

Archimandrite Seraphim: "In situations where a priest must dress in secular clothing, it is crucial that his attire remains modest and well-kept."

Archpriest Lev⁹: "When wearing priestly clothing, it should always be immaculate, leaving a positive impression even on those who do not share our faith. A priest's appearance reflects on the Church, and presenting oneself with a clean and well-maintained cassock or suit is essential. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with wearing a suit when walking around the city. A priest should always be dressed decently, and a classic suit is one of the most dignified forms of secular attire."

Bishop Veniamin¹⁰: "Trousers and a shirt can be entirely appropriate as attire for a clergyman in certain suitable settings."

Bishop Panteleimon¹¹: It is worth noting that even Patriarch Alexy II, a prominent figure in the Church, was seen wearing a suit during his leisure time, as documented in preserved footage.

Bishop Alexei (future Patriarch Alexei II) on vacation

Bishop Alexis¹²: "Above all, a priest must always maintain a sense of dignity in his appearance, ensuring that he neither degrades nor offends his sacred ministry.

The Rule of Thumb

Archpriest Oleg Bezrukikh: "I recall an encounter from the Soviet era when I crossed paths with an archbishop I knew at Moscow's GUM department store. Alongside his assistant, he was shopping for items required by his publishing house.

They, like my priest friend and me, were attired in civilian suits. Navigating through the crowd, carrying bulky boxes, and subsequently traversing the streets and metro in long robes would have been quite uncomfortable in every aspect. In such circumstances, emphasizing a priestly appearance would likely have caused surprise and amusement."

So, how can one determine when it's necessary to wear a cassock versus dressing in secular attire?

Bishop Veniamin: "To make this decision, one should ask themselves a fundamental question: "Why am I choosing to go somewhere without vestments? Is it because I wish to avoid being identified as a priest, or does the situation naturally call for a more appropriate 'civilian' mode of dress?"

In the latter case, forgoing the cassock is acceptable, but in the former case, one should retain it. Ultimately, this is a matter that falls within the realm of a pastor's own conscience."

Lessons from the Atheist Soviet Period

During the Soviet era, the conditions within the Church presented a unique set of challenges, effectively rendering the requirement for priests to wear ecclesiastical attire nearly irrelevant.

Bishop Panteleimon: "In those difficult times, even Catacomb priests, who operated underground due to persecution, often shaved their beards and cut their hair. Those serving in the few remaining open churches also attempted to adopt a more secular appearance.

This adaptation wasn't a sign of apostasy but rather a pragmatic necessity. Ministry often hinged on how priests presented themselves, as Soviet authorities held a strongly negative stance towards ‘ministers of religion’ and overt religious expressions."

Archpriest Oleg Bezrukikh: "In the 1970s and 1980s, any form of public worship outside of designated church buildings was strictly prohibited in the USSR. The only exception was home Communion for the dying and seriously ill, granted after numerous pleas from believers. For all other sacraments, such as baptisms, chrismations, or burials, they had to be conducted secretly, necessitating priests to enter homes in civilian attire and later change into vestments.

If local authorities discovered such activities, it could lead to immediate termination of the priest's pastoral mission. I was once asked to administer communion to a political prisoner exiled to a remote Siberian village, with a clear warning that being caught would result in severe consequences for my involvement with the exile. I had to disguise myself as an ordinary traveler merely to provide spiritual support to the exiled individual. Whether or not to wear priestly attire had to be decided based on the circumstances at hand."

In light of the diverse perspectives shared above, it is evident that each specific situation demands a balanced, thoughtful, and responsible approach from the clergy. Such an approach should consider both the unique circumstances of ministry and the responsibilities of the minister.

We extend our wishes to all for spiritual wisdom and God's guidance on their journey in priesthood!

[1] Archimandrite Spyridon (Pismenny), Senior Chorister of the Kiev Trinity Monastery of St. Jonas

[2] Archpriest Vyacheslav Arkhangelsky, Head of the Charity and Social Service Department of the Ufa Diocese and Rector of the Ascension Church in the village of Chesnokovka

[3] Bishop Konstantin of Zaraisk, Rector of the Kolomna Theological Seminary

[4] Bishop Anthony of Volgodonsk and Salsk

[5] Bishop Mefodiy of Kamensk and Kamyshlov

[6] Archimandrite Seraphim (Krechetov), Clergyman of the Odintsovo Diocese

[7] Priest Valery Logachev, Clergyman of the Intercession Church in Orsk

[8] Archpriest Oleg Naumov, Omsk

[9] Archpriest Lev Makhno, Rector of the Tula Orthodox Classical Gymnasium

[10] Bishop Veniamin of Rybinsk and Romanovo-Borisoglebsk

[11] Bishop Panteleimon of Vereya

[12] Bishop Alexis of Solnechnogorsk, Vicar of the Danilov Monastery in Moscow