The culturologist explained the tradition of closed clothes in the temple

The tradition of coming to an Orthodox church in closed and restrained clothes is primarily related to cultural notions of modesty and respect for religious space, rather than a strict list of requirements. Cultural critic, poet and composer Peter Sukhodolsky told Izvestia about this on July 21.

According to the expert, there is no single official dress code for parishioners, and the requirements for appearance have changed with the epochs and social norms. Ideas about acceptable clothing were influenced by fashion, social traditions, and the position of religious organizations in society. Closed clothing in the temple is seen as a way to maintain restraint and focus on the purpose of the visit.

"The most important source of the demand for closed modest clothing is in some attempt to help the temple visitor cope with his own feelings. First of all, with passion and lust, since even the very shape of the body of the opposite sex, and even more so the exposed areas of the arms, legs, and back can cause carnal desires, which the church tries to regulate," Sukhodolsky said.

The expert did not call visiting a temple in shorts or other open clothes a violation of religious rules. It is mainly about the norms of etiquette and respect for the place.

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"There are no strict standards of dress for visitors to temples, these are the norms of decency, etiquette, and upbringing, after all. God does not close his doors to anyone, and the church cannot do this," the culturologist emphasized.

Sukhodolsky added that appearance should not prevent spontaneous church attendance. This applies to tourists, people who found themselves near the temple during a walk, as well as those who decided to take part in a religious event for the first time and did not have the opportunity to choose clothes in advance.

The attitude towards the appearance of parishioners in different historical periods has changed from strict control to a more free approach. According to the expert, the increased demands were usually associated with the growing social and political influence of religious institutions, rather than with the spiritual purpose of visiting the temple.

The requirements may also be perceived differently by regular parishioners, tourists, and people who have come to church for the first time. A new visitor may not know the established traditions, whereas a person who regularly visits a temple will eventually choose clothes that are comfortable for him and that correspond to the purpose of the visit.

Sukhodolsky also associated the differences between men's and women's clothing mainly with historical and cultural traditions. In his opinion, it may be more about recommendations to choose discreet, comfortable and appropriate clothes, rather than strict requirements for specific wardrobe items, colors or fabrics.

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On June 24, Philip Ilyashenko, priest and vice-rector of St. Tikhon's Orthodox University for the Humanities (PSTU), told Izvestia that the main traditions of celebrating the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary are participation in divine services, a solemn meal in honor of the end of lent and charity. On this day, the Dormition Fast ends — one of the strictest multi-day in Orthodoxy, which lasts for two weeks (from August 14 to 27) and precedes the holiday.