Attire for visits to Russian Orthodox churches
 

We leave in 2 days for Russia, and I'm still unclear on the dress code for women visiting Russian Orthodox churches and cathedrals in that country. Must the head be covered? If so, is a casual-style hat OK, or must it be a scarf? Are slacks OK, or must it be a skirt? Thanks.

Hi, hummerhaven -

It's been a long time since I was there, so things might have changed. For what its worth, slacks would probably have been OK, but I would have felt uncomfortable without a scarf. I carried one that I could slip on and off quickly. It just seemed so much more respectful to the many women who were there worshipping. Hope that helps!

Scarves are best and will often be available at the door or somewhere inside. (In Bishkek Cathedral last week my wife was asked to replace her hat with a scarf - the one day she had not got a scarf with her.)

Some churches do not approve of trousers on women, at these there will usually be a table of aprons to partially hide the offending garments.

Thanks, kja and wasleys. I'll go scarf shopping tomorrow.

Hello hummerhaven, all I know is a younger family member married a young lady that was Russian Orthodox. The wedding was in the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in San Francisco. All females attending the wedding whether Russian Orthodox's or not were required to wear a skirt. Females in pants were not allowed. That was a few years ago and true for any service just not weddings. I have not heard of any changes so I assume that all females will need to wear a skirt to enter a Russian Orthodox church. On the head covering subject the women were not required to wear a hat or a scarf although some females did.

I do remember the young woman marrying into our family said the churches have a few skirts to hand out to women that appear in pants. So perhaps if a female doesn't want to wear a skirt (or dress) all day bringing one of the skruncy type skirts in their bag to put on before entering the church if a skirt is required might be a good idea.