@hubbaduh - Headcoverings are more common in the Russian tradition as opposed the the Greek - but it is not required and is a personal choice. It is required in some monasteries in Greece, Russian, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and  in the USA- but not all Orthodox monasteries.   Monasteries ALWAYS require modest dress but in the  parish setting dress can vary from tradition and location. Modesty is always preferred in all settings.  I would say in Russia it is much more of the norm...when in Rome. I have only ever worn a head covering in Church in Russia and in a few monasteries. There are a few photos in the article where there are no head scarfs

@AinsleesMommy - They don't all  have long sleeves. But keep in mind it was February in Russia. Long sleeves isn't something I have given much thought to. I think people dress for the weather but are particularly careful when visiting monasteries. I have seen some very bare clothes in warm weather climates. Keep in mind the Orthodox Church isn't legalistic when it comes to these things. Dress is very much a regional thing depending on the affluence of people, the climate, the tradition of the Church. Perhaps because Greece is so very hot for so many months could be the reason why headcoverings aren't as common but you will still see very pious young ladies wearing long skirts. In Russia the Churches are FREEZING in the winter and pretty cool in the summer as well. So a headcovering and layers help you stay warm. In the winter many people don't even take their coat off in church. Going back to the modesty issue- some priest are more vocal about dress others, not so much so. My dh would never say a thing. There are other parishes where the guidelines for weddings would ask that a bride not wear a sleeveless dress. I know many priest who have commented on how many brides  come to their wedding with a great amount of cleavage showing. So more and more priest are having to spell it out , as our society has changed so.  When we lived in England it was SO much easier to find lovely, modern long skirts then it is in the US. Lots of people wear long skirts in England- not just Orthodox women. I find it really hard to find stylish dresses and skirts in America. London had so many wonderful choices.

@lifeisjoy - Oh, what a sweet message, thank you! Good luck on your hunt for an appropriate outfit. Try Talbots. I usually have pretty good luck there. :sunny:

@lifeisjoy - Try the catalog or online here is a link for the outlet , I am 5'8" and buy the women's sizes. Talbots has GREAT sales - up to 75% off. They have some very cute sweater sets. Sign up for the e-mails and you will get a notice about the sales.

emama - I do know what you mean! Aren't they cute?! :goodjob:

@AinsleesMommy - Marsha, I think it is great that you don't notice. I tend to be rather oblivious to these things too. I think more and more people go to Church and wear what they want, but for the most part always look nice and respectful. Church, of course isn't a fashion show but in the end if these Russian girls go to Church because they feel good about what they are wearing then in the end it is a good thing! I don't think long sleeves is really an issue like skirts in some circles- at least not that I have ever heard of. I have noticed some backless summer dresses that shocked me in our old church. Some people don't know from modest so why would they think to be modest in a church setting. The trend in the church just reflects society. I know what you mean about the Jewish Orthodox women and no the OC is nothing like that. When it comes to these types of things the OC - in this country at least and I speak from the experience of the GOA is not at all legalistic. I didn't even know about the whole headcovering, skirts/dresses issue until I was on a protestant parenting site. All I knew from was clean, modern church clothes. We are so not legalistic. I really didn't even know these terms until relatively recently. HTH:sunny: