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Questions & Answers

Vestments

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Prayer, Fasting and Worship › Vestments

The question

Why is the church so rigid about priests wearing tonia/galabaya? Why can't a priest wear a black pair of pants and a black shirt? This way, more people might feel welcomed or comfortable coming to a Coptic Church. Times are changing.

The answer

The clergy robes are simple and traditional. Priests and monks are set apart from the people for their special purposeful life of prayer. The priestly or monastic garb is not intended to make a fashion statement, nor attract or distract any individual. Its wideness gives a message of acceptance to everybody and the big heart that every clergy should have.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1443 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.