Have you ever wondered why some Christian women wear veils or some sort of head covering in church? In this blog post, I intend on not only answering that question, but also diving into the ancient tradition and history of veiling in Christianity.
I grew up in the Eastern Orthodox Church. In fact, I’m what people in the Eastern Orthodox Community refer to as “Cradle Orthodox.” This title simply means that I was baptized as an infant and grew up in the faith.
From a young age, I learned that women in church veiled and that men weren’t supposed to have anything covering their heads. For some reason, I very much disliked the fact that I had to veil. I think one of the main reasons why I didn’t like veiling was because no one could give me a clear answer on why it’s done. Some people would tell me that only married women had to veil or that it was cute when I veiled, because I was just a little girl at the time. It also didn’t help that I saw other girls who didn’t veil when we’d visit other churches.
Additionally, I was also under the impression that veiling was something that has to do with culture. For instance, I met some ladies who were of Russian descent who would veil. And on the other hand, I knew of some American’s who did not veil.
The Reason Why Veiling in Christianity is Still Accepted
For the Eastern Orthodox Church, the answer is simple. Veiling is still practiced and encouraged because it is part of the church’s ancient tradition. In fact, some of the more traditional Catholics practice veiling too.
Some of the Early Church Fathers also have commentary on veiling as well. Therefore, it is an important topic in the Orthodox Church.
An Example from the Old Testament
Additionally, we know from Scripture that women were veiling even before the birth of Christ. For example, in the book of Numbers, Scripture talks about a specific ceremony where women were actually required to uncover their heads. If you click here, there is a great blog post that also discuses this passage from Scripture, as well as head-coverings in the Orthodox Church.
“Then the priest shall stand the woman before the Lord, uncover the woman’s head, and put the offering for remembering in her hands, which is the grain offering of jealousy.” (Numbers 5:18)
An Example from the New Testament
Also, Scripture has other clear examples from passages of women still practicing the tradition of veiling in the New Testament.
“But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head.” (1 Corinthians 11:5)
Veiling in Christianity as Depicted in Icons
Furthermore, if we take a look at almost any female saint depicted in an icon, she is veiled. Even the women saints from the past couple of hundred years are depicted with head-coverings. Most importantly, the main role model for all Christian Women, the most Holy Mother of God, also wears a veil.
Veiling in Christianity because of the Angels
Lastly, I would like to address a passage from 1 Corinthians 11:10.
“For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.”
Now, this passage can be a bit confusing at first and even now, there is still some mysticism behind it. However, St. John Chrysostom has a commentary that says the following, “Being covered is a mark of subjection to authority. It induces the woman to be humble and preserve her virtue, for the virtue and honor of the governed is to dwell in obedience.”
How I Learned to Embrace Veiling in Christianity
As I grew older, I started to care more about the faith. That’s when I read various articles, like the one I mentioned above, as well as testimonies from other women. Because I did more research, I realized that veiling was not some form of humiliation or a way of degrading women.
I Don’t Cause a Distraction
Therefore, I now realize that by wearing a head-covering, I get to, in a way, actively participate in the church service. I participate by respecting God, my Orthodox brothers and sisters, and myself. To elaborate, myself and other women who veil, are able to mask our femininity so that others aren’t distracted.
At the Same Time, I also Feel More Feminine
On the other hand, even though my femininity is masked by a veil, I actually feel more feminine in a way. I feel more delicate and somehow closer to God and his holy saints because I veil. I think that one of the reasons may be due to the fact that almost all women saints are depicted wearing head-coverings in the icons.
Almost All of the Women Saints Veil
Also, I have asked myself, if veiling is no big deal, then why do almost all of the women saints wear one? Even if they didn’t all wear one, the Theotokos, the mother of God, wears one. In addition, the Theotokos should be what all Christian Women aspire to be like.
Veiling Can Help Make Us Humble
Additionally, I find veiling to be very humbling. Like many other women, I am happy with the length of my hair and take time to care for it. However, I don’t have to mess around with doing any extra fancy hairdos with my hair when I know I’m going to church. Therefore, I am not spending time thinking about how good my hair looks, but rather working on spending that time trying to think holy thoughts and pray to God.
My Conclusion on Veiling in Christianity
I used to despise veiling when I was a girl, but I have learned to accept it. For me, veiling is more then just putting a scarf on my head. I know that I am not distracting anyone, and I am happy about that. Additionally, veiling is a way to get rid of one of my earthly cares, how my hair looks. Lastly, it helps me to feel more feminine and humble, and, therefore, helps me to feel closer to God.
Some of My Favorite Head-coverings/Shop the Post!
Here are a few links to my favorite head-coverings/veils.
I really like this one veil that is technically a hijab, but it works well for me and is very light-weight!
Another one of my favorites, this one has a beautiful Ukrainian design and comes in many other colors!
A Quick Disclaimer
I do not judge anyone for not veiling. I understand that it is ultimately up to each person whether or not they choose to wear a head covering. In addition, the reason I share my veiling story is because I was confused as a girl and I want to give inspiration and encouragement to other girls/women who are currently in that position. And if you are still in doubt and are Orthodox, you can always go talk to your Spiritual Father. Lastly, I did not make this post to brag or say that I am better then anyone else. I am just a sinner who hopes that maybe, through the Grace of God, I helped someone out.
i grew up orthodox christian as well and hating veiling as a child because i didn’t understand it. now that i’m an adult, i love the tradition and beauty of veiling!