Come dressed modestly and respectfully. That’s the short answer. Think of what you’d wear to a nice dinner or a professional event, and you’ll be fine.
Here’s what that means in practice. Women typically wear dresses or skirts that come near the knee or longer, or dress pants with a modest top. Shoulders should be covered. Avoid low necklines, anything strapless, or see-through fabrics. Men should wear slacks and a collared shirt, a tie is nice but not required. No caps or hats inside the church building. For both men and women, shorts, tank tops, and T-shirts with big logos or slogans aren’t appropriate for Divine Liturgy.
If you show up in jeans and a polo shirt because you didn’t know any better, nobody’s going to throw you out. We’ve all been the newcomer who didn’t know the customs. But once you know, dress accordingly.
Why Does It Matter?
This isn’t about being stuffy or old-fashioned. When we gather for Liturgy, we’re entering the throne room of God. We’re standing before the King of Kings. The way we dress should reflect that reality. It’s a way of showing reverence, of acknowledging that something extraordinary is happening here.
In Southeast Texas, most folks understand this instinctively. You wouldn’t wear flip-flops and gym shorts to a wedding or a funeral. You dress up because the occasion matters. The Divine Liturgy matters infinitely more. We’re participating in the heavenly worship, joining our voices with the angels and archangels. What we wear is one small way we acknowledge that.
Modesty also serves a practical purpose. It helps us focus on prayer rather than on ourselves or each other. When everyone dresses with restraint and dignity, it’s easier for the whole community to keep attention where it belongs: on Christ and the mystery unfolding at the altar.
What About Head Coverings?
You’ll see some women at St. Michael’s wearing scarves or veils, and others not. In Antiochian parishes, head coverings for women are a pious custom, not a requirement. Some women feel called to this practice based on St. Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 11. Others don’t. Both are welcome. If you’re a woman visiting for the first time, don’t worry about it. Come as you are, and if you later feel drawn to cover your head, you can.
Men should always remove hats and caps when entering the nave. That one’s not optional.
A Word for Visitors
If you’re visiting from a Baptist or non-denominational background, our dress expectations might feel more formal than what you’re used to. That’s okay. We’re not trying to be exclusive or intimidating. We’re trying to create an atmosphere where the holiness of what’s happening can be felt and honored.
If you’re coming from a Catholic background, you’ll probably find our expectations familiar. Maybe even a bit more relaxed than what your grandmother insisted on for Mass.
And if you’re worried you don’t own the right clothes, start with the nicest thing in your closet and go from there. As you continue visiting and learning about the faith, you’ll figure out what works. Some parishes keep a few shawls or wraps near the entrance for women who need to cover their shoulders. We want you here. We’d rather have you in shorts than not have you at all, though we’d gently encourage you to dress differently next time.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s reverence. Dress in a way that says, “I know where I am, and I know who I’m here to meet.” That’s enough.
