QUESTION: Are orthodox Christians required to wear black when mourning a family member and, if so, for how long is the wearing of black required? ANSWER: There is no requirement in the Orthodox Church that those in mourning must wear black. While there are some Orthodox who do this, and while the custom is especially ingrained in many foreign countries and cultures, it is not a teaching or requirement of the Church. In fact, one generally finds that at funerals, the clergy wear white rather than black, as our mourning is observed in the hope we hold in the resurrection and the eternal life God promises those who place their faith and hope in His love -- hope that is best signified by white, rather than black, garb.
Published in January 2011.
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