Visiting and Belonging
Do women have to cover their heads?
The Church's Welcome Around Head Covering
Many Coptic women cover their heads during prayer and the Liturgy, and some parishes encourage the practice strongly. A visitor should not be embarrassed if she does not know the custom before arriving.
Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head.
Why This Needs Local Guidance
Head covering is tied to Scripture, modesty, prayer, and local parish practice. Some communities provide scarves near the entrance. Others expect women who attend regularly to learn the practice over time.
What To Do On A First Visit
Bring a scarf if you have one and want to be prepared. If you do not have one, come anyway. If you plan to keep attending, ask the priest or a trusted woman in the parish how the community practices this with reverence and without confusion.
References
- Head Covering During the Liturgy, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States Q&A. Pastoral answer on the practice of women's head covering during liturgical prayer.
- Head Covering and Prayer, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States Q&A. Pastoral answer on head covering, prayer, custom, and parish guidance.
- Church Etiquette, St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church of Honolulu. Parish guidance on preparation for Holy Communion, including fasting, Communion prayers, and confession.
- Visiting an Orthodox Church, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles. Diocesan visitor guide welcoming non-Orthodox guests and directing questions to the parish priest.