Met. Isaiah of Denver on tattoos

(GOA-Denver) - Protocol 11–12
The Reverend Clergy, and
The Pious Faithful of
the Holy Metropolis of Denver
Beloved in the Lord,

It appears that the interest in tattoos and tattooing has become very popular among young people as well as adults of both genders in today’s society.

Coptic wrist crosses.

In ancient times, tattoos were restricted to slaves and people of servitude, and were limited to symbols and numbers, much like the branding of animals today. During the years of the Nazis in Germany, the Jewish people were forcibly tattooed to distinguish them as a lower class of people and even as enemies of the state. Even today, in certain parts of Africa, Christians are expected to have a tattoo of a cross on their foreheads in order to set them apart them from the larger Moslem population. In short, tattoos were used as a visible sign of deferment to the higher authority which controlled the government or the kingdom. In regard to Christians who must have crosses on their foreheads, this can be tolerated by the Church for practical reasons.

In past generations, tattoos were restricted to seafarers and sailors as a mark of distinction in their travels. As a matter of fact, the word tattoo is derived from the military term for the sound of a bugle used to inform sailors and soldiers that it was time to return to their quarters. For the past several decades, tattoos have also been used by those who identify themselves as belonging to motorcycle clubs and to youth gangs. Lately, however, we see the use of tattoos by those who wish to make a public statement not only regarding their place in society, but moreso in order to express a narcissistic expression about themselves. In other words, they wish to announce to others who they are and what they believe, from loving their mothers or their lovers to loving God.

Are tattoos, then, acceptable in the Orthodox Church?

In order to find the answer, we must look into Holy Scripture. In the sacred writings we see that markings upon the human body are not acceptable to God. For example, in the Book of Leviticus we read, “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you (19:28).” This command is repeated in the twenty-first chapter of the same book. We read the same thing again, about marking one’s flesh, in the Book of Deuteronomy.

Bosnian Catholic tattoos.

Some, however, may say that these commands were intended for the Levitical priesthood and not for others among the Jewish people. If this is so, it is obvious that a priest who was dedicated to the one, true God could not have any markings on his body that would indicate his allegiance to another entity. Neither the priests nor the laity were expected to show their allegiance to God by external markings, but by their lifestyle.

This religious principle is more evident in our Christian tradition which stresses that our faith cannot be an expression of pride by having Christian symbols tattooed or carved upon our bodies indicating our belief in Christ.

Of course the wearing of a cross on a chain is a completely different matter. Our baptismal cross is not attached to our body, but can be removed. This cross is a protection against the demonic powers and an inspiration to live a faithful life. Moreover, the cross we wear on a chain is never meant to be ostentatious or merely jewelry worn as a “fashion statement,” but it is normally worn around one’s neck for protection and especially as a blessing.

We are taught, through the Church, that we express our Orthodoxy with grateful thanks and humility, recognizing that Christ died for our salvation. This correct attitude on our part is a direct reflection of the humility which our Lord expressed when He came into the world because of His great love for us. Nowhere in Holy Scripture do we find that God is a god filled with pride. God Who is love knows no pride, but only humility.

To be more specific regarding tattoos, we read in Holy Scripture that our bodies do not belong to us. Saint Paul states, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you (1 Corinthians 3:16)?” He further says, “You are not your own, you were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19).”

Consequently, it is obvious that we do not have the right to mark our bodies with tattoos, since we do not belong to ourselves, but to God. But there is another aspect to this contemporary craze of tattooing and of piercing the face and tongue with metal studs. It appears that, in our present computer and web site and Facebook society, we crave attention. We have a need to be recognized and acknowledged. How ironic that, decades ago, when people visited the circus which came into town on an annual basis, one of the highlights was to see people on a stage who had every part of their bodies covered with tattoos. They certainly received the attention of thousands of people.

As a final thought from a practical perspective, why should a member of the Church take a chance in contracting a serious illness, like AIDS, through the use of needles which could be contaminated. Is it worth the price?

With Paternal Blessings,

✠ Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver