The thought that immediately came to mind when you contrasted the Roman and Orthodox priestly facial coiffure, was the difference between Ancient Greek and Roman busts. The Ancient Greeks? Generally bearded and long haired. The ancient Romans? Generally clean shaven and short haired.
I think it is very much cultural preference. The bearded popes were concentrated in the 16th and 17th centuries - portraits show bearded kings and statesmen in those eras. I cannot think of a modern day head of state who has a beard.
True fact! When I was at Thomas Nelson I published a fun little book with Ben Shapiro called Project President that looked at those sorts presidential features as metrics for how people choose presidents. I recall when Andre Marrou ran for president on the Libertarian ticket. My dad said he never stood a chance. I said, “Why, because he’s a Libertarian?” My dad said, “No. Because he has a beard.”
Bearded clerics may be enjoying a renaissance. At a Franciscan monastery near us in Connecticut all are bearded and with shaved heads. I recently attended a Mass for the newly ordained. All priests, old and new, were heavily bearded. A sign of renewal? Who knows?
To the extent that any ordained minister, and even layperson, is purporting to be an "icon of Christ" and to follow Christ, given that Christ is almost universally* depicted, and in any event is certainly best recognized, as having a beard, there is something "off" about the modern Western / Latin practice of clerics and even monks being clean-shaven. Not saying that this is another piece of evidence that Orthodoxy is the true faith but ... well, actually, yes I am saying that.
There is something otherworldly about the beard, and something extremely worldly and un-ascetic about a clean-shaven face. The beard does not just present as more masculine and serious; first and foremost it represents unconcern with the things of this world, a rejection of vanity: It reminds us that "My kingdom is not of this world." Take a look at Fr. Seraphim Rose in his later years to get a sense of that total rejection of earthly, fleshly things.
*It is true that early Christian art -- mosaics and early frescos -- did depict Christ as a young, beardless shepherd, but that tradition fell away pretty early on, and notwithstanding those early examples, it has been -- well -- iconic to depict Christ bearded throughout most of Christian history. There are other unusual examples, such as the resurrected Christ in heaven in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, but again they remain the exception.
As a Wordle & Connections devotee, I extend a welcome to the new pontiff. Though not Catholic, it's easy to admire a letters fan.
Amen. I’m not Catholic either, but I take some comfort in what seems like a good selection—made all the more obvious by his commitment to words!
Hahah!
The thought that immediately came to mind when you contrasted the Roman and Orthodox priestly facial coiffure, was the difference between Ancient Greek and Roman busts. The Ancient Greeks? Generally bearded and long haired. The ancient Romans? Generally clean shaven and short haired.
Great point! I wonder how much of this is just cultural preference and inertia.
I think it is very much cultural preference. The bearded popes were concentrated in the 16th and 17th centuries - portraits show bearded kings and statesmen in those eras. I cannot think of a modern day head of state who has a beard.
Yes, as Curt Utter points out here, U.S. presidents have been mostly clean shaven.
Some of the 19th century ones were (e.g. Chester Arthur) and the mustachioed President trend continued into the 20th century with TR and Taft.
Volodymyr Zeleznky of Ukraine has been rocking a beard for a while now.
How could I forget! And former Canadian PM Trudeau had a beard during COVID.
Yes. Though his father preferred to be clean-shaven.
American presidents have went the same route. We've had what four beard, four mustache, and one chin curtain president?
True fact! When I was at Thomas Nelson I published a fun little book with Ben Shapiro called Project President that looked at those sorts presidential features as metrics for how people choose presidents. I recall when Andre Marrou ran for president on the Libertarian ticket. My dad said he never stood a chance. I said, “Why, because he’s a Libertarian?” My dad said, “No. Because he has a beard.”
Floreat Leo!
Bearded clerics may be enjoying a renaissance. At a Franciscan monastery near us in Connecticut all are bearded and with shaved heads. I recently attended a Mass for the newly ordained. All priests, old and new, were heavily bearded. A sign of renewal? Who knows?
To the extent that any ordained minister, and even layperson, is purporting to be an "icon of Christ" and to follow Christ, given that Christ is almost universally* depicted, and in any event is certainly best recognized, as having a beard, there is something "off" about the modern Western / Latin practice of clerics and even monks being clean-shaven. Not saying that this is another piece of evidence that Orthodoxy is the true faith but ... well, actually, yes I am saying that.
There is something otherworldly about the beard, and something extremely worldly and un-ascetic about a clean-shaven face. The beard does not just present as more masculine and serious; first and foremost it represents unconcern with the things of this world, a rejection of vanity: It reminds us that "My kingdom is not of this world." Take a look at Fr. Seraphim Rose in his later years to get a sense of that total rejection of earthly, fleshly things.
*It is true that early Christian art -- mosaics and early frescos -- did depict Christ as a young, beardless shepherd, but that tradition fell away pretty early on, and notwithstanding those early examples, it has been -- well -- iconic to depict Christ bearded throughout most of Christian history. There are other unusual examples, such as the resurrected Christ in heaven in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, but again they remain the exception.
I can only assume you spent as much or more time researching beard slang than you did writing the article.
LOL. Yes, and Mr. Roget was mostly worthless!
Maybe there is still time. Let’s make this viral and maybe Leo will grow those lovely chin whiskers long 😊