ATHENS, Greece - Greece's Orthodox Church has turned down a request by priests to shed their long beards, black robes and pipe hats and adopt a modern look, state-run media said Wednesday.
"There is no change on this issue," Metropolitan Bishop Anthimos, a church spokesman, was quoted as saying in state-run radio.
Priests opposed to traditional dress argue their outdated look is hindering their ability to reach out to ordinary people — as well as hurting their prospects for marriage.
Their long-standing request was considered at a meeting of church elders on Monday, chaired by Archbishop Christodoulos.
Orthodox priests can only get married before they are ordained, while only single priests can rise above the lower ranks of the clergy. Opponents of the dress code say most women are unwilling to be seen with a man in robes and a long beard.
The Orthodox Church represents about 97 percent of the country's 11 million native-born population.
Bishop Anthimos said exceptions to the dress code could only be made when priests conducted manual chores.
"There must be understanding for priests who live in rural parishes," he said. "Many of them have to tend to their fields. It is acceptable for them to wear shorter robes."