The Tradition of the Two Belts

Old Believer Christians have preserved a unique and ancient tradition of wearing two types of belts. The first is the body belt (inner belt)—a simple ribbon or cord of any fabric worn directly against the skin. It is never taken off, though it may be replaced if lost or damaged.

The second is the outer belt, worn over traditional garments like the kosovorotka for men or the sarafan for women. Historically, this was an everyday routine; it was considered strange and inappropriate to be seen “unbelted” (“raspoyasannyi”). Today, as contemporary Old Believers adopt modern Western clothing, this custom is unfortunately fading, though many still honor it during Church services.

In contrast, in modern mainstream Orthodoxy, this tradition has largely been lost among the laity. Most people today are not even aware that wearing a belt was important for every Christian. While monks and clergy (priests) still wear belts as part of their sacred vestments and daily discipline, for the average person, the spiritual meaning of the belt has become almost invisible.

Yet, this practice is vital because it reflects the ancient Orthodox idea of the connection between body and soul. The belt serves as a physical reminder of spiritual readiness and moral restraint.

Saint Basil the Great had this to say about it:

“The saints long before us have demonstrated the necessity of a cincture. John bound his loins with a leather girdle [ Matt. 3:4 ] as did Elias before him, for it is written (as though this article of dress were specifically proper to a man ) , ‘a hairy man with a girdle of leather about his loins.’ [ 2 Kings 1:8 ]

Peter also is clearly proved to have worn a girdle by the words of the angel who said to him: ‘Gird thyself and put on thy sandals. [ Acts 12:8 ] It appears from the prophecy of Agabus that the blessed Paul also used a cincture: ‘the man whose girdle this is, they shall so bind in Jerusalem. [ Acts 21:11 ]

Job, too, was commanded by the Lord to gird himself. As if this were a kind of sign of virility and of readiness for action, He says to Job: ‘Gird up thy loins like a man. [ Job 38:3 ] That cinctures were in habitual use among the disciples of the Lord, moreover, is evident from the fact that they were forbidden to carry money in their girdles. [ Matt. 10:9 ]

It is particularly necessary, also, that one who is about to engage in work be well girt up and unimpeded in his movements. He needs a cincture, therefore, by which his tunic may be gathered close to his body and he will work more comfortably and be more unhampered in his movements when his garment is well wrapped about him.

The Lord, also, took a towel and girded Himself when He was preparing to minister to His disciples. [ John 13:4 ]

“Longer Rules, Q. 23”

There is no problem with wearing a body belt, even if some hesitate. During prayer, wearing an outer belt is of paramount importance, and it is not so difficult to wear one at least at home.

So, let us try to do it as often as possible!