Why is a man prohibited from shaving his beard? Why should we so strictly follow the Old Testament today? #

The strict prohibition against shaving the beard is indeed found only in the Old Testament:

“Neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.”
(Leviticus 19:27)

However, the New Testament does not explicitly address many things, including beards. It remains silent on matters that no longer require detailed explanation, as the Apostle Paul writes:

“Of which we cannot now speak particularly.”
(Hebrews 9:5)

These were well-known practices at the time. Christ Himself says:

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”
(Matthew 5:17)

With the coming of Christ, certain symbolic practices, those prefiguring the coming of the Messiah, lost their significance—not the entire Old Testament. For example, the rules of Old Testament worship and sacrifices are no longer observed. Yet, we still know the Ten Commandments from the Old Testament.

The Old Testament norms that we should follow today are determined by the Church of Christ according to Sacred Tradition and the conciliar voice of the Church.

How does the New Testament Church view beards?

First, consider the image of Christ. The Savior is always depicted with a beard. We are called to imitate Christ, including in appearance. The beard has traditionally been regarded as a sign of the image of God in men, who were created in His likeness.

Second, let us turn to Church rules:

The Apostolic Constitutions state:

“Neither shall you mar the hair of your beards, nor alter the natural form of a man.”
(Book 1, Chapter 4)

This rule is included in the Kormchaia (the canonical code of the Russian Church).

Canonist and historiographer John Zonaras strictly condemned shaving the beard in his commentary on the 96th Canon of the Sixth Ecumenical Council. The learned monk Niketas Stethatos of the Studite Monastery, St. Epiphanius of Cyprus, Patriarch Michael Cerularius of Constantinople, St. Theodosius of the Caves, St. Maximus the Greek, and many other holy men also denounced beard-shaving.

The Stoglav Council, in its 40th chapter, likewise prohibited shaving the beard.

External appearance and behavior influence one’s internal state. Why does a modern man not want to grow a beard? There are two reasons:

To avoid showing religiousness. This is a sin of weak faith, bordering on denying Christ.
To appear younger in order to appeal to women. This is a lascivious image.

The beard is one of the natural distinctions between men and women. Preserving traditional values and God’s commandments, including the traditional appearance of men and women, is one of the most pressing tasks for modern Christians.

— Priest Evgeny Gureev