Editing Tonsure (section)

====Eastern Christianity====

=====Clerical tonsure=====
[[Germanus I of Constantinople|St. Germanus I]], [[Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople|Patriarch of Constantinople]] from 715 to 730, writes "The double crown inscribed on the head of the priest through tonsure represents the precious head of the chief-apostle Peter.  When he was sent out in the teaching and preaching of the Lord, his head was shaved by those who did not believe his word, as if in mockery.  The Teacher Christ blessed this head, changed dishonour into honour, ridicule into praise.  He placed on it a crown made not out of precious stones, but one which shines more than gold, topaz, or precious stone &ndash; with the stone and rock of faith.” In the Eastern Orthodox Church today, priests, deacons, readers, and other tonsured offices do not have their heads shaved. Rather, four locks of hair are clipped from the top of the head in the shape of a cross to mark their obedience to the Church.

=====Monastic tonsure=====
St. Germanus I writes "The total tonsuring of the head is in imitation of the holy Apostle James, brother of the Lord, and the Apostle Paul, and of the rest."<ref>St. Germanus:69</ref>