I would say yes to that question, but first I should remind you that the Orthodox do not view sin simply as a thought, word or action which breaks some law or commandment - and therefore must be punished unless you can corrrect it by doing penance. Not that there is no truth to this view which is quite prevalent especially among Roman Catholics - but also among many Orthodox as well.

 

The Orthodox view of sin is a thought, word or action which misses the mark, i.e. is not just as it ought to be. It may miss the mark to a very great extent or it may be not that far off. It may be helpful to think of this in terms of archery - an arrow may miss the target to a greater or lesser degree, but if it misses it, why then it misses it and there is no good reason to insist that it was right on!

 

Very few of the things we think, do and say are precisely "on the mark". But we ought to always aim for them to be so. And in humility and honesty recognize that they are not and that we must keep on seeking, with God's patient (and forgiving) help to do ever better.

 

So now to the question of a tattoo. A tattoo is a permanent mark that one makes on one's body which one has gotten from God and for which one is grateful - and accountable. This mark does not improve that body. It may be that the intention one has in getting the tattoo may be an honourable one: to express one's adherence to Christ, or to show respect to a parent, spouse or other folks near and dear. That may make it less "off the mark". Usually, however, the motive is simply one of conforming to the current fashion or one of vanity. Fashions change (as do, alas, some of the folks we once held to be near and dear to us) and one may become less vain, especially as one grows in age, experience and (hopefully) wisdom. We may then regret the mark we have made on ourselves. And removing it  will cost many times more than the amount we paid for it originally.

 

This should all be considered when one is thinking of whether or not to get a tattoo. I hope you will find this helpful - and thanks for the question.

 

In Christ,

 

Fr. Ihor