Quote Originally Posted by Prester John
Interestingly, an elderly lady left her group of friends and approached me one day while I was out walking with my wife, and asked why I had one. Then she stated the same "something to hide" thing.

When I explained that I was an Orthodox priest, and that we are canonically required to grow one, she continued pestering me about it, until we wished her a good day and left.
Funny, I would have asked her if she was a Christian. If she said she was, I would have asked her what Jesus had to hide... has she even seen a portrayal of the Lord without a beard? Does she have any doubt that he didn't wear a beard? So, since God has a beard, who is she to question your motives?