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Why is it that our priests cannot wear clothes like the Catholic priests and other Eastern Orthodox priests, instead of wearing a black galabia? Why is it that the priest cannot wear normal clothes outside of liturgical/church events, like when going to the store?

The word "ekklesia" (church) literally means, "a called-out congregation", in Greek. Like the Levitical priesthood, the Orthodox Christian priest is also a called-out servant of the church. The priesthood is not just a job, it is a calling, and becomes the life of the person. Thus, he wears his priestly garments all the time. The Book of Exodus, Chapter 28 explains each component of the priestly garments in great detail. The garments of the Coptic Orthodox priests today are also significant, not only during the liturgical services, but also as a significant presence in the world as servants called out of the world in God’s Church. You mentioned the Catholic clergy and other Orthodox priests. As well, there are Anglican and Lutheran clergy that also wear different garments. Who should we then look like? It is clear that these denominations have established their identities, partly through their clergical garments. Why should we be just "like" any other denomination. Our priests wear black robes, not just a "galabeya." We have a distinct heritage that has become more and more respected and appreciated in Western cultures especially as our contemporary martyrs have declared a revival in Christianity through the Coptic Orthodox Church. Our priests today are recognized for the strong faith and legacy of the Church and have used this recognition when identified by their robes for public interest and evangelism. A few decades ago, Copts struggled to explain their rich heritage and often used the word "like" to describe who we are, but thank God, in one half of a century, this humble Church has been more and more embraced as the precious gem that it is and a beacon of Christianity in the world.