The Rise of Masculinity in Orthodox Christianity Among Young American Men
In recent months, a notable trend has emerged within the American religious landscape: young men are gravitating towards Russian Orthodox churches that promote a robust vision of masculinity. At the forefront of this movement is Father Moses McPherson, a charismatic priest whose congregation has expanded significantly in a mere 18 months. He leads a group in Georgetown, Texas, under the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), which is gaining traction among those disillusioned with contemporary societal norms.
“Many people ask me how they can achieve what I call ‘absurd levels of manliness,’” Father Moses shares in a viral YouTube clip. The priest’s unconventional views challenge modern-day practices, dismissing behaviors like wearing skinny jeans or crossing legs as too feminine. Instead, he promotes a traditional and vigorous form of masculinity, often featured in his social media posts that highlight weightlifting set to heavy metal music. His dedication to this approach has attracted a diverse following online.
A Growing Movement
ROCOR, originally established by clergy fleeing the Russian Revolution, has been quietly expanding in the United States, particularly as individuals convert from various faiths. Father Moses reports that he has prepared 75 newcomers for baptism in just the past six months. “When my wife and I converted two decades ago, we referred to Orthodoxy as the best-kept secret,” he reflects. “But now, our church has tripled in size in a year and a half.”
During a Sunday liturgy, the growing presence of men in their twenties and thirties becomes evident. Many attendees, like software engineer Theodore, once felt a void despite having stable jobs and relationships. “Society has been harsh on men,” he expresses, lamenting the backlash against traditional roles like breadwinners. “We are criticized for wanting to support our families in a traditional way.”
Family Values and Education
Many of the church’s new converts are opting for home-schooling, reflective of their belief that women should prioritize family over career aspirations. Archpriest Father John Whiteford argues that home-schooling not only safeguards religious teachings but also protects children from modern ideologies they oppose. This perspective, especially around subjects like gender identity, is shared by most in Father Moses’s growing congregation.
| Aspect | Beliefs |
|---|---|
| Masculinity | Promotes traditional, vigorous manhood |
| Home-Schooling | A method to pass on religious values |
| Views on Gender | Opposition to contemporary ideologies about gender |
A Shift in Faith
Despite Orthodox Christians making up only about one percent of the U.S. population, their presence is becoming more pronounced. Data from the Pew Research Center indicates that in recent years, the male demographic within Orthodox churches has increased from 46% to 64%. Many recent converts attribute their religious awakening to the upheaval caused by the pandemic.
Professor Scott Kenworthy, who has studied Eastern Orthodox Christianity, observes that the digital realm plays a significant role in attracting newcomers. Father Moses, along with various Orthodox clergy influencers, nurtures a growing online community. With content that resonates especially with men, this movement is undeniably gaining momentum.
As these young men seek alternatives to what they perceive as an overly feminized society, they find solace in the teachings of Orthodoxy. Father Moses emphasizes that the faith is not inherently masculine but rather a return to normalcy in a world that has strayed from traditional values. “Let’s not confuse masculinity with faith,” he asserts, as he advocates for a vision of Orthodoxy distinct from what many view as contemporary American evangelicalism.
