Growing Trend: Young American Men Embrace Orthodox Christianity for ‘Manliness’
Young men across the United States are increasingly gravitating toward the Russian Orthodox Church, attracted by a unique interpretation of masculinity being espoused by clergy members such as Father Moses McPherson. Known for promoting traditional male virtues, Father Moses has gained popularity through his online presence, significantly and quickly increasing his congregation in Georgetown, Texas.
“Many ask me how they can elevate their manliness to absurd levels,” Father Moses states in one of his popular YouTube videos. He critiques modern behaviors typically associated with femininity, dismissing skinny jeans and certain grooming habits as inappropriate. Instead, he promotes rugged physicality, frequently posting videos of himself weightlifting to heavy metal music, all the while serving as a parish priest within the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR).
A Surge in Converts
In the past 18 months, Father Moses’s congregation has seen a remarkable tripling in size with 75 new baptisms in just six months. He describes his journey into Orthodoxy—once viewed as a hidden treasure by early converts—as experiencing a renaissance in popularity among young men searching for purpose.
During a recent service, it was noted how many men in their twenties and thirties were in attendance, praying and engaging with their faith. Among them is Theodore, a software engineer, who disclosed feeling emotionally unfulfilled despite having a successful career and a loving spouse. He feels societal messages are often critical of traditional male roles, which, according to him, fosters resentment and confusion.
Values and Parenting
A common thread among many converts to ROCOR is the choice to home-school their children. They believe in prioritizing family values and religious teachings over career advancement for women. Archpriest Father John Whiteford reinforces this sentiment, asserting that home-schooling is a means of safeguarding children from contemporary societal issues.
Despite this growth within ROCOR, Orthodox Christians make up only about one percent of the US population, a figure dwarfed by the membership of evangelical megachurches. Nonetheless, ROCOR’s distinctive conservative approach resonates with many disillusioned Americans amid broader cultural and political shifts, particularly in light of recent events related to Russia.
A Shift in Demographics
According to data from the Pew Research Center, the male representation among Orthodox Christians rose from 46% in 2007 to 64% recently. Many recent converts report that the COVID-19 pandemic prompted their search for deeper meaning. Professor Scott Kenworthy notes that this trend is not isolated; his parish has witnessed a continuous influx of individuals seeking to join the faith.
Digital Influence
The digital realm also plays a crucial role in attracting new converts. Father Moses has amassed a substantial following on social media, with posts about family milestones generating considerable engagement. He asserts that there are two legitimate paths to serving God: monastic life or marriage, the latter ideally accompanied by large families.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Congregation Size | Tripled in 18 months |
| New Baptisms | 75 in last 6 months |
| Percentage of Male Converts | 64% (up from 46% in 2007) |
Father Moses believes that contemporary Western culture has diverged too far from normative principles, describing Orthodox practices as grounded in traditional, non-feminized values. He dismisses modern worship trends as too emotional, wishing for services that resonate more with a masculine experience.
Various participants in these congregations also convey a shared sense of community, safety, and a determined rejection of instant gratification prevalent in modern society. They seek a return to deeper traditions, a focus on family loyalty, and a community-oriented way of life, all of which they find reflected in their new faith.
