In a surprising trend, young men in the United States are increasingly converting to Russian Orthodoxy, drawn by a culture that they believe promotes an 'absurd' level of masculinity. At the center of this shift is Father Moses McPherson, a powerfully-built priest in Georgetown, Texas, whose congregation has tripled in the past 18 months. In his online videos, Father Moses champions a virile form of Christianity, critiquing modern male behaviors such as wearing skinny jeans and embracing domesticity.
Historically, ROCOR has its roots stemming from clergy who fled the Russian Revolution in 1917 but has now become a growing network of traditionalism within the US, especially appealing to men feeling lost in contemporary culture. Theodore, a recent convert and software engineer, expressed how he felt unfulfilled in life despite his professional success, sharing that society often reprimands men for wanting to fulfill traditional roles such as being the family’s provider.
The rise of home-schooling within this conservative community reflects deeper values regarding family dynamics, where many men believe that women should focus on motherhood over careers. Father John Whiteford, a senior priest in the ROCOR, supports this notion as he describes home-schooling as both a method of protecting children from modern societal discussions and a means of providing a religious education.
Though Orthodox Christianity encompasses only about one percent of the US population, the demographics indicate that the number of male converts has steeply risen in recent years. Pew Research data shows that the masculine demographic of Orthodox Christians has significantly increased since 2007.
Cultural shifts following the Covid-19 pandemic have also played a pivotal role in this movement. Many young men, yearning for a sense of belonging and stability, turned their attention towards faith, prompting a notable flow of new inquiries at parishes across America. Professor Scott Kenworthy notes that congregations are remarkably seeing a surge of new faces, indicating a broader, nationwide phenomenon.
Digital media has become an important tool for outreach, with Father Moses amassing considerable followers online. His social media presence contributes to a growing audience eager for conservative values, appealing specifically to men dissatisfied with mainstream expressions of faith that they perceive as overly emotionally charged and feminized.
Converts are increasingly drawn to the long-standing traditions of the Orthodox Church which they believe stand in stark contrast to contemporary American values. Old notions of masculinity associated with discipline and family dedication are drawing many towards not just religious adoption, but also to a cultural realignment, leading them to renounce instant gratification.
With sentiments echoing concerns about societal norms around gender and family life, some members are also voicing a desire to relocate to Russia, viewing it as a sanctuary for their conservative values. The indoctrination of values, family, and traditional masculinity illustrates a growing community rejecting modern liberal tendencies, seeking refuge in a faith they believe upholds their worldview.
This intriguing convergence of faith, masculinity, and traditionalism represents a unique interplay of religion and cultural identity in a changing American landscape.
Historically, ROCOR has its roots stemming from clergy who fled the Russian Revolution in 1917 but has now become a growing network of traditionalism within the US, especially appealing to men feeling lost in contemporary culture. Theodore, a recent convert and software engineer, expressed how he felt unfulfilled in life despite his professional success, sharing that society often reprimands men for wanting to fulfill traditional roles such as being the family’s provider.
The rise of home-schooling within this conservative community reflects deeper values regarding family dynamics, where many men believe that women should focus on motherhood over careers. Father John Whiteford, a senior priest in the ROCOR, supports this notion as he describes home-schooling as both a method of protecting children from modern societal discussions and a means of providing a religious education.
Though Orthodox Christianity encompasses only about one percent of the US population, the demographics indicate that the number of male converts has steeply risen in recent years. Pew Research data shows that the masculine demographic of Orthodox Christians has significantly increased since 2007.
Cultural shifts following the Covid-19 pandemic have also played a pivotal role in this movement. Many young men, yearning for a sense of belonging and stability, turned their attention towards faith, prompting a notable flow of new inquiries at parishes across America. Professor Scott Kenworthy notes that congregations are remarkably seeing a surge of new faces, indicating a broader, nationwide phenomenon.
Digital media has become an important tool for outreach, with Father Moses amassing considerable followers online. His social media presence contributes to a growing audience eager for conservative values, appealing specifically to men dissatisfied with mainstream expressions of faith that they perceive as overly emotionally charged and feminized.
Converts are increasingly drawn to the long-standing traditions of the Orthodox Church which they believe stand in stark contrast to contemporary American values. Old notions of masculinity associated with discipline and family dedication are drawing many towards not just religious adoption, but also to a cultural realignment, leading them to renounce instant gratification.
With sentiments echoing concerns about societal norms around gender and family life, some members are also voicing a desire to relocate to Russia, viewing it as a sanctuary for their conservative values. The indoctrination of values, family, and traditional masculinity illustrates a growing community rejecting modern liberal tendencies, seeking refuge in a faith they believe upholds their worldview.
This intriguing convergence of faith, masculinity, and traditionalism represents a unique interplay of religion and cultural identity in a changing American landscape.
