Young American Men Embrace Russian Orthodox Church Amidst Quest for Traditional Masculinity

The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) is witnessing a surge in male converts seeking a sense of identity and belonging, amid growing concerns about contemporary societal norms. Many are drawn to Father Moses McPherson's teachings, which promote a virile form of masculinity and a rejection of modern gender discussions, reflecting broader cultural and political trends in America.

Father Moses McPherson, a priest in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) based in Georgetown, Texas, is becoming a beacon for young American men seeking to reclaim traditional masculinity. His congregation has seen a remarkable increase in size over the past 18 months, as he promotes an idea of manliness that he describes as reaching “absurd levels.”

In various YouTube videos, Father Moses dismisses behaviors he perceives as overly feminine, such as wearing skinny jeans, crossing legs, and using an iron, while he showcases his own strength through weightlifting sessions set to heavy metal music. Raised as a Protestant and a former roofer, Father Moses serves a flock that has expanded as more individuals, particularly men in their twenties and thirties, explore the intersection of faith and gender identity with the teachings of Orthodoxy.

The exponential growth of this congregation—subjectively tripling in size—is indicative of a broader trend drawing younger men away from traditional American religious practices, particularly those perceived as overly feminist. One convert, a software engineer named Theodore, expressed that despite his previous success, he felt a deeper emptiness stemming from society’s critiques of masculinity. These sentiments resonate widely among his fellow converts, many of whom have chosen to home-school their children, emphasizing family over career aspirations for women.

Father John Whiteford, an archpriest in the ROCOR, sees home-schooling as crucial for ensuring religious education while distancing children from discussions he deems inappropriate, including topics of gender fluidity. Despite comprising only around one percent of the US population, the Orthodox Christian demographic has become increasingly male-dominated, rising from 46% male to 64%, according to Pew Research Center data.

Scott Kenworthy, a professor studying Eastern Orthodox Christianity, attests to the burgeoning interest in his parish and beyond, with numerous individuals now seeking Baptism and a deeper understanding of the faith. The COVID-19 pandemic is cited as a pivotal moment that spurred many to explore spiritual avenues they may have disregarded previously.

Digital platforms play a vital role in fostering these communities, with Father Moses amassing a significant online following. He uses these channels to promote traditional family values and discourage contraception. His rhetoric suggests a stark contrast with Western religious practices, which he believes cater predominantly to women.

The sentiments among converts often align with conservative political views, especially amidst the evolving narrative around the relationship between the US and Russia. This includes skepticism towards mainstream media’s portrayal of Russia, especially following the invasion of Ukraine, which some view through a lens of religious and cultural kinship.

As more Americans turn to Russian Orthodoxy for a sense of stability and tradition, their focus appears to shift from short-term desires to long-term familial commitments. Buck Johnson, a firefighter and convert, emphasizes that embracing Orthodoxy aligns with their desire for robust family traditions amid the perceived chaos of modern life.

In a world that continues to grapple with shifting values and identities, the embrace of Russian Orthodoxy by young American men signals not only a quest for personal meaning but also reflects the ongoing cultural struggles within contemporary society.