Young American Men Embrace Russian Orthodoxy and Traditional Masculinity

The resurgence of Russian Orthodox communities in the U.S. is marked by a surge of young male converts, attracted by teachings emphasizing traditional manliness and family values. Key figures like Father Moses McPherson advocate for a masculinity that rejects modern sensibilities, leading many men to seek solace and identity within these religious congregations.

Father Moses McPherson has seen his congregation swell from a few dozen to more than 100 in just 18 months. His church, part of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) in Georgetown, Texas, is a hub for young men searching for a strong sense of identity. On platforms like YouTube, McPherson promotes a brand of unabashed masculinity, critiquing behaviors such as wearing skinny jeans or eating soup as overly feminine.

Once a roofer with a Protestant background, Father Moses is now a powerfully built figure with five children and a significant online following. He attributes the church's recent growth to a shift in young men's spiritual needs during a time where they feel pressured by modern standards. "It's about rediscovering the essence of manliness," he says, as he reflects on the growing number of men becoming interested in Orthodox practices.

Among these converts is Theodore, a software engineer who felt a profound emptiness despite having a successful career and a loving wife. "There's pressure on men to conform to ideas that are antithetical to what being a man means," he shares. Many in the congregation have also opted for home-schooling their children, emphasizing traditional family roles and values they feel are under threat.

Unlike the majority of American Christian congregations, which tend to appeal more to women, congregations like Father Moses's are increasingly male-dominated. Professor Scott Kenworthy of the Orthodox Church in America notes a remarkable demographic change, with data suggesting that Orthodox Christians are now 64% male. This community’s growth has coincided with the discontent many feel regarding modern societal expectations.

The digital realm has also played a crucial role in attracting these young men. Father Moses's social media presence, along with many Orthodox podcasts and videos, resonate particularly with male audiences. He argues that traditional Orthodoxy is misperceived as being excessively masculine but insists it is simply a return to normalcy amidst what he sees as a feminized Western culture.

Discussing issues of sexuality and family life, he robustly challenges contemporary notions of masculinity, criticizing practices he labels as "pathetic" and touting ideals of large families without contraception. "Show me a saint who ever supported birth control," he asserts, stressing the importance of family and communal values.

As these discussions unfold, some converts grapple with conflicting views about modern societal issues, exemplified by Buck Johnson, a former firefighter turned podcaster. He admits his reluctance to step into a Russian Orthodox Church due to his appearance but found acceptance. Johnson believes a significant part of his attraction to the faith lies in its juxtaposition to the perceived moral decay of American culture.

In contrast, some Orthodox practitioners find themselves ensnared in political ideologies, especially as leaders like Patriarch Kirill align themselves with nationalism. Many converts view Russia as a beacon of Orthodox Christianity, suggesting a trend of Russian Orthodoxy emerging as an alternative to the liberal values pervasive in the West.

The underlying theme among recent converts is a longing for something substantial in their lives defined by relationships and community resilience — values they associate with their new faith. Buck encapsulates this sentiment as he says, "We’re looking toward building legacies and finding purpose beyond immediate gratification."

Texas's religious landscape is rapidly evolving, shaped by young men seeking answers and meaning in a fast-changing world, resonating with the traditions and teachings of Russian Orthodoxy.