In an unexpected twist in modern religious movements, young men in the U.S. are finding solace in Russian Orthodox congregations, captivated by an ideology promoting an exaggerated version of masculinity. Father Moses McPherson, a priest in Texas, is at the forefront of this wave, attracting followers eager to embrace a more traditional form of manhood. "A lot of people ask me: 'Father Moses, how can I increase my manliness to absurd levels?'" he chuckles, while his online presence showcases his physical fitness and virility.
The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), where McPherson leads services in Georgetown, has recently seen a drastic uptick in attendance, with his congregation tripling in size in merely 18 months. Although the church is a small presence in the broader American religious landscape, it has found a niche among men who feel increasingly disconnected from conventional societal expectations. Many converts report feeling an emptiness despite material success and are drawn to the church’s teachings, advocating for traditional gender roles, child-rearing, and staunch conservatism.
One convert, Theodore, articulated his struggle with modern masculinity, feeling criticized for wanting to occupy traditional roles such as breadwinner. He and others voice frustration with a culture they perceive as undermining male identity. The church promotes home-schooling to safeguard children from what they view as detrimental societal ideals, such as concepts around gender fluidity.
Despite being a minority in faith practices—comprising only one percent of the U.S. population—Orthodox congregations are witnessing shifts in demographics. Data suggests that the male-to-female ratio among Orthodox Christians has tilted significantly, with current estimates indicating that 64% of attendees are men, up from 46% just over a decade ago.
This influx is not an isolated incident. As Professor Scott Kenworthy noted, the phenomenon spans beyond his parish, reflecting broader fatigue among males with modern life, amplified by challenges presented during the pandemic. The rise of online communities promoting Orthodox teachings has become instrumental in forming a support network where traditional masculine traits are celebrated.
While the church's teachings often tilt toward insularity, critics like Elissa Bjeletich Davis warn that some newcomers harbor radical interpretations, viewing Orthodoxy as a bastion of authoritarian masculinity. Many newcomers, including Buck Johnson—an ex-atheist turned firefighter—find camaraderie in this conservative backdrop, providing an antidote to perceived liberal excesses within American society.
The growing sense of community among these men is bolstered by a collective longing for deeper meaning in life beyond consumerism and instant gratification. Many are exemplifying long-term commitment to family, tradition, and faith, resonating with the tenets of Orthodoxy, which stresses familial values and community support.
As Orthodox churches, particularly ROCOR, continue to expand, the implications of this trend are profound, leading to a potential realignment of religious expression around rigidly defined gender roles and traditional values in an otherwise rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
