plowunited.net – Father Moses McPherson a priest in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). Has attracted many young American men by promoting a strong. Traditional form of masculinity. In his popular YouTube videos, he criticizes modern behaviors like wearing skinny jeans, crossing legs, shaping eyebrows, and even eating soup, labeling them as too feminine. Father Moses, a muscular father of five, combines his religious teachings with visible displays of strength, such as weightlifting to heavy metal music. He once worked as a roofer and was raised Protestant before converting to Russian Orthodoxy. His church in Georgetown, Texas, has seen a surge of new members recently. Reflecting a broader trend of young men seeking a faith that emphasizes discipline, family values, and a clear sense of male identity.
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Rapid Growth of ROCOR and Attraction to Traditional Values
ROCOR, an offshoot of the Russian Orthodox Church with headquarters in New York, has expanded rapidly in the US over recent years. This growth mainly comes from converts who are dissatisfied with modern secular culture. In the last six months, Father Moses has prepared 75 new followers for baptism. His congregation has tripled in size over the past eighteen months. Fueled largely by young men in their twenties and thirties. These new members feel disconnected from contemporary American society and are drawn to the church’s centuries-old traditions. Many converts choose to homeschool their children. Believing it helps preserve religious teachings and shields them from topics like gender diversity and progressive ideologies that clash with their beliefs.
The Role of Orthodox Masculinity and Community Expectations
Father Moses and other Orthodox priests teach that manliness is about normal strength, responsibility, and faithfulness, not the modern ideas of masculinity seen in popular culture. The church encourages men to marry, avoid contraception, and raise large families. It condemns practices like masturbation, viewing them as weakening a man’s spirit. According to Father Moses, Western culture has become feminized and overly emotional, which alienates many men. In contrast, Orthodox worship focuses on discipline and tradition, which appeals to men seeking stability and clear roles. This rigid approach attracts men who feel lost in a society that criticizes traditional gender roles and family structures.
Converts’ Personal Stories and Anti-Woke Sentiments
Many converts to Russian Orthodoxy express frustration with modern societal norms. For example, Theodore, a software engineer, describes feeling empty despite having a good job and family life. Moreover, he criticizes society for attacking men who want to be providers and maintain traditional family roles. Similarly, Elissa Bjeletich Davis, a Greek Orthodox member, notes that many converts belong to the “anti-woke crowd” and view their faith as strict, masculine, and authoritarian. Additionally, they appreciate how the churches remained open during the Covid lockdowns and offer a refuge from what they see as a chaotic modern culture. Therefore, these communities provide both spiritual guidance and a sense of stability that many feel is missing elsewhere.
Political and Cultural Connections Strengthen Appeal
The growing interest in Russian Orthodoxy among young US men ties into larger political and cultural shifts. Some converts admire Russia’s traditional values and see it as a bastion of true Christianity. Contrasting with what they view as America’s moral decline. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow supports Russia’s political actions, which some American followers interpret as defending faith and tradition. A few converts, like Father Joseph Gleason from Texas, have even moved to Russia to live within its Orthodox culture. In Texas, converts reject instant gratification and consumerism, focusing on long-term values like family, community, and faith. This movement reflects a search for identity and stability amid changing social landscapes.
