A growing number of American men, particularly young adults, are converting to Orthodox Christianity — and many are drawn specifically to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), according to a new report by the BBC, citing data from the Pew Research Center.

In 2007, men made up just 46% of Orthodox Christians in the U.S. Today, that number has surged to 64%, marking a significant shift in the gender dynamics of Orthodox congregations. Researchers suggest this trend reflects a broader appeal of traditional religious structures among men disillusioned with modern secular culture.

One striking example of this trend is the parish of Father Moses McPherson in Georgetown, Texas. A former Protestant and construction worker, Father Moses has seen his congregation triple in size in just 18 months. His message — a blend of traditional values, personal discipline, and “muscular Christianity” — resonates with many disaffected men.

“I don’t want worship to feel like a Taylor Swift concert,” he says, criticizing what he sees as emotional excess and a lack of spiritual rigor in many Western churches. Through his social media platforms and YouTube channel, Father Moses advocates for a return to ancient Christian masculinity and order.

Many of his followers are men who feel alienated by modern American culture. They reject feminism, support homeschooling, and favor patriarchal family structures. One such convert, a software developer named Theodore, said that despite material success, he felt a deep inner void — something he believes Orthodoxy has filled. “Orthodoxy gives men meaning and purpose,” he explained.

Some converts have taken their spiritual journey even further — by moving to Russia. One prominent case is Father Joseph Gleason, a former American Protestant with eight children, who relocated with his family to a rural village in the Yaroslavl region. He cites the absence of same-sex marriage laws and the freedom to homeschool as major draws. In response to such interest, Russia introduced a special visa program in 2023 for foreigners who share the country's “traditional spiritual and moral values.”