A growing number of young men in America are turning to Orthodoxy in search of stability and tradition. Changes in Protestant and other Christian denominations, including political divisions and social debates about LGBTQ rights, have led many to reconsider their faith.
According to recent research, Orthodox churches have seen a 78% increase in conversions from other religions in 2022 compared to the pre-pandemic period, with most new believers being men.
Tradition as a response to change
Ben Kristenson (27) from Fairfax, Virginia, grew up in the Anglican Church but quickly noticed numerous changes that affected his relationship with faith. “The robed choir was replaced by a band, women began to be ordained, and attitudes towards LGBT issues became flexible,” says Kristenson. “All this gave me the feeling that theological beliefs were also changeable.”
In search of stability, he explored various denominations during his studies and eventually settled on Orthodoxy. “Orthodoxy gives me a sense of structure and continuity – everything has been the same for 2,000 years. It doesn’t change and won’t change,” adds Kristenson, who now regularly attends services at St. Mary’s Church in Falls Church.
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Orthodoxy attracts young men
Other young people share similar experiences, including Elijah Vi Sit (17) from Toronto. This teenager, who grew up as an evangelist, felt that contemporary forms of Christianity were too emotional. “For me, Orthodoxy is not just a religion, it’s discipline and masculinity. You’re not expected to be emotional and weak there. Orthodoxy demands that you strive, fast, pray, and fight for your salvation,” says Vi Sit.
Bailey Mullins (26), a graphic designer from Tennessee, decided to convert after noticing that many denominations in North America are becoming increasingly co-opted by politics. “In today’s world, everything changes quickly – Protestant churches, social norms, and even the rule of law. “People want something that is not subject to change, something that has a long history, tradition, and foundation. Orthodoxy is that,” says Mullins.
The internet and personal quest for faith
The internet plays a key role in this trend, allowing young people to discover Orthodoxy while exploring religion or participating in discussions. “Orthodoxy has become known on the internet. Many people say they discovered our church after debating religion online,” explains Zechariah Porku, a catechist at St. Andrew’s Church in California.
Jordan Peterson, a well-known psychologist, points to the ritual nature of Orthodoxy as one of the key reasons why it attracts young people.
“The Orthodox Church is more than just a faith. It’s a way of life. Ritual service is like ballet, every movement, every step has meaning. This is something you can’t experience in most modern churches,” says Peterson. Orthodoxy, with its deep roots in history and beliefs, gives young people security in an uncertain world.
Orthodoxy as a refuge from chaos Many converts point out that Orthodoxy is an answer to the instability of the modern world.
“Everything is changing – Protestant and Catholic churches, society, and even the government,” says Mullins.
“People want something stable, with a history and tradition that won’t collapse. Orthodoxy, with its strict fasts, disciplined prayers, and emphasis on spiritual growth, gives young people a sense of belonging and connection to something higher. As Kristenson says: “If you’re serious about your faith and want something that has weight, Orthodoxy is a natural choice.”
The Rise of Orthodoxy in the Last Five Years
A survey of Orthodox churches across America has shown that parishes in 2022 recorded a 78% increase in the number of people who converted to Orthodoxy, compared to the pre-pandemic level of 2019. While historically both men and women have converted in equal numbers, many more men have joined the church since 2020.
Father Josia Trenham, who has been at the head of the Orthodox Church of St. Andrew in Riverside, California for nearly three decades, has also noticed a surge in interest.
Men are “attracted” to traditional prayer
“The last four to five years have seen a huge increase. It shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, it’s still increasing… This is happening on a massive scale in countless numbers across the country,” he said. Trenham’s church has 1,000 active members. In his opinion, men are converting to Orthodoxy because other religions place more emphasis on aesthetics and movements during their services. “Men are much less comfortable in those environments, which is why they are a minority in these forms of belief. Our forms of worship are very traditional and very masculine,” he said.
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Source: Blic, Photo: Pexels