Russian Orthodox Church’s Unique Appeal in Texas

The Russian Orthodox Church outside of Russia, which holds onto conservative values and ancient traditions, is gaining attention in Texas for its approach to promoting a specific idea of “masculinity.” This perspective includes a rejection of what it sees as overly feminine behaviors.

Among its prominent supporters is Father Moses MacPherson, who is also a father to five popular YouTubers. He advocates for the rejection of styles such as skinny jeans and behaviors like crossing legs, showing emotion, and even drinking soup.

This church seems to resonate with many young adults in their 20s and 30s, who are drawn to its time-honored customs and messages that counter the perceived feminization of Western society.

Theodore, a software engineer and recent convert, voices his concern about societal pressures on men today. He criticizes the perception that men should only be financial providers for stay-at-home wives. “There’s this narrative that it’s toxic to be traditional,” he states, adding, “That’s not how it should be.”

Many new followers have turned to homeschooling, viewing it as a means to shield their children from topics like “transgenderism” found in public education.

Father John Whiteford, the Archbishop of Locall in Spring Texas, believes that homeschooling not only offers a religious education but also safeguards children in various ways.

Father Moses MacPherson supports couples who choose to avoid birth control, encouraging large families. He argues, “Show me one saint in the church’s history who has approved of any form of birth control.” He also considers masturbation to be “pathetic and devoid of humanity,” asserting that Orthodoxy is about being “normal, not masculine.”

He expressed a distaste for services resembling pop concerts, saying, “I don’t want to go to services like Taylor Swift’s concert. Worship music today often emphasizes emotion over traditional masculinity.”

Many converts, like Elissa Bieretic Davis, a former Protestant who now identifies with the Greek Orthodox Church in Austin, relate to the description of this faith as a “wake crowd.” Some describe it as “authoritarian, strict, and reminiscent of the old American Puritans.”

Father Joseph Gleason, another Orthodox priest from Texas, praised Russia as a bastion for Orthodox Christianity, where homeschooling is accepted and traditional values thrive. “There are no same-sex marriages in Russia. Instead, it’s a place where you can homeschool your children. I truly appreciate the millennia-old history of Orthodox Christianity there,” he remarked.

The church, established by a clergyman escaping the Russian Revolution in 1917, is regarded as the most conservative Orthodox jurisdiction in the United States. Based in New York, it is witnessing growth across the nation as more individuals convert from other faiths.