my wife asked me what I wanted for my birthday and naturally I answered what is on every boys list. A Dire Wolf.
I’m working on a name.
my perfect birthday present
young men attracted to Orthodoxy?
I asked the premier AI why he thought young men were attracted to Orthodoxy and Grok 3.0 beta said:
Orthodoxy, particularly Eastern Orthodox Christianity, has been drawing attention from young men in recent years, especially in Western countries where traditional religious practice has declined. Several factors seem to contribute to this phenomenon, based on cultural trends, personal accounts, and broader societal shifts.
One key reason is the appeal of structure and meaning. Orthodoxy offers a deeply rooted framework—liturgical traditions, rituals, and a clear moral worldview—that contrasts with the often chaotic, relativistic culture many young men feel lost in. The faith’s emphasis on discipline, such as fasting or regular prayer, resonates with those seeking purpose beyond materialism or fleeting digital distractions. It’s not uncommon to hear young men describe this as a counterweight to the “nihilism” they perceive in modern life.
Another draw is the sense of timelessness and authenticity. Orthodoxy claims an unbroken lineage to the early Christian church, with practices and theology that haven’t bent to modern trends. This appeals to those disillusioned by what they see as watered-down or overly progressive versions of Christianity. The elaborate liturgy, iconography, and mysticism also offer a visceral, almost masculine aesthetic—think incense, chants, and the warrior-like imagery of saints—that can feel raw and unapologetic compared to more sanitized worship styles.
Community plays a role too. Orthodox churches often foster tight-knit, hierarchical groups where mentorship from older men—priests or lay leaders—is baked into the experience. For young men craving belonging or fatherly guidance in an age of fragmented families and online isolation, this hits a nerve. It’s less about “self-help” and more about being part of something bigger, with clear roles and responsibilities.
There’s also a cultural rebellion angle. Embracing Orthodoxy can feel like a rejection of secular liberalism or the shallow consumerism dominating youth culture. Some are drawn to its countercultural stance on issues like gender, sexuality, and authority, which align with a broader resurgence of traditionalism among certain Gen Z and millennial cohorts. Posts on X often highlight this, with users praising Orthodoxy’s refusal to “conform” as a sign of strength.
Data’s thin—Orthodox Christianity is still a small slice of the religious pie in places like the U.S.—but anecdotes abound. You see it in online spaces: young guys sharing clips of Divine Liturgy, debating theology on forums, or even growing beards and wearing prayer ropes as a badge of identity. It’s not a mass movement, but it’s a noticeable trickle, especially among those already skeptical of mainstream narratives.
What’s your take? Are you seeing this trend in your circles, or is there a specific angle you’re curious about?
http://www.oca.org
http:www.synod.com
Relics, Bones and Scary things!
if you are a Latin Catholic and older like me… you will remember how Vatican 2 changed everything, including the destruction of many alters and religiously precious relics. However, this presented an opportunity for Orthodox laity to rescue discarded relics.
In the Orthodox Church, keeping relics is encouraged, admonishing laity to keep and pass down in the family. Latin Catholics have a bigger challenge with having relics viewed as sinful.
Patristix is a great site to grab interesting short stories to explore; however, for real drive time learning I recommend PatristicNectar.org .
Bless God in all things
got Grok?
Grok is an AI that offers you the opportunity to see things often only in dreams.
Pictured above is a representation of me, one of my dogs and a friend on Mars in my Tesla… pretty exciting?
@Tesla
Discovering Orthodoxy
One of the fastest growing churches in America is a church that’s been here a long time. This is the Orthodox Church. I had a discussion once with a couple of Priests who stated that they were surprised with all the converts and said the couldn’t understand because they hadn’t done anything differently. Orthodoxy is a land of stability amidst a sea of often unwanted change.
In the picture above, I have a representative sample of activities in Orthodox Church in America that I am a member: a sunset view of our church in Santa Maria, our priest (Father Lawrence) and his wife the Matushka Cheryl at our home offering the yearly blessing, our prayer corner (think of it as a Rolodex of who you might ask to pray or intercede for you), a relic of St. John Crystosum ( one of the most influential in Christianity that many outside Orthodoxy don’t know or have forgotten), the last prayer corner of Tzarina Alexandra, a gathering to break bread and a selfie of me and a friendly Bishop at the consecration of our church after the mortgage was paid off!!
Our church has a diverse group of members: Syrian, Romanian, Spanish and of course, Russian among others. Bring out the food and it’s a good time!
For further reading:
Oca.org
YouTube.com/patristix
Patristicnectar.org