546. Why the current “Surge” of young people, especially young men, into the Orthodox Church?

 

Why are many young people suddenly joining the Orthodox Church? Why are so many young men attracted to Orthodoxy? In a minute or so I’m going to ask you to try to answer these questions. I’ve read that this “Surge” is taking place in many parishes, but I haven’t read much analysis about why it’s happening.

And then, God and you willing, your answers will comprise next week’s Post.

Back in Post 537, we talked about how some men are drawn to Orthodoxy (particularly to parishes in the Russian Orthodox tradition) in order to enhance their masculinity and to take a stand against “woke culture” *. I also printed the response of Russian Orthodox Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe, who said people should come to the Orthodox Church for one reason only: to find Jesus Christ. In Him we will find all we need, including true personhood, true humanity, true femininity, true masculinity. But for this to happen, first and above all we must be seeking Christ.

• Just in passing, I hate the term “woke”. Like many catch words, I think it’s a shallow way of stuffing people into “pigeonholes” (whether pro or con) without asking what they really believe. Worse, today the word “woke” is being used as a political tool to put people down and win votes. Forgive me for going off on a tangent.

However, there may be other valid reasons why people originally seek Orthodoxy. Some examples: the desire to find a Church (or just anything in this fast-changing world) that is stable, or as the result of their search for the true New Testament Church, the Church of the Fathers,  or because they are drawn to Orthodox music, architecture or iconography, or even because a dream led them here. (I don’t discount that; one of the most devout members of our church came here that way.) People may know Christ before they get here, or they may find Him after they get here. However, they must center on Him in the end.

Over the past 35 years, my observation has been this: Usually (not always) men discover Orthodoxy first, and their wives are convinced later. I remember one man who had wanted to become Orthodox for several years, but wouldn’t do it without his wife. When she first agreed to come to our Inquirers’ Class she said, “I want you to understand: I am Orthodox-resistant!” But not for long. Together they have been loyal and happy Orthodox Christians for it must be twenty-five years now. I think that is fairly typical case.

Likewise, as mentioned above, the Orthodox Church is currently attracting many young men.

For the use of those who haven’t yet watched Father Stephen Andrew Damick’s video about the Surge, I’m copying it here. If you have seen it, feel free to skip past it.

Courtesy of Ancient Faith Ministries

Our Antiochian Metropolitan Philip (of thrice-blessed memory) used to call the Orthodox Church “the best kept secret in America”. Apparently this is no longer the case.

That’s all I have to say.

Now it’s your turn.

You are invited to write next week’s Post.

Would you like to share your knowledge or opinion about the Surge? It would be particularly interesting to hear from any young people (men or women) about what has brought you to the Orthodox Church.

Here are the questions. You needn’t answer all of them.

1  In your experience, have men taken the lead in bringing their families into the Orthodox Church?

2  Why do you think the Surge of young people into the Orthodox Church is suddenly taking place? Why so many young men, in particular?

3  Is the Surge taking place in your parish?

4  For any young people here present who are part of the Surge: Please tell us the story of how you first discovered Orthodoxy and what exactly drew you to the Church?

5  For any readers from beyond the United States *: Is the Surge taking place where you are?

• Last week we had readers in 39 countries.

Regarding Your Responses:

Please put them in the Comments at the end of this Post.

They may be short or long – but not too long!

If your response is off the subject, I’ll not print it.

You may include your name and parish, if you wish.

I will not publish your e-mail address.

The only corrections I’ll make will be: 1 To correct your spelling, if need be. 2 If you get all wound up, I may need to shorten your response.

If we get a multitude of responses I may not be able to include them all. If we don’t get any, next week’s Post may be very short!

Next week: I’ll share my own answers to (or guesses regarding) the questions above – as well as yours, I hope.

Week after Next; Hard to say at this point.