Rock musicians converting to Eastern Orthodox Christianity

[Parisite]

Interesting new article on rock musicians (particularly in the USA) converting to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and examination of what the appeal might be.

https://www.flaneurnotes.com/post/when-rock-meets-orthodoxy

Interesting. I love Flaneur's articles. I did read some time ago about certain kinds of men liking the orthodox faith, just hope they don't distort it.
I didn't know about the rock unix though. Orthodox liturgy is so beautiful and otherworldly. I have a few CDs! And there is some on YouTube. It seems so mystical to me, even though I have not much idea what words they are singing, but it doesn't seem to matter, it brings me closer to things not of this world. Can't imagine how it would translate to rock, must try and find these groups and have a listen.
before Covid a small group,of Russian singers gave a concert in our small town, it was wonderful to hear it live. I love the deep deep bass voice of one of the singers.

Thanks for engaging with my post.

I'd be interested to know how most Orthodox priests, and the older Orthodox faithful, feel about the recent influx of rock musicians. No doubt many are pleased about having cool new members and church growth, but I imagine some find it a bit weird. As the article says, 'metalcore' with all its screaming can be unsettling, and would sound more hellish than heavenly to some!

There's been a move in America for some young men to move to the Orthodox church because of a sense that it restores their masculinity. Not necessarily linked to rock music but there are parallels with the type of young men who are attracted. Your post reminded me of this article I read last year.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c30q5l8d4lro

Thanks. Yes, the article I posted mentions the whole macho 'orthobro' thing, and sees it as a negative.

Interesting, then, that the highest profile rock star convert to Orthodoxy is a woman.

Hmm it's not new, in the 90s there was a movement of male punks and metalheads who converted. They had a magazine Death to the World very edgy.

It's stil going! https://deathtotheworld.com/

I read about this though but what I read was about an increase in single men seeking out orthodox christianity some time ago what I read.. It seems they may be wanting structure and spirituality in their lives.

This is the article that I saw-
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/01/04/the-young-men-leaving-traditional-churches-for-orthodox/

https://apnews.com/article/orthodox-christians-cliffside-monastery-monks-488a9ec2bea52f54071bf91ddfc7d56d

The BBC website has a simple breakdown between the demoninations. I will paste what they wrote about orthodox Christianity below.

Orthodox tradition
Orthodox Christians reject the authority of the pope.
They do, however, believe that the sacraments are essential for salvation.
The Orthodox Church can trace its origins back to the first Church started by Jesus’ disciples in Jerusalem. Many Orthodox Christians believe that this gives them greater authority than other denominations and that they are following the right teachings.
Many Orthodox churches are organised on a national level, for example the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Church.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zbj48mn/revision/8

Ooh this is interesting. DS's friend wanted him to go to a Russian Orthodox church service with him. I thought it was a bit of a strange thing to do. Ill have a read of the articles. Is it something I should be concerned about? DS wasn't that keen, although he has been talking about being confirmed ( hes baptised Catholic but I allowed him to choose whether to be confirmed and he said no at 13. )

The Orthodox are not interested in popularity which is why they've remained unchanged since the founding by the apostles and despite government, religious, social changes etc.

They reject secular music and especially as it pertains to Christianity e.g. Hillsong etc.

Many will claim to be Orthodox, and misrepresent it, as many claim to be Christians and misrepresent the message of Jesus Christ.

This is no different to what has been done for thousands of years. It will continue and we are aware.