Orthodox Christianity on the Rise in Canada as Other Denominations Decrease: Discover the Reasons

June 4, 2024 TruthUSA

The clash between traditional religion and modern individualistic beliefs is impacting Christianity in Canada, with all Christian denominations declining except one. Adherents of this denomination suggest that others may be losing members due to a lack of traditional values.

Orthodox Christianity, predominant in countries like Greece, Russia, and Eastern Europe, has seen a surge in popularity in Canada while other denominations are losing followers.

The number of individuals identifying as Christian Orthodox has risen to 623,000 in the 2021 census, up from 479,600 in 2001, as per Statistics Canada. The percentage of Orthodox Christians in the population grew from 1.6% in 2001 to 1.7% in 2021 and 1.4% in 1991.

This number likely increased further temporarily after the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in February 2021 led to an influx of Ukrainian refugees, one of the main Orthodox countries. Over 286,700 Ukrainians had arrived in Canada by March under an emergency visa program.

Meanwhile, Christianity as a whole has declined and now represents only 53.4% of Canada’s population, down from 67.3% in 2011 and 77.1% in 2001. The trend suggests that Christianity might lose its majority status in Canada as other religions gain popularity.

The Muslim population has grown to 4.9% from 2% in the past 20 years, and the Hindu community to 2.3% from 1%, according to StatCan.

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Christianity may be declining in Canada, but Orthodox priests in North America are witnessing a surge in interest in their faith, according to Father Andrew Stephen Damick, an Orthodox priest tracking the rise in the United States and Canada.

In a YouTube video, Father Damick noted a significant increase with clergy and laypeople reporting a surge in church attendance. Some churches have more catechumens now than in their entire history.

The growing interest in Orthodox Christianity is partly attributed to its strict adherence to tradition and rituals amidst societal changes and political unrest, according to observers.

Paul VanderKlay, a minister, highlights that Orthodox Christians have maintained their traditional values without apologies, unlike other denominations that have apologized for past wrongs, causing a loss of confidence among followers.

Pastor VanderKlay, who engages in religious discussions through social media, suggests that people today seek confidence in tradition and are drawn to a Christian tradition that is self-assured and unconflicted.

Additionally, the “Peterson-Pageau pipeline,” involving Jordan Peterson and Jonathan Pageau, has played a role in popularizing Orthodox Christianity and attracting new followers, particularly young men.

Jonathan Pageau, along with other influencers, contributes to the rise of Orthodoxy through his YouTube channel, website, and speeches, drawing attention to symbolism in the Bible and contemporary culture.

The surge in Orthodoxy, although predominantly among young males, poses questions about the longevity of this trend and whether new adherents will deeply commit to the religion.

Pastor VanderKlay emphasizes that time will reveal the true followers who embrace the religion wholeheartedly, distinguishing them from the temporary interest of some individuals.

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