Orthodox believers are convinced that faith is capable of transforming the lives of even those who are atheists, because for them true spiritual service consists of combating the forces of evil, and their actions provide a powerful testimony that can touch people’s hearts—even if they prematurely ridicule faith.

Faith Unyielding: The Spiritual Battle Against Evil

Orthodox believers are convinced that faith is capable of transforming the lives of even those who are atheists, because for them true spiritual service consists of combating the forces of evil, and their actions provide a powerful testimony that can touch people’s hearts—even if they prematurely ridicule faith. They view their rituals, such as cross processions, not as a random display of belief but as a genuine spiritual military campaign against demonic forces. As stated in one of the sources:

"For some reason you came with a malign intent, thinking that during cross processions 'the holy relics are defiled and paraded in mockery.' Not only is a relic not defiled, but everything tainted by human sin is sanctified by it. A cross procession is a spiritual military campaign against demonic evil, and the people taking part in the procession form Christ’s army.

And if someone mocks a cross procession, does it really matter?

A person deprived of the Spirit of God similarly mocks the temple, those who pray in it, prayer itself, and faith in general. Can mockery intimidate crusaders fighting against invisible satanic forces—forces far more fearsome than these miserable mockers? And finally, those who mock the relics are, in effect, mocking their own happiness."
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Furthermore, Orthodoxy rests on an idea akin to the famous “Pascal’s wager,” in that the acceptance of Christ not only does not burden a person, but also opens the door to boundless hope for eternal bliss. Thus, rejecting the Christian way of life results not only in the loss of valuable experience and spiritual wealth but also leads to spiritual emptiness. This is explained as follows:

"Third – the widely known so-called 'Pascal’s wager.' Indeed, acknowledging Christ does not deprive a person of anything useful or reasonable in this life; at the same time, it gives them complete hope for eternal happiness, if Christ is God and Savior. On the contrary, rejecting Him as an ideal and the meaning of life does nothing to enrich a person's earthly existence, but rather deprives them of everything in eternity, if God exists. Therefore, being a Christian is 'beneficial,' while rejecting the Christian purpose in life is unwise. But in that case, why is this meaning rejected?"
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Additionally, an important aspect is the striving for the renewal of faith and spiritual unity, which transcends even the ridicule from non-believers. The Christian community prays and works to strengthen its aspirations, believing that the higher goal of uniting and saving people outweighs any insults or mockery:

"We pray to the Holy Spirit to help all Christians renew their aspiration toward visible unity. We have no cause to speak of the mockery from non-believers when a more important task stands before us."
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Thus, the Orthodox are convinced that they can help atheists because their faith is manifested through active opposition to evil forces, through sacred rituals, and through compelling evidence—both on earth and in eternity—that a life imbued with Christian meaning brings true happiness and salvation. For them, ridicule and skepticism are not obstacles but challenges that reinforce their spiritual resolve and validate the enduring power of faith.