Building a Strong Orthodox Family
When searching for a partner from the Orthodox community to build a strong family, it is important to demonstrate sincerity, honesty, and live according to high moral principles that reflect the spiritual values of your environment. For example, if you are concerned about shyness, you should begin with inner readiness and ask for a blessing for this path. As it is said:"For many shy and modest young Orthodox men, the question of how to meet a Christian girl can become serious.
How can one overcome shyness?First, you need to pray for it; second, you need to live in a way that is worthy of such an encounter. How can you find an opportunity? How can you overcome shyness? Some overcome shyness by drinking alcohol and, after becoming intoxicated, approach a girl. But that is not for us." (source: link txt)Furthermore, when the right moment comes, you can use a simple and sincere approach in churches or community gatherings, such as beginning a conversation with a brief, polite phrase:"Excuse me, I also attend this church. My name is Alexei; what is your name?" (source: link txt)This method helps create an atmosphere of mutual respect and fellowship, which forms a solid foundation for future family life. In addition to personal initiative, it is important to live a life based on hard work, love, and piety, for it is in such families that the foundations of true virtues and responsible citizenship are established:"They learn order, labor, friendliness, truthfulness, and honesty within the family. This is achieved more easily and becomes more lasting when the lives of the adults are wiser, simpler, more loving, and more ennobled by labor, based on piety and a blessed life. Family life creates common interests... From these same families, grooms and brides are later chosen..." (source: link txt, page: 474)Thus, actively participate in your community, strive for spiritual growth, and view every encounter as an opportunity for a genuine connection, which in the long run may lead to the creation of a strong and loving family.