Faith as the Cornerstone of Virtue
Belief in Christ, as well as faith in other divine principles, deeply influences the formation of virtuous qualities in a person by directing their inner energy toward the development of sincerity, humility, chastity, and other positive attributes. Faith becomes the foundation for active participation in one’s spiritual transformation, enabling a life lived in accordance with high moral standards. For example, the text “Christian Piety” (source: link txt) notes that faith strives to reveal in an individual virtues such as modesty, chastity, meekness, humility, obedience, and unwavering belief—a set of virtues that not only enrich one's inner world but also contribute to the creation of healthy relationships within society.
Furthermore, the “Letter of St. Cyril of Alexandria” (source: link txt) indicates that a true believer must combine their faith with active good deeds. It is emphasized that faith and good works are two equally indispensable principles through which salvation and spiritual perfection are attained.
It is also well known that faith serves as a source of inner transformation. As underscored in “The Virtuous Life” (source: link txt, page: 700), true virtue is the measure of a strong and sincere spiritual state. In this context, faith is not seen as a passive belief but as active participation in the process of deification and in forming the image of God—a concept also reflected in “The Epistle of Paul” (source: link txt). Here it is stated, “Faith and works are a person’s participation in their own deification through the power of Christ,” emphasizing the interconnection between spiritual convictions and their practical expression in actions.
Finally, historical experience, as described in “History of Russian Piety” (source: link txt), demonstrates that the Orthodox faith has contributed to cultivating an array of moral qualities, shaping a pious character that is expressed in traits such as hospitality, courage, and honesty. Thus, faith becomes an integral part of forming a positive and virtuous personality.
Supporting citation(s):
“Christian piety concerns all those qualities extolled in maidens... It wished to see in them only modesty, chastity, meekness, humility, obedience, unwavering faith in the Divine Providence, and readiness for all life’s upheavals—virtues upon which both marital happiness and the well-being of society depend...” (source: link txt)
“It was assumed that the believer was an active disciple of Christ, living according to his beliefs... About faith and good works one must speak as of two distinct and equally necessary principles of salvation...” (source: link txt)
“The Virtuous Life... for true virtue (p. 700) is the best of all...” (source: link txt, page: 700)
“Faith and works represent a person’s participation in their own deification by the power of Christ; this is the realization of the likeness of God through the restored image of God in man, which is Christ.” (source: link txt)
“The Orthodox faith manifested itself in Rus as a mighty, fervent force that nurtured the well-known ‘Russian piety’...” (source: link txt)