We met at a time where we were both at a loss. We were ready to accept whatever God had prepared for us. I reluctantly downloaded a Christian dating app, and prayed I would find someone who was at the very least interested in Orthodoxy.

A week after being on the app, and the moment I was ready to delete it, the only Orthodox woman I found on the app, happened to be the most beautiful and interesting woman I had come across.

I fumbled over my words. I pestered her over text for days, expecting my knowledge of The Lord of the Rings Extended Cuts to seal the deal.

And it did.

Only someone as kind, sweet and wonderful as Samara could sit through that kind of torture, and I thank God everyday for His blessings.

- Chris

Our journey in finding one another was not aimless nor did it just happen by chance as we both began to search for one another with intention-IN OTHER WORDS we used a dating app. I spent a lot of time in frustrated tears and relied on the support and prayers of my family and close friends who encouraged me to continually seek God`s will in my life.

One day I “matched” with this amazingly handsome and sweet man. He had the biggest, most beautiful eyes and warm smile that instantly caught my attention. As I got to speak with him, I discovered he was rooted in the faith and wanted to spend a life that was pleasing to the Lord. He was incredibly talented and creative, he had a wonderful sense of humor (obviously as he laughed at all my jokes) and made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world...and when things didn’t work out with him, I met Chris.

The moment I first saw Chris walk out of that very, VERY sketchy hotel room where he stayed on his first visit, I just knew he was my person. And as we embraced for the first time that night, I remember shaking not because of the gunshots and bullet holes in walls around us but because I felt so excited and so sure that I found my husband.

I thank God every day for blessing me with such a kind soul and partner. We ask for your prayers as we begin our journey into marriage!

- Samara