Western Diocese

Upon the invitation of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian delivered remarks on the topic of "Fasting and Making Peace" at the 10^th Annual Interfaith Ramadan Dinner, held in Anaheim on August 22. The Primate spoke to an audience of members of the Islamic Faith as well as prominent interfaith leaders of the Southern California. Other remarks were offered by Rev. Norm Copeland of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Rabbi Jonathan Klein from Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice.

His Eminence was warmly received by those in attendance. In his remarks he said, "Fasting and prayer are the two most common religious practices amongst all world religions. The question is that if we apply them in a disciplined fashion in our daily life individually or collectively, fellowships led by the clerics, such as tonight's gathering, motivate us and awaken within our spirituality the momentum to rekindle within us the vision and the spiritual strength to connect our lives to the Creator, but also to turn our lives into a living miracle in the life of the community."

The purpose of this event is to introduce the month of Ramadan to the Christian and interfaith community, as well as to allow the Islamic faithful an opportunity to connect with other leaders of other faith traditions as well.

The following is the full text of the Primate's remarks.

Dear Brother Shakeel, distinguished guests, Brothers and Sisters:

I first would like to extend my sincere and special thanks for the invitation to attend and address the 10^th Annual Interfaith Banquet organized by the Shura Council of Southern California. Your kind consideration to allow me to share my thoughts on fasting and prayer, especially within the context of Ramadan, sends out a wonderful message of peace and respect to the members of the larger community of the world where many people have lost God in their spirituality and consequently have willingly or unwillingly deprived themselves from self-respect and most importantly in applying respect for fellow human beings.

The opening words which I would like to share with you are noble reflections from one of our distinguished church leaders, which I find them most appropriate for the occasion.

"There are no men without faith. We all are blessed with the gift to believe. There are only those who have the ignorance to apply faith in their lives."

These are the words of Patriarch Shnork Kalustian, of blessed memory. The journey, which brings us closer to God, is the journey that begins with the most crucial ingredient for peace in our lives, faith. Faith is truly a gift from God, which allows us to form a connection with our creator, and to live in communion with him, despite the imperfect nature of our existence.

To apply faith in our lives is Humanity's calling as it requires from us all that we can aspire to when we utilize God's blessings.

To share our God-given gifts with others, and to appreciate God's gifts within others requires that we submit to God's will in our lives, and grow closer to him in our service.

But how does one grow closer to God, how can one apply their faith? This is the question, which is put before us all as we go about our daily lives. We are faced with the challenges that come with our modern life, and so we feel the disconnect that occurs when we are not able to devote the time and energy necessary to develop our relationship with God. Therefore, we must use the tools, which God has given us to bring our lives into balance and find peace. These tools are fasting and prayer.

Fasting and prayer are the two most common religious practices amongst all world religions. The question is that if we apply them in a disciplined fashion in our daily life individually or collectively, fellowships led by the clerics, such as tonight's gathering, motivate us and awaken within our spirituality the momentum to rekindle within us the vision and the spiritual strength to connect our lives to the Creator, but also to turn our lives into a living miracle in the life of the community.

Fasting is often viewed as a sacrifice on our parts, a call to abstinence in all things in our lives. While, fasting requires abstinence, it is not a goal unto itself. As it was said by the late Bishop Papken Gulesarian, "[Fasting] brings to us the message of moderation because the struggle of life, and often the wrong perception and strategy of the struggle of life, has cause much harm to the simplicity of life. We have not been moderate in our thoughts, in our words, in our deeds, in our social relationships, in the stewardship of our inner life, and in the quality and quantity of what we eat and drink. In short, the health of our body and soul is imperiled and unconsciously we have distanced ourselves from God." Therefore, fasting is the key, which puts us on the right track, and reorients our lives toward God.

Here I would like to stress the importance of fasting in terms of a journey towards God. In other words fasting inflames within us the vision to make God the destiny of our lives. For to me life can only be perceived with God, growing in God. Therefore, if fasting is understood to be a journey towards God, then prayer takes us to a higher level of spirituality.

Prayer is the fuel of our spiritual life. It is that which from the depths of our hearts binds our lives with the Creator, and builds and reinforces a spiritual foundation, which strengthens our faith. Prayer in the beginning is simply the recitation of words. Prayer as we progress becomes the logic of our mind. Prayer eventually becomes the movement of our heart. It is at this moment that we feel and live the presence of God as the source of a new life, as life of spiritual peace.

In prayer we then can become the peacemakers who, bearing God in our souls, will inspire in others the best of human qualities.

Personally, as a Christian Leader, sharing my thoughts with members of the Islamic Faith, I believe in a love for all humanity as we are all created by the Lord. We are called to pray together and fast together according to our faith, and traditions, growing with a sense of being children of God.

Respect for all faith is vital, imperative, and important. Those who lack respect for others are unknowingly passing judgment, which is something we have no right to do.

You may have realized by now that to me personally that respect being the key element in all religions, if applied then the order of human life will be embraced in peace. In a recent message Pope Benedict shares with us an inightful thought, which reflects the very same thought of respect towards nature and humanity. "Respect for the nature keeps the people in peace."

On behalf of the Council of Los Angeles Religious leaders, the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the Western Diocese we wish our Islamic brothers and sisters a peaceful and fulfilling Ramadan. May your fasting become an opportunity for reconciliation with God and amongst one another, for now is the time to open our hearts and bless one another in faith and humility.