Millions of Americans watched the presidential election debate on Tuesday and the debate about the debate is continuing. But I wish to draw your attention to another election, one of the most important choices we can make. We elect people, we choose things, and make myriads of decisions daily. Yet often, despite uncertainty or difficulties in our lives, we ignore the most significant election we must make: choosing faith in God. This personal decision to trust and believe in God opens our lives to God’s love, grace, and mercy.

This is an “election” because faith in God is not merely a passive belief but an active, conscious commitment to trust in God's presence, promises, and purposes. Indeed, this choice is the human response to God’s love for us. It is a willingness to step into a relationship with God based on trust, even when tangible evidence might be lacking.

The Epistle to the Hebrews (11:1) defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see,” emphasizing that electing faith is about trusting in what cannot be fully grasped or proven, but is deeply known in the heart. This kind of faith requires an act of the will. It is more than intellectual agreement with religious doctrines. It is a commitment of the heart, mind, and soul to live according to God’s will.

Faith in God is a relationship with God through prayer. As our Lord Jesus Christ said, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” This is the most important election in our lives.

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate