Dreaming Peace w/out Violence

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Next Step #116 – August 26, 2010

Almost a half-century past Dr. King’s “I have a dream” speech, President Obama justifies war as a means to peace? So what’s left to dream? Armenian Orthodoxy and the dream to secure peace is explored in this podcast in a very personal manner by Fr. Vazken. More on the Mosque at Ground Zero – insights on constitutionality. Statement from the National Council of Churches: http://www.ncccusa.org/news/MK.cordovamosque.html
Song: Paul Simon’s “American Tune” w/Bach and Beethoven too.
Ani’s Bubbles: An Angel to smiling on you – http://scrubsmag.com/author/AniBurr/
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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Secrets for Avoiding the Void

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Next Step #115 – August 19, 2010

What’s the secret for making a church “work”? Could you bring it down to a word or two? Education? Faith? Commitment? Sincerity? Also in this podcast: Watching the Asteroids, Contributing to Confidence, Reclaiming childhood ideology.
Song: “Going Up the Country by Canned Heat”;
Ani’s Bubbles: “Obstacles in our Path”;
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

updated 041821 mm

K*I*S*S*

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Isn’t the whole message of Christianity based on the premise that God became man, to understand and feel the pain of His creation? In other words, to walk in his shoes! Or even more plainly, He simplified His status! Right? From Cosmic Creator, He became Jesus.

So why do we complicate things with religion? Why don’t we just follow the model and keep it simple? Instead, I try to sit through sermons and Bible Studies that have no connection to reality. They tell me about myths, about ancient heroes, laws and rules, about forces that are vying for my attention and ultimately my soul. They then bring it down to a final play-off – a decision between Heaven and Hell.

What happened to the God that cared so much for His Creation that He gave His Only Son so that we may be saved? What happened to the Essential Message: Love God, Love One another?

It’s really simple: Love. That’s it. From there EVERYTHING else falls into place. From Love we get Peace, we find God, we respect one another, we understand why giving is more blessed than receiving, we have harmony of mind, body and soul, and therefore individual, community and world.

Grapes Invade Our Comfort Zones

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Next Step #114 – August 12, 2010

St. Mary’s Assumption is an opportunity for Thanksgiving and reflections on motherhood, thru the lens of Armodoxy. Standing up for principles even in light of our comfort zones being violated. Questions worth asking: Why are apparitions of St. Mary so greasy? Would you say ‘yes’ to an unplanned pregnancy of Love? Is giving really better than receiving? Also: The Trump/Teresa show-down. The principles of the Mosque at Ground Zero.
Song: “Julia” by The Beatles
Ani’s Bubbles: “Who Packed Your Parachuette?”
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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Unique in Every Way

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Next Step #113 – August 5, 2010

The War on Terror – does Armenian Orthodoxy have something to offer this war, or is it just about the battles? A look at building a mosque at Ground Zero and Mayor Bloomberg’s comments, “No neighborhood in his city is off limits to God’s love.” Where have we heard that before? Looking at the unique and miraculous events of our life – “The Badarak is a ballet danced with God,” says Fr. Vazken as he focuses on the uniqueness inherent in each person and in our God-relation. “No one has ever gone into heaven” says Jesus and the priest responds, “No one is worthy…” to bring balance to ballet of the Passion Play. St. Mary shares her unique role in history with us.
Song: La Ronde des Lutins, scherzo fantastique for violin & piano, Op. 25, by  Antonio Bazzini; Performed by  Maxim Vengerov (Violin), Itamar Golan [Piano]
Ani’s Bubbles: “The Seven Wonders of the World” (http://scrubsmag.com/author/aniburr/)
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

updated 041821 mm