Post Easter Victory for Victims

Next Step #151 – April 28, 2011

Easter celebrations are over, Genocide commemorations have stopped, but the real work of In His Shoes continues in highlighting Resurrection over Crucifixion. Recap and commentary on the Fast for Darfur. Defining the Church as the Sacred Body of Christ, and the overwhelming power of national aspirations. And in the world… Prince William gets married, Obama proves he’s a citizen and Superman denounces his US Citizenship.
Music by Steve Hampar
Ani’s Bubble – Angel Made Quilt.
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Easter Appeal for Darfur

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
Dear Friends,
It’s finally here. The day we have been waiting for – the day that brings it all together – Easter Sunday on April 24!
Easter Sunday is a day to WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION of Christ, AND THIS YEAR our witness comes by way of a Resurrected Armenian people. For the past several months we’ve organized events and programs with this day in mind. The “Darkest Day in Modern History” – the beginning of the Armenian Genocide, meets up with the Brightest Day in all of Eternity. And darkness doesn’t stand a chance.
“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” – John 8:12
Part of our unique witness to the Light includes reaching out to the people of Darfur. If you haven’t had a chance to see our video, “Greetings of Hope” please take a look. It was shown in the refugee camps. As I looked at pictures and videos of Darfuri genocide refugees watching this video, I could only think, what if someone had cared about the Armenian people in 1915? The reality is that we can’t change the past, but we can do something about today.
I’m pleased to let you know, just a few hours ago a group of people in Glendale began the “Fast for Darfur.” It is organized by In His Shoes ministries and this year has participants in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, England, Syria and Armenia. The Fast is intended to bring attention to the Genocide in Darfur, to show our solidarity and to raise much needed funds for humanitarian needs in the refugee camps.
If you’re on our In His Shoes mailing list, I know you’ve received letters and information about our fast. This letter is my personal appeal to you at this Holy Easter Season – please be a witness to the resurrection, by donating to the Fast for Darfur. All donations will reach the refugees. We have partnered with Stop Genocide Now (founder Gabriel Stauring was named In His Shoes 2008 Man of the Year) and monitor the refugee camps on an on-going basis through videos and satellite feeds. The money gets there and it helps.
You can securely donate at our website InHisShoes.org or send in a donation to Armenian Church Youth Ministries, 632 W. Stocker St., Glendale, CA 91202. If you’re interested in doing a matching fund, please write me personally at Vazken@inhisshoes.org
Fasting is one of the key ways we heighten our awareness to the pain of others. We’re committed to this fast and ask that you help us by keeping steadfast in your prayers and remembering the people of Darfur with a donation today.
I take this opportunity to wish you all the blessings of the Empty Tomb! May God’s promise of life and love fill your lives today and always.
-Fr. Vazken Movsesian
P.S. Please join us in a victory celebration Sunday morning with a special Easter Sunrise Service – 8:00PDT at our church in Glendale and on the net at Epostle.net (Broadcast tab).

And the Two Shall Meet

Next Step #150 – April 21, 2011

An Easter Special in complete Armodox Tradition. Life over death, love over hatred, light over darkness, good over evil, Govya Yerousaghem over Ee Verin. April 24 is transformed by the unfailing words of Rev. 21:4 – a day when there will be no more tears. The Power within us. In His Shoes at this junction. Putting on the sandles of Christ; Taking up Christ’s Cross OR Taking Christ up to the Cross?
Join us for Easter Morning Sunrise Service: www.epostle.net/broadcast.html
Ani’s Bubbles – Seeker of Truth
Songs – Govya Yerousaghem by Vazkenian Seminarians at Lake Sevan
Oor es Mayr Eem by Lousine Zakarian
Beautiful Boy by John Lennon
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Working Class Weapons

Next Step #149 – April 14, 2011

Preparing for the meeting of Light & Darkness – Easter and Armenian Genocide Commemoration – a year in the planning via In His Shoes. Jesus was open to the possibility of learning and the “working class hero” opens our minds. Church/Priest being accessible. Finding a weapon of choice – especially when weapons are the only means of salvation! Here is the Armodox answer to violence – peace is promised and also attainable. Borrowing from our children – what world are we leaving them with? Family life – do you really want others to pray for you? Jerusalem (Govya Yerousaghem) is for victors, the Eternal Jerusalem (Ee Verin Yerousaghem) is consolation for the victims.
FAST for DARFUR: http://inhisshoes.org
Song – Shoghaker Ensemble “Tamir Agha Bar”;
Working Class Hero – John Lennon & Angeghdz Zinvor – Hovhaness Badalian;
Ani’s Bubble – Teachers’ I Cor 13 translation
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

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Born Again to the End Times

Next Step #148 – April 7, 2011

Back from Phoenix through the Arizona/California desert, in time for the Sunday of Advent. Earthquakes, upheaval in the Middle East, Economy – what does it all mean? The “Signs of the Times?” A look at Scripture for answers – exploring Mark 13, Matthew 25 & Matthew 22. Whether you’re “Born Again” or waiting for the Rapture – you will be able to put together the pieces and find out the best way to wait / prepare for end times – A True Orthodox perspective – Armodoxy for us all. Specialists for everything but religion. Another revelation: Believe it or not, patience is not one of Fr. Vazken’s virtues (really?); April 24 – Easter Sunday and the FAST for DARFUR – Transforming Victims to Victors in Christ!
Check out: Dr. Harry Hagopian – consultant to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales on the Middle East http://www.catholicchurch.org.uk/mena-4
Ani’s Bubbles: Helping Hands
Music: Rouben Hakhverdian “Im Spitak Aghavnie”
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

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