The Virgin at Woodstock: What we learn from grapes

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Next Step #62 August 12, 2009

It’s the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock and the FEAST of Assumption of St. Mary. Two events separated by millennium, held together by Armodoxy. Fr. Vazken delves into the notion of goodness and saints, by explaining that St. Mary – as the “Mother of God” is moreover the “Bearer of Love.” St. Mary’s life offers reflections on life lived with principles and a challenge to the listener to become today’s Mary. And what about the Grapes? Did you hear it through the grapevine? Here is a quick primer about the grape blessing service with notations from John 15 – Jesus is the vine, the Father is the vinedresser and we are the branches! The bearer of love, indeed! And was Jesus a member of the Counter Culture? Find out in this podcast that ties in the Virgin and Woodstock, Grapes and productive living. Also, the new and energized Fr. Vazken offers “Post-Sabbatical thoughts” and reflects on the necessary evils of church life. Putting all the circuits in place, here are some healthy tips of Christian living within the confines of Church structure.
Musical Selection: “Woodstock” by Joni Mitchell

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Empire Ideas Stimulate Orthodox Thoughts

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Next Step #61 – August 5, 2009

Returning from a teaching trip in New York, Fr. Vazken reflects on many thoughts inspired by the Empire State. A cab ride to California could have made us miss the eclipse! But a quick stop at the Eastern Diocesan headquarters in Manhattan, a refreshing oasis at the St. Vartan park. St. Nersess Seminary and the wants/needs of the youth should not be missed. A look at the newly published “Armenian Church Edition” of the Holy Bible – and the NRSV translation. Can we do better than the Bible stories such as Noah’s Ark? And should we defend them just because we always have? And what about Bill Clinton’s diplomacy in North Korea? Women in the church (deaconess)? Even an exorcism this week gives Fr. Vazken a chance to see Armodoxy as a means of connecting to the essence of God’s love. There’s a good flow of ideas in this episode that you will want to ride.

Musical Selection: Armen Chakmakian’s Ceremonies – Enchantress

Ani’s Bubbles: The boy and his nails

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More Than Language

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Next Step #60 – July 29, 2009

The disenfranchised members of the Church – is language just a convenient scapegoat? (In His Steps? The Next Shoes? – definitely not about language!) Fr. Vazken gives instructions here on not just reading a prayer – but experiencing it! A look at the prayer/hymn Aravod Looso with an Armodoxy approach = don’t just read it, live it! Drop the camera, remove your eye from the viewfinder and you’ll see a beautiful life all around you. Today’s Next Step offers an exercise to holistic praying – by following the flow of the prayer and melody of St. Nersess Shnorhali. A preview of the “In Her Mittens” project by In His Shoes.
Music: Aram Khatchadourian’s “Dance of the Youths” from Gayane Ballet
Bubbles by Ani: Global proportions

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Sun and Moon: It’s the Coffee that’s important

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Next Step #59 – July 22, 2009

Following up on the theme of Transfiguration, looking at light beyond its sources. The longest solar eclipse, the 40th Anniversary of the lunar landing, the sale of the St. James Church building on West Adams Blvd., and Croatia all come into play in this podcast. (Armenia and Croatia each become independent in 1991 but capitalism is probably the motive for this one!) Even the stove – “ojakh” is taken to a new level of central focus of spirit in the family, one that Michael Collins might appreciate. This is the prelude to Nersess Shnorhali’s Aravod Looso – but don’t look for a translation hear to find out why?
Song: John Bayless’ rendition of “Here Comes the Sun” (Bach on Abbey Road)
Bubbles by Ani: God’s coffee

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From Numbers to Light – it’s the connection that matters

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Next Step #58 – July 15, 2009

Next Step begins with an interesting number theories from listener Yuri in St. Petersburg, Russia. Is it by chance that #57 had all the digits in the date stamp? If so, what about zero? Can you shed some light on that? Jesus did exactly that – with the Transfiguration. Light was not spared to tie us into the beginning of all creation and the end of time as we know it. God’s promise to open our hearts to love and the well-lit path is explored by Fr. Vazken’s expose of the feast of Transfiguration. But don’t fret the esoteric themes, there’s a serving of fish and chips in this episode. It happens to be everything you need and more. Listen in to a wild ride from numbers to light and realize that they are all connected.
Song: “Arev, Arev” by Mariam Matossian
“About Light” by Gor Mkhitarian (Spirit Album)
Bubbles by Ani: Feeding the wolves

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With Freedom Comes Responsibility

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Next Step #57 – July 8, 2009

Today. Earth date 7.8.9. Just as the date flows so does this podcast. Two years after the “7×77 Forgiveness Conference” Fr. Vazken recaps the basics of the formula for forgiveness and peace. Also, one final look at the Michael Jackson death story in light of his memorial service. From these topics emerge the concept of responsibility. It is the basis for healthy living and mature faith. Herein Fr. Vazken challenges listeners to a life of purpose and what it means to be free.
Ani’s Spiritual Bubbles: The lonely girl
Music: Bambir’s “J.B.K.”

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Between a Rock and a Soft Place

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Next Step #56 – July 1, 2009

When Jesus was asked for a “sign” he offered nothing new. He only pointed to something that was “greater than” the signs. Here’s a casual look at symbols. In the wake of Michael Jackson’s death, Fr. Vazken looks into the ways information was processed, news was gathered, and the tools of technology to make our spirits come alive. The power of music – as expressed through Jackson and a surprisingly similar sound coming from Iran in the quest for freedom. The podcast ends with a special wish to America and the freedom it enjoys on this 233rd anniversary of Independence. Welcome back Gabriel from the Chad desert!

Songs: Sari Siroon Yar by Element Band; Miracles by Gor Mkhitarian
Bubbles with Ani – “The 1000 Mirrors”
The Next Step Theme Song is unveiled (composed and performed by Varoujan Movsesian)

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Dreaming Fathers for Peace

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Next Step #55 – June 24, 2009

Fathers Dreaming of Peace – A look at Fatherhood through St. Joseph’s lens. In this podcast, Fr. Vazken explores parenting by looking at an individual’s relationship with God – in our ability to dream of the impossible and allow others to do the same. What happens when Jon leaves Kate? And what about the eight? You’ll find this podcast with a formula for real peace, whether in your life or in our world. Darfuri children make a phone call to President Obama – are you listening Mr. Obama?
Music: Our Father from the Focused Vision CD. And preview of a new theme song? (You’ll have to listen for this one.)
Ani with her Bubbles and much more.

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Hripsime & Gayane in Iran and Korea

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Next Step #54 – June 17, 2009

If words turn into wars then simple acts of understanding and respect can turn into peace. With saber-rattling in Korea and political unrest in Iran, fear takes away thoughts of peace. But if peace is the ultimate equilibrium point, how is it achieved? In my life? On earth? In this podcast Fr. Vazken takes a look at two pioneering women of the early church, St. Hripsime and St. Gayane. Unwilling to compromise their principles, they made a difference in the life and quality of that life for generations to come. The H&G story is the prelude to “Etchmiadzin” – the place where Christ descends. In this podcast Fr. Vazken also challenges the listener to place respect as a condition and foundation to love through the “in his shoes” philosophy. News items: Iran, Korea, Holocaust Museum, KFI and Armenian bashing. It’s all here.
Bubbles from Ani: the Philosophy of Peanuts
Music: Katmandu by Cat Stevens

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A Look Back at Year One

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Next Step #53 – June 10, 2009

Wrapping up the first year of the Next Step Podcast, Fr. Vazken gives a moving account of a young cancer victim and the “Last Temptation of Christ.” What are the real questions that need to be asked? A look back on the year – from Darfur, to Obama, to new spiritual music, to messages of hope – Year ONE of the Next Step is only a step to year TWO coming up.
Guest William Archila reads from “The Art of Exile”
Music – John Bilezikjian rendition of Malanguena from the Neo Classical Oud album.

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