Stirred by the Spirit

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Next Step #15 – September 24, 2008

“The Dove that was sent came down from on high with a great sound and like the flashing of light he armed the disciples with fire…” Hymn of the Holy Spirit. Hold on to your seats while you tune in because in this striking fashion your heart will be revived. On the occasion of the Blessing of Miuron (Holy Chrism), prepared once every seven years, Fr. Vazken uses this occasion to instruct us how this holy oil touches us, heals us, and makes us members of Christ’s family through the power of the Holy Spirit. Listen and connect…

 

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Cross Section Too

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Next Step #14 – September 17, 2008

There’s a difference between the crosses that we must bear and tolerate – the crosses we’re given – and the crosses that Jesus talks about, the ones He tells us to pick up and follow. The way of this cross is the cross of sacrifice and humility. And in picking up this cross, we accept the responsibility towards our family, our community, and our world. Fr. Vazken takes up and probes this dimension of the cross; the meaning in our lives comes from a life lived for others. What is the power and importance of the cross in our lives?

Musical selection is “Emmanuel Calling” from Credo’s album, The Rock Opera of the Greatest Story.

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Elevating the Resurrected Cross

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Next Step #13- September 10, 2008

From reporting on religio-politics, Governor Palin’s views on Israel, the Man of the Year event that took place last Friday at BGT, and the Genocide happening in Darfur, Fr. Vazken segues into a discussion on the Holy Cross. Wow! Did you ever imagine you’d read all that in a podcast dedicated to looking at life through the lens of ancient Armenian Orthodoxy? Truly, there’s even more… We are now in the period approaching one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Church. This Sunday is the Feast of the Exhaltation of the Holy Cross. Even basil has a role in this, but you’ll have to listen to find out!

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Abandonment Not At Sea

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Next Step #12 – September 3, 2008

Who was that masked man? Kimosabe? The disciples may not have asked this question, but they certainly challenged Jesus to reveal himself as the one who calms the sea and the wind. While Hurricane Gustav passed through without major calamity, Fr. Vazken looks at Mark chapter 4 and points to a greater miracle than calming the storm. After all, everything is possible with God . The greater miracle is in reaching out, in dissipating the fears caused by feelings of loneliness and abandonment.

BRAND NEW Song!!! The Day, from Gor Mkhitarian’s yet-to-be-released album, brought to you for the first time exclusively through Epostle.net.

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Obama’s Deeds, McCain’s Words, Christ’s Teachings

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Next Step #11 – August 27, 2008

Politics, Religion, Faith and State – is it all a mix or what? Just over a week ago the two presidential candidates, Obama and McCain, entered into a conversation on faith and politics with Rick Warren of Saddleback Church. In particular, Warren asks each of the men about their faith and what it means to them. McCain says it means that he is “saved and forgiven”. Obama’s response also includes an “obligation to embrace not just words but deeds.” Fr. Vazken makes this question the focus of this episode. Get ready for the Orthodox worldview on faith, salvation, and forgiveness!
The songs in this episode include Spirit in the Dark performed by the Blind Boys of Alabama, and a rendition of Mogats Shogen by the Armenian a cappella group Zulal.

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Retardation: Fears and Prejudices

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Next Step # 10 – August 20, 2008

From Ben Stiller to Carole Juroyan this Next Step is about retardation and our reaction. Carole Juroyan worked as the Executive Director for the Glendale-based Association of the Retarded. The interview provides Carole’s 25-year experience of working and overcoming fear and prejudice. Also in this episode, Fr. Vazken touches upon the Saddleback Forum with presidential candidates Obama and McCain, but more on this next week. The musical selection (Vem Radio) is dedicated to two people we lost this week; baby Zaven Jendian and Mariam Paparigian.

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Grapes, Vines and Robustness

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Next Step #9 – August 17, 2008

The feast of the Assumption of St. Mary – the Holy Mother of God reminds us to be the bearers of Love. Fr. Vazken explores John 15 and Jesus’ directive to stay connected to him – the true vine. Also in the broadcast, an update on Ossetia and Darfur. The two songs that are featured in the podcast are Gor Mkhitarian’s rendition of Gomidas’ “Shogher jan” and Lucine Zakarian singing “Diramayr.”
An exploration of Armenian Orthodoxy and the focus on Love.
Recorded on 13 August 2008

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NS 888 Darfur Olympics Special Announcement

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Next Step #8a – August 8, 2008

Special Announcement regarding the Darfur Olympics – 8/8/8 – this is a rebroadcast of the last 8 minutes of NS#8.
Get the word out!

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St. Mary’s Yes

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Next Step #8 – August 8, 2008

On the Feast of St. Mary, Fr. Vazken explores the concept of “bearing God”, that is, giving birth to Love. He challenges the listener to think beyond the cliches of the physical event and see St. Mary as a saint who rose above her humanity by accepting the call of God. This is not your ordinary message about St. Mary being the chosen of God. No, this is about St. Mary taking responsibility for her life and responding with a solid “Yes” to God.

Also, a call to Save Darfur. With the start of the China Olympics on 08/08/08, Fr. Vazken focuses on the necessity to make noise and draw attention to the tragic situation in Darfur. Here is a call to stop Genocide using the means we have, but first and foremost by being educated. In 1915 the world closed its eyes, ears and mouth* to the Armenian Genocide. Here’s a true commitment to “Never again!”

Today’s songs: “Beautiful Boy” and “Oor Es Mayr Im”
Source: Amnesty Internationals, “Save Darfur” & Ararat Movie Soundtrack.

Recorded August 6, 2008 in Glendale, California

Part 1 of 2 – to be continued next week.

Even Eclipsed Light Overtakes Darkness

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Next Step #7 – July 30, 2008

Life throught the lens of ancient Armenian Orthodoxy – this week: Gabriel Stauring in Darfur, Light and Darkness, the Total Eclipse of the Sun, Eulogy for Fr. Oshagan Minassian.

 

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