NS 888 Darfur Olympics Special Announcement
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
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
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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Turning Dreams to Reality
The Next Step with Fr. Vazken – #6 – July 23, 2008
Inspired by the moon landing 39 years ago this week, Fr. Vazken talks about dreaming and turning them into reality. Is it as easy as waking up?
Darfur update – Bashir defies the world community.
Interview with Gor Mkhitarian who discusses his music and spirituality.
World premiere of the song “Miracles” – part of an album of spiritual music to debut in December 2008. “Miracles” is Gor’s latest creation. Gor continues to discuss about prayer and his song, “About God.”
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Impulse Buying of Love
Next Step Podcast Episode #5 – July 16, 2008
When Peter accepts Jesus invitation to be a fisher of people (Matthew 4), he and his brother Andrew are impulse buyers of Love. Its another example for us to not restrict our ability to love.
Included in this podcast is an interview with St. Nersess seminarian, Deacon Ryan Tellalian, who speaks about service and the St. Nersess experience. Featured song: The Fishermen of Sevan performed by oud virtuoso John Bilezikjian.
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Repent or Perish
Next Step #4
Pain and suffering is experienced on different scales, whether on a grand scale as when natural disasters strike, or as experienced on the personal or individual level. Is this because the sins of some are greater or worse than others? The answer is found in Luke 13. In the Gospel, Jesus says NO! But He tells us that we must repent. To repent is to redirect our outlook, our attitude. What makes this possible? Where does Einstein’s belief in an expanding universe fit into this? Is God moving the bishop on the chessboard of life? Tune in to this next installment to find out!
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Freedom to Create Through Love
Next Step #3
Independence Day is a fitting time to look at our freedoms through the lens of Armenian Orthodoxy. What has been the strength of the Armenian people to survive? Where does this spirituality come from? Christ releases us of our bonds and gives us the true freedom – His Love. God has given us the most beautiful gift, the ability to create by tapping into the power of love. In this podcast Fr. Vazken explores the ideas of freedom, independence, and creativity.
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Vartavar – The Transfiguration Feast
Next Step #2
This coming Sunday is referred to as Vartavar; a pagan feast transfigured into a Christian one. So today Fr. Vazken takes the next step to a place called Transfiguration. Jesus’ transfiguration is documented in several of the Gospels including the scene in Matthew 17 where Christ reveals His illumined Divinity. His face shines like the sun and his garments become as white as light. What does all of this mean to us today? How does Pink Floyd figure into this? Do transfigs only grow in California? Tune in to Armenian Orthodoxy. Take the next step!
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The Next Step is a New Step
Next Step #1
With this premiere broadcast, Fr. Vazken takes the next step in exploring Armenian Orthodoxy. God is experienced as Mystery, deep and inscrutable. Tune in and take this first step with us.
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