St. Andrew – the First Called – Key Message

/0 Comments/in

 

Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter* –18 November 2012

http://armenianchurchyouthministries.org/newsletter/The%20Key%20-%20111812.pdf

 

St. Andrew the Apostle – the First Called   

Being the first at anything takes courage. To be the first means you’ve rejected some element of the status quo and have tried a new venture.
 
      Change. Rejecting the status quo. Seeking something new. Revolution. These are all greeted with some of the greatest resistance ever encountered. Albert Einstein reminds us,  “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”
 
      It takes inner fortitude, it takes confidence in your purpose and goal, it takes a “great spirit” to be the first at anything.  St. Andrew the Apostle, whose feast the Armenian Church celebrated yesterday, had this “great spirit.” In fact, he needed it. He was the first-called “Nakhagoch” disciple of Christ. He heard the CALL of Christ. It spoke to his heart and he was never the same. Although he was ridiculed and criticized for following Jesus, he stuck to his principles and became the first of the 12 and therefore he is the first of over a billion Christians on the planet today.
 
     St. Andrew teaches us the importance of following your heart. St. Andrew sought and found the Prize. In our ministry, St. Andrew the Apostle plays a very important role, because we’re bucking the system, we’re setting the pace for what Armenian Orthodoxy should be. Advent is in front of us and once again we will be challenging our faith by living the expressions of Love. Stay committed, even in the face of opposition.
   Life comes around only but once. Take the time to “seek and you shall find,” says our Lord Jesus Christ.  And when you discover that Truth, believe in it enough to put away comforts. Take the risk. It’s worth it, teaches us St. Andrew.
     – Fr. Vazken

 

*The “Key” is the weekly newsletter of the St. Peter Armenian Church, Glendale, CA – Jesus asked the Disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?”  Peter responded “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus promised the Keys to the Kingdom for this profession of faith. (Mt 16)  At the St. Peter, Glendale Parish, our faith and actions are based on that same profession of faith. It is the Key that opens the doors to our journey as Christians…

Reconciling with the senseless and the unnatural

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #232 – November 15, 2012

An emotional unwinding of ideas at the death of a little girl. Fr. Vazken explores this tragedy from a pastoral standpoint, bringing together Armenian Orthodox themes – Discovery of the Cross and the raising of the sleeping child (Luke 8).  The vastness of the universe and a solar eclipse point to a unique ministry to the childless – a calling NOBODY wants. Wars, genocide, health, this time the page won’t turn. Other topics: The success of the Jehovah’s Witness. Participating vs. observing – and selling the product. The Supermarket model of Orthodoxy and the need to specialize to survive in the global marketplace of religion. And the child who selected a (Coptic) Pope.
Song: Paul McCartney’s “Calico Skies” 
Selecting the Coptic Pope
Dr. Harry Hagopian on the new Pope
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

Blubrry player!

Barking at Caravans

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #231 – November 8, 2012

Extending the concept of “undanik” to “under heaven” in understanding the family of God (Storm Sandy and walking In His Shoes). Fr. Vazken explains that Matthew 12:46-50 is not a lesson in biology as rude as it may seem. Extending Christian values and Church to Genocides and wars in Darfur and Syria as well as the death in our own backyards via In His Shoes. The Obama Victory: The silly-willy Armenian politics that bark at the caravan. “As for me,” says Fr. Vazken, “I was there with Obama – no brag, just fact.” Youth and the Church – the problem beyond Armenian Church. More on the crimes of the priest who was defrocked. Grandpa & FDR Democrats/Grandma’ baklava for James Roosevelt – it was her thanks for the last station of the caravan.
Sermon: “Politics, God & the Kingdom”
Song: “Caravan” by Armen Chamakian
Obama’s Acceptance Speech
Sun Sash: http://sunsash.blogspot.com
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

Blubrry player!

Obnoxious Voices from the Ridge

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #230 – November 1, 2012

Nietzche’s formula for cheer applied to the Armenian Church via Armodoxy. Fr. Vazken’s “Protest Manual” is revealed talking about effective protest and ill-fated varieties against the establishment. Bringing about change from within and not without. The imperfect-perfect Body of Christ. Challenges to the disenfranchised members of the Armenian Church community. Unveiling of the Datev Outreach program. Celebrating Halloween the Armodoxy way.
Get Sun Sash FREE – www.SunSash.blogspot.com
Unveiling: http://DatevOutreach.org
Window article: http://acrag.wordpress.com/1991/06/
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

Blubrry player!

Have fun at Halloween – Fr. Vazken’s Key Message 10/28/12

/0 Comments/in

Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter* –28 October 2012

           Every year around this time, someone (usually concerned and caring parents) will ask me, is it okay to celebrate Halloween? Many times they ask with a sense of expectation that their priest will condemn the tradition and then they’re off the hook with their children’s wish to trick-or-treat. There is also a sense of confusion that comes from the outward celebration of Halloween – skeletons, witches, devils – you can understand why people ask their priest about the holiday. So in a nutshell, let me offer some answers from the Church’s point of view – an Armodoxy perspective, if you will…
            First, the celebration of Halloween is driven by profits. There’s a lot of money in candy (and cavities), costumes, ornaments and everything that goes with the celebration. That being said, I think it’s important to celebrate Halloween and here’s why: It’s a fun day. We, especially our kids need to have fun and feel like kids more often. Halloween gives us all that opportunity.
   Halloween is actually a Church feast. It’s the eve of All Saints Day, or “Hallow’s Day.” Say “Hallow’s Eve” fast and you get “Halloween.” In the West it’s celebrated on Oct 31. For the Armenian Church, All Saints Day is a Saturday in November and so the eve is a Friday night.

My suggestion to parents: Enjoy the feast! Have your children dress up as the saints this Halloween – Vartan (warrior), Ashkhen (Queen), Shnorhali (a cool priest), etc. Let them enjoy childhood fantasies and have fun. There’s plenty of time to grow up. Meanwhile, some of the “grown ups” would do well to let loose, take a deep breath and enjoy life with childish wonder and excitement. Happy Halloween.    -Fr. Vazken
 
*The “Key” is the weekly newsletter of the St. Peter Armenian Church, Glendale, CA – Jesus asked the Disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?”  Peter responded “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus promised the Keys to the Kingdom for this profession of faith. (Mt 16)  At the St. Peter, Glendale Parish, our faith and actions are based on that same profession of faith. It is the Key that opens the doors to our journey as Christians…

Abstract to the Tangible

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #229 – October 25, 2012

En route to the Domestic Violence Walk and the unveiling of Datev Outreach, Fr. Vazken reflects on the intertwining of the abstract and tangible. Abstract ideas matterialize via tangible vehicles. Case in point, Christ and the Christian message, come to us via the Church. Discussed: The Patriarch’s passing, the defrocking of a charismatic priest and the need for change. The Jethro Tull concert and Ian Anderson on world population and educating women. Rwanda 10 years after genocide and the necessity to populate.
Song: Anush Opera at St. Andrew, Cupertino
Datev Outreach: http://datevoutreach.org
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

Endings: Death and Defrockery

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #228 – October 18, 2012

Patriarch Torkom Manoogian passes; Guest Commentary by Dr. Harry Hagopian. Politics in the Church? Never more pronounced – While a priest who brings people to the Armenian Church is defrocked, another clergyman who preaches non-Orthodox theology is granted a churchman’s award. Make sense? The balance has tipped, more people checking off “None.” Can Love be Irrelevant? Or are we not presenting it properly? Follow up to Ani Bubles’ wedding.
Song: “Armenian Medley” by Hosharian Bros. Band; “Electric Kef”
Reflections on Patriarch Abp. Torkom Manoogian “Brandy & Honey with Our Tea” by Dr. Harry Hagopian
Domestic Violence Walk: http://DatevOutreach.org
Pew findings regarding “None” Religion
Sun Sash
Fr. Vazken’s Blog
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

 

Holy Matrimony with Bubbles

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #227 – October 11, 2012

The “Mystery” of Holy Matrimony explained by a proud godfather as Ani Bubbles gets ready to walk the aisle. Whether you’re a newlywed, been married for 50 years or contemplating the plunge, this episode explains the deep meaning of love, life and unity in Christ. A meaty stew of information in this one. Kings and Queens welcome. Coming job opportunities at Epostle too.
Song: Bambir’s “Two Poets” from “Armenian Scotch”
Ani’s Bubbles: Steps to Happiness
Sun Sash
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

 

A Question of Morality

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #226 – October 4, 2012

Where does morality – our sense of right and wrong – come from? Is it possible to have a morality apart from God? Armodoxy and the In His Shoes models hold some clues to the answer. The Road to In His Shoes and to Armodoxy is just as important as arriving there. The parable of the “Good Turk” can be heard by Jesus in the Armenian Church. Ayn Rand: “Morality has to be a rational science.”
Archbishop Baliozian enters Eternal Rest
Ani’s Bubbles: Two Frog http://bacheegsandlove.blogspot.com/
Song: Calendar Express by The Dirty Diamond
Sun Sash
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio!

Privilege of the Cross

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #225 – September 27, 2012

Returning from the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, after 39 miles, Fr. Vazken shares some solitary notes that point to the power of the cross. Reflections from the walk – the responsibility and privilege of Christianity. Church-business where “business” is not a dirty word. Thoughts on a pioneer: Fr. Vartan Kasparian retires, a priest and mentor to a generation. Looking back and moving forward: 30 year Anniversary of Fr. Vazken’s Ordination – the thanksgiving of a priest and Winding up 24/7- not just on Sundays. A reading by Linda Zadoian.
Fr. Vartan Kasparian – http://www.armenianchurchwd.com/news/the-priest-and-the-church-archpriest-fr-vartan-kasparian-st-mary-yettem/
Ani’s Bubbles: Breast Cancer Walk (2010) http://bacheegsandlove.blogspot.com/
Song: “Blue Moon” by Artash
Avon Breast Cancer Walk: www.AvonWalk.org
Team In Her Shoes
Video of 30th Anniversary: www.Youtube.com/InHisShoes
Compass #7: The Story of Days We Used to Know; Now 29 Years Later
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio!