Unlimited and Indefinable Nature of God

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Next Step #131 – December 9, 2010

Along the road to Christmas, we journey to the outer areas of the universe on an Advent journey. What is the unlimited and indefinable nature of God? No need to check your brain-in at the door: The Kingdom of Heaven is within and without you! John Lennon – 30 years after his death – how do we reconcile all the injustice in the world? Is it true, “All you need is love?” As a child of God, find one unifying message – erotic, filial and agape – the message of Love in your life. How do you stay warm from the cold? Listener Harry Hagopian shares a message for World Vision and to all! http://www.premier.org.uk/worldvision;
Advent projects and more: http://inhisshoes.org
Song: “Amen Hayr Sourp” by Vazkenian Seminarians at Lake Sevan;
Ani’s Bubbles: “Short but Important Lesson”;
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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Changing Perception at Advent

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Next Step #130 – December 2, 2010

What changes? God? The Universe? Us? God – then, today and tomorrow – can we ever understand? The Armodoxy answer might surprise you.  Advent thoughts in preparation to Christmas – the shift in view and perception; Astronomers discover the universe is 3X bigger than previously thought while the fool discover too much too late (Luke 12). And the truth about lithium-ion batteries. It’s all in this podcast.
Song: “Sardarabad” by V. Khanamirian/Armenian State Dance Ensemble
Ani’s Bubbles: “The Bishop’s Gift”;
Blog worth reading: http://banakan.blogspot.com/
Advent programs and gift giving: http://inhisshoes.org
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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Thanksgiving Prayer

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A prayer of Thanksgiving offered at our Vesper service. I offer it here today as a guide for Thanksgiving. Hear more on our weekly podcast – episode #129 of the “Next Step” at https://epostle.net

Priest: Heavenly Father we thank you for the blessings of each day and especially this one. We thank you for all the wonders around us – both those we touch as well as those we feel, sometimes with our hands, sometimes with our hearts and sometimes with our soul.

We thank you for the food which gives us our physical strength, and even more for the living food which fills our souls and spirits. We thank you that you did not forget us, your creation, but in your love as our creator, you sent your only-begotten Son so that we may have life and have it abundantly.

We thank you for the material blessings, this great country and all of its workings. We thank you for our families and friends, for the fellowship that we share with one another here at church, for the love you have placed in our hearts and our willingness to reach out to other.

Look upon us in your mercy and keep the spirit of Thanksgiving in our lives every day, so that we may be inspired to reach out to those in need and share the wealth you have so abundantly blessed us with. May we reach out with the greatest of these gifts, your Love, to touch the hatred, the wars, the poverty and other evils and show the power of good over evil. Use us, O Lord, as the instruments that usher in Your Kingdom.

In all things, may our words and actions reflect the glory, praise and honor that are due you, Father Almighty, along with your Son, Jesus Christ and the life-giving Holy Spirit, now and always, Amen.

Focusing Vision on Thanksgiving

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Next Step #129 – November 25, 2010

Focusing on the theme of Thanksgiving allows us to transcend the self and understand ourselves in the bigger picture of “giving” rather than receiving. Celebrate the shift from victim to victor as Fr. Vazken explains the Focused Vision that allows for walking “In His Shoes.” Sorry Tea Party – the first pilgrims may have had socialist ideas, but Thanksgiving is about something HIGHER than our selves. The good Senator TOO offers us some Turkeys! Get ready for Christmas – it’s about Christ!
Prayer of Thanksgiving: http://armodoxy.blogspot.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-prayer.html
Song: “Holy, Holy, Holy” by St. Gregory Youth Choir
Ani’s Bubbles: Corn
Telethon: http://www.armeniafund.org/telethon/telethon-2010/webcast.php
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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Avoiding Collisions by Melding

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Next Step #128 – November 18, 2010

Melding East and West is not a melt-down but certainly avoids the collision; Building identity the Armodoxy way; Jehovah Witness teens come to the door; St. Apkar the first king – a unique name indeed, especially for an Armenian Church – and this weekend is St. Andrew’s feast; The Advent Season is explained as a time of preparation with an “In His Shoes” challenge for listeners. A return from the desert and a different look at St. Mary: http://armodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/09/searching-for-veedon-fleece.html
Song: “Yavuz” by Herbie Mann from the “Impressions of the Middle East” album
Ani’s Bubbles: “Praise him for your roses and thank him for your thorns” (Pre-Thanksgiving)
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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Firm, Grounded and Established in Love

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Next Step #127: On Veterans Day (and the last of the binaries) – reflections on war and tears shed for a special soldier. The godfather marries off his goddaughter – lessons from scripture, from God and being “firm in faith, grounded in hope and established in love.” Godparents listen up – you’re not there to protect, but to push your child toward the ultimate Sacrament of Life. A podcast of a personal nature as Fr. Vazken heads off to niece Amanda’s wedding, here’s a special meditation for life’s transitional moments.  Additionally – taking a holistic approach to the Holy Badarak.
Song: “Harsaniki Par”by Shiraz: http://www.shirazyerk.com
Ani’s Bubbles: “The Pencil”
Veteran’s Tears
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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Buds to Roses: The Birthright Way

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Next Step #126 – November 4, 2010

Interview with Linda Yepoyan, Executive Director of Birthright Armenia on the opportunities given to connect, serve and identify. The “Chosen Generation” knows they have a responsibility in State Building – they are NOT ready to accept failure on their watch. Ever wonder about Egyptian cotton? Tolerance and Intolerance of the Truth and the diversity of perception – after reading Jack Clark’s “Nobody’s Angel.” The “Disappointment” of the Mid-Term Elections.
Song: “Me & My Country” by Gor Mkhitarian gormusic.com
Ani’s Bubble: “To Let Go”
Birthright Armenia: http://birthrightarmenia.org/
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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Making saints out of Halloween and Religion

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Next Step #125 – October 28, 2010

Putting the Saints back into Halloween. Nothing to fear unless you’re peddling religion to children. Didn’t we say religion is not for kids! We find Patriarch Kyrll and Pope Benedict on the same page? In His Shoes hits the $ 500,000 mark to aid children of Genocide. Religion in the World: Pew Research
The quiz: http://features.pewforum.org/quiz/us-religious-knowledge/index.php
Nicholas Kristoff’s adaption: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/opinion/10kristof.html?_r=1
Song “Horovel” by Rouben Matevosyan
Ani’s Bubbles: “Homeless Outreach”
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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New Means for a Bold Mission

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Next Step #124 – October 21, 2010

Just back from the New Media Expo in Las Vegas with ideas and resources for Epostle.net expansion. How new media becomes a tool for evangelization. The Mission of Christ as expressed in Luke 4:14-21 becomes the Mission of the Church – the Body of Christ. Exploring the mission beyond the literal expression and finding the power of Love. Also: Druids and religious charity. Manfred Mann turns 70.
Song by Chingiz Sadykhov, Caucasian Medley;
Ani’s Bubbles: “Smiles”;
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

Pay Phone Bank at the Mandalay Bay, LV
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New Media to Domestic Violence

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Next Step #123 – October 14, 2010

On the eve of the New Media Expo, the Epostle.net staff steps in the shoes of the Holy Translators and looks for the means to simplify the complex. Tigran translates the Nicene Creed to American Sign . Domestic Violence is brought to forum with the tragic story of Zaruhi. Sign the petition to bring legislation in Armenia and DO something more. Fr. Vazken outlines a plan for a women’s shelter where safety and spirituality are both priorities. The nonsense of the church doilies and the absurdity of women subjecting to men. We’re off to New Media Expo.
Human Rights Now – Armenia’s Domestic Violence Legislation is Overdue
Petition for Armenia to Pass Domestic Violence Legislation: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/armenia-must-pass-domestic-abuse-law/
Song: “Magdalene Laundries” by Joni Mitchell
Ani’s Bubbles: Mother Teresa on the poor feeding the poor
Produced by  Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.net

Magdalen Laundry in England – Early 20th Century