Unique in Every Way

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Next Step #113 – August 5, 2010

The War on Terror – does Armenian Orthodoxy have something to offer this war, or is it just about the battles? A look at building a mosque at Ground Zero and Mayor Bloomberg’s comments, “No neighborhood in his city is off limits to God’s love.” Where have we heard that before? Looking at the unique and miraculous events of our life – “The Badarak is a ballet danced with God,” says Fr. Vazken as he focuses on the uniqueness inherent in each person and in our God-relation. “No one has ever gone into heaven” says Jesus and the priest responds, “No one is worthy…” to bring balance to ballet of the Passion Play. St. Mary shares her unique role in history with us.
Song: La Ronde des Lutins, scherzo fantastique for violin & piano, Op. 25, by  Antonio Bazzini; Performed by  Maxim Vengerov (Violin), Itamar Golan [Piano]
Ani’s Bubbles: “The Seven Wonders of the World” (http://scrubsmag.com/author/aniburr/)
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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Grey Matter and the Law

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Next Step #112 – July 29, 2010

Getting Involved in Darfur: the moral imperative against rape and genocide. No grey areas for Al Bashir. Reacting by walking “In His Shoes” and the power of Love through Armodoxy. Savoring the flavor of life. Matthew 19 – Separating the brain from heart and law from heartbreak. Extra: The hierarchical Sees – Etchmiadzin, Cilicia, Jerusalem and Constantinople.
Song: “Sevani tzugnors bar” by Yeghish Manoukian (Echo of the Mountains)
Gor Mkhitarian “Day”; Purchase SPIRIT album
Ani’s Bubbles: Try Changing the World; (http://scrubsmag.com/author/aniburr/)
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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Ecumenism: The Global Search for Christ

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Next Step #111 – July 22, 2010

The Global Ecumenical Movement: The Most Inclusive Opportunity for Christians… An interview with Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Officer of Ecumenical Relations for the See of Cilicia, Moderator of the Joint Committee between Christian World Communions and the World Council of Churches, in an interview about Ecumenism. “When people look for spirituality, they are looking for Christ,” says His Grace. Also – answers to the questions: Was Jesus about movement or institution? Vision or program? Fellowship or management? A short tribute to the Archbishop Smpat Lapajian (1927-2010) – pioneering sermons on “new media.” Much much more in this very special, “Last of the Binary” series!
Song: “Aghoonig” by Element Band – http://www.elementband.com/
Ani’s Bubbles: The Wise Woman – http://scrubsmag.com/you-know-youre-a-student-nurse-when…/
Find more about Bishop Alemezian, the See of Cilicia and Ecumenism at: http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v10/doc/events.htm
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

His Grace Bishop Nareg Alemezian and Fr. Vazken Movsesian

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One Wish: iPhone, iDuduk, Wealth, Health or Light?

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Next Step #110 – July 15, 2010

The Light of Transfiguration – one wish, what would it be? Health? Wealth? Or… ?; On the ethical and church issues with Apple’s iPhone mess, and a listen to iDuduk and iShvee (http://youtempo.com/). Looking beyond the corporate nature of the Church and avoiding the lies and hypocrisy Jesus warns against. Finally – some answers regarding Fr. Vazken’s nerves– was it the Gor concert?  Coffee? Vuvuzelas? Or the Highway Patrol?
Song: Sonya Varoujian’s “Breeze” from the Janabar album;
Ani’s Bubbles: “An angel smiling on you” (http://scrubsmag.com/author/aniburr/);
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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“Victory” with Gor Mkhitarian

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On July 9, 2010, I had a chance to play guitar with R&B musician/folk singer Gor Mkhitarian at the Levitt Pavilion, Pasadena. This video is a graphic explanation of Armodoxy. And yes, the duduk you hear is being played on an iPhone – iDuduk app.

Thanks Gor!

Song: Victory by Gor Mhitarian
“Spirit” album (Order at InHisShoes.org)

Working the Streets with Love

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Next Step #109 – July 8, 2010

Ara Arzumanian of Generation Next is our guest.  He discusses his article “Lost Kids of Armenian America”. Working with young people on the streets of Glendale, Ara gives a unique perspective of a growing problem, including drugs, sexual promiscuity, theft, gangs, and violence. A small glimpse at the kids and one man’s crusade to educate and mentor. Empty egos, identity and self-knowledge are all part of the discussion along with an added bonus: a primer on V-techs and Armos and the White washed.
Song: “Hayr Mer” by Samvel Gregoryan http://armeniansound.net/samvel-grigoryan-hayr-mer
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

Ara Arzumanian and Fr. Vazken Movsesian disussing life on the streets of Glendale.

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Freedom to Weed it Out

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Next Step #108 – July 1, 2010

Matthew Chapter 13 gets a special pruning, as the weeds are pulled from the grass. You won’t find a theodicy here, instead, it’s a meditation on true freedom from within. Blasting away the bonds of hatred and animosity. A most fitting reflection on this pre-Independence Day Celebration. It’s all here, even if you only hear “leb” along with a Fathers’ Day wish.  Now? Here’s a theory of why things happen at epostle.net. Drugs in Glendale: http://araratmagazine.org/2010/06/lost-kids-arm-america-1/ 
Music: “About God” by Gor Mkhitarian; Purchase SPIRIT album
Ani’s Bubbles: Ice Cream; (http://scrubsmag.com/author/aniburr/)
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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Identity via Something Bigger than Self

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Next Step #107 – June 24, 2010

Remember when “Rolling Stone” was counter-culture and war was unpopular? Developing identity in a changing world – (see The Atlantic Magazine article). The World Cup, Wimbledon and the Lakers – lessons on bringing peace and love to Kyrgyzstan and Darfur and rejecting bad-religion. Thoughts from inside the funeral procession: continuing to build the Virtual Church.
Song: “Shalakho” by Datevik http://www.naregatsi.org/Datevik/
Ani’s Bubbles: May the Budgie of Happiness Sit on Your Head, http://scrubsmag.com/author/aniburr
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.net

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Wine, Bubble Gum and Vuvuzela!

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Next Step #106 – June 17, 2010

Year 3 of the Next Step is kicked off with a discussion of the Jesus’ pearl metaphor.  Armodoxy is a break from Bubble Gum religion – once you find the Kingdom of God, it doesn’t lose its flavor, nor can you spit it out. Drinking sweet wine is OK, but a Merlot is a more realistic flavor of life. Jesus instructs to live by a standard of “mercy, not sacrifice” (Matthew 12) it’s so hard when distracted by vuvuzelas and Steve Jobs’ technology for yesterday.
A lesson from the “Man from Ick”
Song: “Victory” by Gor Mkhirtaryan Purchase SPIRIT Album
Ani’s Bubbles: Graduation Blessing http://scrubsmag.com/author/aniburr/
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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Etchmiadzin is a Dream

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Next Step #105 – June 10, 2010

Skip the Geography lesson. Don’t stress the History lesson. The Feast of Etchmiadzin is about making dreams come true. What is your vision for life? Here’s a step-by-step approach to making dreams come true by dreaming faith, hope and love. Rising from the pit of life, or is that the Diocese partying on Ascension day? Letters from listeners expose hints at Armodoxy and In His Shoes.  Celebrating 2 years and running – join the celebration, you’re invited!
Music: “Etchmiadzin” by Seminarians of Vazkenian Seminary at Lake Sevan;
Ani’s Bubbles: “Somebody to Love”;
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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