Tag Archive for: Armenian

The Ararat Label

Armodoxy for Today: The Ararat Label

The term “virtual” has taken on some new meaning in the last few decades with the popularity of the internet. It is used to describe something that does not physically exist but is made by software to appears as if it does. That describes the way most Armenians understand Mount Ararat.

The mountain range is easily visible from the moment one arrives in Armenia at the Zvartnots Airport and shows itself especially nicely from the capital city of Yerevan. And if by chance the air is foggy or misty, and a cloud covering hides the mountain, Ararat is seen on logos of coffee shops, souvenirs and just about any type of clothing accessory one can imagine. Most homes have a picture of the twin-peaked mountain hanging somewhere in the house. And if you’re a visitor to Armenia, you receive a small ink graphic of Ararat stamped in your passport when you arrive. I mention this as an oddity because the Ararat Mountain is not in the borders of Armenia. Currently, that land is occupied by Turkey and exists within its borders on internation maps. But Mount Ararat is purely Armenian as is attested by the name itself.

Ararat is the theme of songs, and poems. Even during the Soviet years (1920-1991) when nationalism was played down or discouraged with the large scale punishment, Ararat was the theme of poem and prose. Armenia’s beloved poet, Yeghishé Charents wrote the words that are recited and sung; and they even stretch across a picturesque arch saying, “Travel the world and there is no white capped peak as beautiful as Ararat … it is the road to glory, unreachable, I love Mount Masis.” (another name for Ararat).

For Armenians, Mount Ararat is a national symbol. It’s our mountain and it always will be. This feeling is so strongly reinforced in the collective consciousness of the people that we – Armenians – often forget that the mountain’s claim-to-fame on the international scene is thanks to a reference in the Book of Genesis chapter 8, as the resting place of Noah’s Ark.

A few years back, I was invited to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in Nashville, Tennessee. It is considered a “mission parish” meaning that there is no permenent priest to pastor the small flock. A dear friend picked us up from the airport and on our way to the services we flew past an exit sign on the freeway boldly marked, “Ararat Cemetery next right.” A big smile came on my face. The sign, and the cemetery it pointed to, were indicators that there were Armenians in Tennessee. Any congregation that was running a cemetery must be ready to have graduated from mission parish status. Of course, I was operating on the notion that Ararat implied Armenian.

As we got closer to the cemetery, the sign read, “Ararat Baptist Cemetery.” It was, in fact, run by the local Baptist Church with absolutely no Armenian ties or overtones. The name pointed to the Biblical Mountain which is accepted by all of Christendom.

Much of what we believe, we are conditioned to believe. I’ve spent my entire life associating things labeled “Ararat” – from the local nursing home, to the bubbly water, from the restaurant to a type of slippers, to the cognac – with the Armenian nation. If we had not taken an extra step to take a closer look at the sign, I would have lived with the illusion of believing Tennessee had an Armenian cemetery. Issues of the faith are even more important than discovering what’s under a label. Whether a cemetery or an article of faith, take a moment to go beyond the label.

We pray from the Book of Hours, “Heavenly King, my soul is in Your care at all times and I trust in Your holy Cross. I have the multitude of saints as my intercessors before You. You are forbearing toward all, do not disregard those who rely on You, but protect them with peace by Your precious and Holy cross. Amen.

AI Samples-2

This second run of questions focuses on peace: Answers from AI. Interesting that when I wrote in Western Armenian (first question), ChatGPT responded in Western Armenian spelling, but Eastern Armenian sentencing. I changed to Eastern Armenian after the first question figuring that it is more likely that Eastern is more native to AI. Take a look.

հայերէն կը հասկնաս

ChatGPT

Հայերէն ե՞ք պատրաստ խոսել: Եթե իմանալու եք թե ինչպէս է կարող եք օգնել, ես շատ շնորհակալ կլինեմ և փորձի տալիս կարդալ ձեր հարցերը:

User

Մի բացատրություն տուր թե ինչ է պատահում հայերի և Թուրքերի հետ այսօր

ChatGPT

Այսօր հայերի և Թուրքերի մի քանի տարի երկրների միջեւ մեկ դեմ մի քանի բան է երկրում պատահում և համակարգչային հարցեր առաջարկվել են կայքում, ինչպէս օրինակ լուսանկարների կայքում կատարված հատուկ թեստը, որը պատահում է մարդկանց բնութագրությունները և նրանց դիմաց կատարված որոշ գործողությունները:

Ավելին, սակայն, այս օրինակներից հետո, մեծ մասնակից հայերի և Թուրքերի միջև կապերը պատրաստ են բացառել հիմնական խորհրդների ու ծրագրե

User

Ինչ է պետք որ խաղաղություն ապահովի Հայաստանում

ChatGPT

Հայաստանում խաղաղությունը կարելի է ապահովել մեկնաբանական և կոմունալ հարցերի միջոցով:

Առաջին հարցումը կարող է լինել դեպի ուժեղացում և սերվիսը մարմնակցությունը: Խաղաղության միջոցառումը կարող է լինել մեծատանիների, աշխատակիցների, սպորտական թիմերի, բիզնեսմենների և կանանց միջոցով կատարված արտահայտությունների մեջ:

Կոմունալ հարցերով խաղաղությունը կարող է լինել նվիրված ժողովրդավարության կամ հատուկ արտահայտության հետ

User

what would it take to have peace in Armenia today?

ChatGPT

Achieving peace in Armenia today would require addressing several underlying issues and conflicts that have contributed to the current political and social situation. Some possible steps that could be taken to achieve peace in Armenia include:

Resolving the conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh: The unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been a major source of tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan for decades. Achieving a peaceful resolution to this conflict would require meaningful negotiations and compromise from both sides, potentially with the involvement of international mediators.

Addressing corruption and political instability: Armenia has faced significant political turmoil and instability in recent years, with protests and government turnover leading to uncertainty and unrest. Addressing issues of corruption and improving governance could help to stabilize the country and reduce tensions.

Strengthening the economy: Armenia has faced economic challenges in recent years, including high unemployment rates and a lack of economic opportunities. Strengthening the economy through investment and job creation could help to reduce social and economic tensions.

Promoting reconciliation and unity: The political and social divisions within Armenia have contributed to a sense of conflict and tension. Promoting reconciliation and unity across different groups within the country could help to reduce these divisions and create a more peaceful and cohesive society.

Ultimately, achieving lasting peace in Armenia will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the international community. It will require a commitment to dialogue, compromise, and a shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future.

User

what would it take to bring peace in the Ukraine?

ChatGPT

Bringing peace to Ukraine would require addressing the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of the country, which has been ongoing since 2014. Some possible steps that could be taken to achieve peace in Ukraine include:

Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia: The conflict in eastern Ukraine has been fueled by Russian support for separatist rebels. Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, with the involvement of international mediators, could help to find a peaceful solution that addresses the concerns of all parties.

Implementation of the Minsk agreements: The Minsk agreements, which were signed in 2015, provide a framework for resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine. However, they have yet to be fully implemented. Commitment to the implementation of the Minsk agreements by all parties could help to reduce tensions and bring about a lasting peace.

Protection of human rights: The conflict in eastern Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the civilian population, including displacement, violence, and human rights abuses. Protecting the human rights of all individuals in Ukraine, regardless of their ethnicity or political affiliation, is essential to achieving a sustainable peace.

Economic development: Ukraine has faced significant economic challenges in recent years, including high unemployment rates and a lack of economic opportunities. Strengthening the economy through investment and job creation could help to reduce social and economic tensions and promote stability.

Reconciliation and dialogue: The conflict in Ukraine has created deep divisions within the country. Promoting reconciliation and dialogue between different groups could help to reduce these divisions and create a more peaceful and cohesive society

Ultimately, achieving lasting peace in Ukraine will require a commitment to dialogue, compromise, and a shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future. It will require the participation and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the international community.

User

what would it take for Americans to find peace in their own country?

ChatGPT

Bringing peace to the United States would require addressing a range of complex issues and underlying factors that have contributed to social and political unrest in recent years. Some possible steps that could be taken to achieve peace in the United States include:

Addressing systemic inequalities: The United States has a long history of systemic inequalities based on race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Addressing these inequalities through policy reforms, education, and awareness-raising initiatives could help to reduce tensions and promote social cohesion.

Strengthening democratic institutions: The United States has faced significant challenges to its democratic institutions in recent years, including concerns about electoral integrity and the role of money in politics. Strengthening democratic institutions through reforms and increased transparency could help to restore trust and confidence in the political system.

Promoting constructive dialogue: The polarization of political discourse in the United States has contributed to a sense of division and conflict. Promoting constructive dialogue across political and ideological divides could help to reduce tensions and build bridges between different groups.

Investing in education and civic engagement: Education and civic engagement can help to promote understanding, empathy, and active participation in the democratic process. Investing in education and civic engagement initiatives could help to build a more informed and engaged citizenry that is better equipped to address social and political challenges.

Addressing economic insecurity: Economic insecurity has been a major source of tension and division in the United States. Addressing economic insecurity through policies that promote job creation, wage growth, and access to healthcare and education could help to reduce social and economic tensions.

Ultimately, achieving lasting peace in the United States will require a commitment to dialogue, compromise, and a shared vision for a more just and equitable society. It will require the participation and cooperation of all stakeholders, including government, civil society, and individuals from all walks of life.

 

Regenerate response

Հայերեն խոսում ե՞ս

ChatGPT

Այո, ես խոսում եմ հայերեն: Մինչև որ հիմա աշխատում եմ OpenAI-ում և խոսում եմ տեքստային ձևով, ինչպես դասախոս մեքենա: Եթե ինչ-որ հարց ունենաք, ուշադրության համար ասեք, որ պարզ համակարգի մեջ եք նախորդը:

User

Ինչ է պետք որ խաղաղություն ապահովվի Հայաստանում

ChatGPT

Խաղաղությունը ստանալու համար կարևոր է տարածքի համարը, անհրաժեշտ բաների առկայության ու այլ պայմանների առկայությունը: Հայաստանում խաղաղությունը պարտադիր է դառնալ նախաձեռների և մարդկանց կյանքում

Խաղաղությունը կարող է լինել տեղափոխություններ, արագություններ, սպորտային մրցակցություններ, արտադրանքի և բիզնեսի համար միջավայրի համար խաղաղության մեջ գտնվող մարդկանց աջակցությունը և արդեն հայտնաբերված խաղերի բարդությ

User

Ինչ են ամենից կարևորը Հայաստանի համար այսօր

ChatGPT

Այսօր, Հայաստանի համար ամենից կարևոր բնությունները հետևյալներն են.

Անձնական ապահովումը – համակարգերի միջոցով ստուգվող պահպանման ու ապահովումի համար կարևոր է պահել անձնական ինֆորմացիան:

Կրթություն – կրթությունն ու գիտելիքները կարևոր են մարդկանց զարգացման, բարելավման և բարձրացման համար

Գործիքների զարգացում – գործիքների ապահովումը համակարգի զարգացման, համակարգի միջոցով աշխատանքային գործիքների փոփոխման և ավելա

Regenerate response

Այսօր, Հայաստանում կարևոր բաներից մեկը է կորոնական վիրավորումները, որոնք կատարվում են COVID-19 վիրուսի դեմ: Հայաստանում պահանջվում է հեռացնել վիրավորումների միջոցով կանխելու պատճառը, որոնցից մեկը հիվանդանոցների և բուժքային գործոնների անհնար բազմությունը կատարելու դեպքում:

Այսօր նորություն է, որ Հայաստանը գլխավոր անձնական արտահայտություններով նշանակել է ուսանողների ու դասարանների դիսպանսերը և աշակերտների որոշման երկ

Paradigm Shift

Next Step with Fr. Vazken #725: The change is happening. Did you feel the latest paradigm shift? Begin with a shift of focus: Commemorating the Armenian Genocide, from remembrance to a day of life. Defining moments in history – all too many and all too often – the build up of anxiety. Editorial boards, content and the Gospel narrative. Globalization and the Church. Baptism: An expression of life and new life in the middle of death. The paradigm shift is in Armodoxy – Apostolic, not ethnic, and the advantage of being nestled.
Baptism on April 24: Life (News broadcast)
April 24, 2022 Divine Liturgy and Baptism
A Secret for Dreaming” – the Montebello Monument experience, first hand
Fr. Vazken’s “99” speech at the Monument, Montebello
Globalization and the Armenian Church (with HH Karekin II)
Gregory Beylerian’s Highland Revolution
Cover: Word Art: Paradigm Shift 2022
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.org
Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand!
Listen on Apple Podcasts

Consecration and Transformation

Next Step with Fr. Vazken #712: Consecration! The power of the Holy Spirit to transform the inanimate to the living. On the eve of the Consecration of the new San Diego church, Fr. Vazken delves into the mystic ritual that touches our lives today. The Holy Trinity revealed in our service. Vachik Mangassarian: dared to stand with us.
Consecration of San Diego Armenian Church
Follow the Consecration at https://www.facebook.com/westerndiocese
Vachik Mangassarian Obituary
Fr. Mesrob’s last unction (Next Step #31)
St. Andrew, Cupertino
ANN Sample
Neil Young and Spotify
Needle and the Damage Done
Cover: “Sneak Peek” of the San Diego Church, 2022
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.org
Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand!
Listen on Apple Podcasts

The Big Dot

Next Step #677: The dots get connected between the Christ’s Cross and the “Lynching Trees.” James Cone and Black Liberation Theology, works that resonate with and for us. Understanding as afforded us by walking in the shoes of others. Thoughts from the MLK walk for peace in Glendale and how Armenians have lost the map to two-way streets. Humanity found: No superiority rhetoric.
The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James Cone
More than a Greeting” by Fr. Vazken
George Floyd: After Asphyxiation by Fr. Vazken
WD168 This Week
MLK Walk pictures
Strange Fruit
Greetings of Hope to Darfur
Governor Newsom on the shooting in San Jose
New Era for Glendale Armenians
Bob Dylan at 80 https://www.rollingstone.com/bob-dylan-archive-songs-discography-album-reviews-interviews/
Cover: “Guitar scarf”
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.org
Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand!
Listen on Apple Podcasts

Belief Touched and Untouched

Next Step #642: Eschatological parameters, manipulating the stories and testing religious myth against the backdrop of world events. A quick look at that reality through the last six decades and how the Good Samaritan got lost along with globalization while dialogues phased into monologues. Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the prophet metaphor. Hatred and intolerance: Arsonists at the Armenian Center and self worth. XM Radio deciding what’s religious and what’s entertainment. A simple disclaimer: “I believe”
Mask, Pieces for Piano by Aret Madilian
Armenian Center: Arson and Hate Crime
Go Fund Me page for SF Armenian Center
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, remembrance
Demographics of the Supreme Court
Globalization and the Armenian Church
Nicene Creed
XM Satelite line-up
Cover: Stations, Fr. Vazken 2020
Technical Director: Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.org
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand! 

Principal Principles

Next Step #568: Sri Lanka Easter massacre and the concept of a “holy and mighty” God. Reflections on a principal with principles: Gabriel Injejikian (1930-2019). Einstein’s theory of insanity explained in scientific terms. April 24 explained in terms of physics, Easter explained by experience. A special post-Easter; post Genocide-commemoration edition of the Next Step. Leveraging Love 10 years later, still hopeful. Christ has risen from the dead!
Living in an Orthodox World
Leveraging Love (Vimeo)
Leveraging Love (YouTube)
Gabriel Injejikian obituary
LA Supervisors – Genocide Recognition
Erdogan’s Thugs video
Erdogan’s Thugs to justice?
Stand Against Racism
Cover: Easter 2019 with Utah flowers by Fr. Vazken
Technical Director: Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.org
Subscribe to In His Shoes » Next Step with Fr. Vazken by Email
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand!

Love 7-4-3-1

Next Step #546: On the types of love and bringing it home with an Armenian expression that includes God. Sweet Wine: John 2. The relevancy of prayer in our lives and its absence in our lives; MIA: Armenian Telethon. Briefly on the Toronto issues. Fires in California. Beatles “White” at 50. Mystery beyond the baffling … universe and self.
Gor Mkhitarian
SOAR: http://soar-us.org
PS-7 types of Love
Thanksgiving and the Divine Liturgy
John 2
God Friended Me (CBS)
Armenian Diocese of Canada on Toronto reality
Toy Drive Wish List
Thanksgiving Aid for Fire Relief: www.InHisShoes.org
Cover: from Ted-x Yerevan 2014
Technical Director: Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.org
Subscribe to In His Shoes » Next Step with Fr. Vazken by Email
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand!

Sowing Creativity with Occam

Next Step #492: Beginning with the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13), Fr. Vazken looks at the amazing phenomena of child prodigy Alma Deutscher, comparisons to Mozart, and applying Occam’s Razor across the lines of creativity, God and mystery. Also – on Church unity – Armenian and non.
Alma Deutscher on CBS’s 60 Minutes
Occam’s Razor
When Americans tried to unite the Church
Parable of the Sower
New Supernova
Einstein on Mystery
Engineered by Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.org
Subscribe to In His Shoes » Next Step with Fr. Vazken by Email
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand!

Reaffirming IHS

Next Step #464: Post Genocide-Commemoration analysis. Need material? Just listen to the rhetoric and react. The Promise – the movie and the reaction. A Commemorative Celebration through the Liturgy. Witnessing to the Resurrection and Armenian Survival by reaffirming In His Shoes… and much more…
Hinkala by Armenian Public Radio
The Promise: article on Variety
Reaffirming In His Shoes: www.InHisShoes.org
Aristotle and the Lever
Leveraging Love
Celebration of Genocide Liturgy
Trump’s Press Sec, Spicer & Holocaust
Engineered by Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.org
Subscribe to In His Shoes » Next Step with Fr. Vazken by Email
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand!