Tag Archive for: Audio

Sun and Moon: It’s the Coffee that’s important

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Next Step #59 – July 22, 2009

Following up on the theme of Transfiguration, looking at light beyond its sources. The longest solar eclipse, the 40th Anniversary of the lunar landing, the sale of the St. James Church building on West Adams Blvd., and Croatia all come into play in this podcast. (Armenia and Croatia each become independent in 1991 but capitalism is probably the motive for this one!) Even the stove – “ojakh” is taken to a new level of central focus of spirit in the family, one that Michael Collins might appreciate. This is the prelude to Nersess Shnorhali’s Aravod Looso – but don’t look for a translation hear to find out why?
Song: John Bayless’ rendition of “Here Comes the Sun” (Bach on Abbey Road)
Bubbles by Ani: God’s coffee

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From Numbers to Light – it’s the connection that matters

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Next Step #58 – July 15, 2009

Next Step begins with an interesting number theories from listener Yuri in St. Petersburg, Russia. Is it by chance that #57 had all the digits in the date stamp? If so, what about zero? Can you shed some light on that? Jesus did exactly that – with the Transfiguration. Light was not spared to tie us into the beginning of all creation and the end of time as we know it. God’s promise to open our hearts to love and the well-lit path is explored by Fr. Vazken’s expose of the feast of Transfiguration. But don’t fret the esoteric themes, there’s a serving of fish and chips in this episode. It happens to be everything you need and more. Listen in to a wild ride from numbers to light and realize that they are all connected.
Song: “Arev, Arev” by Mariam Matossian
“About Light” by Gor Mkhitarian (Spirit Album)
Bubbles by Ani: Feeding the wolves

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With Freedom Comes Responsibility

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Next Step #57 – July 8, 2009

Today. Earth date 7.8.9. Just as the date flows so does this podcast. Two years after the “7×77 Forgiveness Conference” Fr. Vazken recaps the basics of the formula for forgiveness and peace. Also, one final look at the Michael Jackson death story in light of his memorial service. From these topics emerge the concept of responsibility. It is the basis for healthy living and mature faith. Herein Fr. Vazken challenges listeners to a life of purpose and what it means to be free.
Ani’s Spiritual Bubbles: The lonely girl
Music: Bambir’s “J.B.K.”

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Between a Rock and a Soft Place

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Next Step #56 – July 1, 2009

When Jesus was asked for a “sign” he offered nothing new. He only pointed to something that was “greater than” the signs. Here’s a casual look at symbols. In the wake of Michael Jackson’s death, Fr. Vazken looks into the ways information was processed, news was gathered, and the tools of technology to make our spirits come alive. The power of music – as expressed through Jackson and a surprisingly similar sound coming from Iran in the quest for freedom. The podcast ends with a special wish to America and the freedom it enjoys on this 233rd anniversary of Independence. Welcome back Gabriel from the Chad desert!

Songs: Sari Siroon Yar by Element Band; Miracles by Gor Mkhitarian
Bubbles with Ani – “The 1000 Mirrors”
The Next Step Theme Song is unveiled (composed and performed by Varoujan Movsesian)

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Dreaming Fathers for Peace

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Next Step #55 – June 24, 2009

Fathers Dreaming of Peace – A look at Fatherhood through St. Joseph’s lens. In this podcast, Fr. Vazken explores parenting by looking at an individual’s relationship with God – in our ability to dream of the impossible and allow others to do the same. What happens when Jon leaves Kate? And what about the eight? You’ll find this podcast with a formula for real peace, whether in your life or in our world. Darfuri children make a phone call to President Obama – are you listening Mr. Obama?
Music: Our Father from the Focused Vision CD. And preview of a new theme song? (You’ll have to listen for this one.)
Ani with her Bubbles and much more.

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Hripsime & Gayane in Iran and Korea

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Next Step #54 – June 17, 2009

If words turn into wars then simple acts of understanding and respect can turn into peace. With saber-rattling in Korea and political unrest in Iran, fear takes away thoughts of peace. But if peace is the ultimate equilibrium point, how is it achieved? In my life? On earth? In this podcast Fr. Vazken takes a look at two pioneering women of the early church, St. Hripsime and St. Gayane. Unwilling to compromise their principles, they made a difference in the life and quality of that life for generations to come. The H&G story is the prelude to “Etchmiadzin” – the place where Christ descends. In this podcast Fr. Vazken also challenges the listener to place respect as a condition and foundation to love through the “in his shoes” philosophy. News items: Iran, Korea, Holocaust Museum, KFI and Armenian bashing. It’s all here.
Bubbles from Ani: the Philosophy of Peanuts
Music: Katmandu by Cat Stevens

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A Look Back at Year One

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Next Step #53 – June 10, 2009

Wrapping up the first year of the Next Step Podcast, Fr. Vazken gives a moving account of a young cancer victim and the “Last Temptation of Christ.” What are the real questions that need to be asked? A look back on the year – from Darfur, to Obama, to new spiritual music, to messages of hope – Year ONE of the Next Step is only a step to year TWO coming up.
Guest William Archila reads from “The Art of Exile”
Music – John Bilezikjian rendition of Malanguena from the Neo Classical Oud album.

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No Spirit in Exile

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Next Step #52 – June 3, 2009

Focus on the spirit this Pentecost, while the Spirit allows us to focus on life and love. A powerful message of finding the tie that binds all of our dreams and hopes. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit and it’s unleashed when body, soul and mind work together. Unity of spirit is a chance to bring senses and extra-sensory experiences together to form our understanding of life. A bit esoteric, but Fr. Vazken goes through the steps with the listener.
Guest: William Archila discusses his new book “The Art of Exile” and offers a few readings bringing the flavor of El Salvador to this week’s podcast.
Music: Hover “The Spirit of God” and John Coltrane “Out of this world”

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Potential to Reality: Ascension to Pentecost

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Next Step #51 – May 27, 2009

Caught between the 40th and 50th days after Easter, a look at dreams turning into life. What is life without dreams? When hope is gone, can there even be a glimmer of life? This next step examines the tragedy of children being tried as adults. Community, or CHURCH, becomes a means to maximizing our potention to love.
Poet William Archila reads from the “Art of Exile”
Song: “Vijag” by Zulal

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“Circular Breathing”

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Next Step #50 – May 20, 2009

Can the discipline of inhaling while exhaling have applications Moutside of music? The Armenian duduk and the Scottish bagpipe meet each other on common ground. But when Obama goes to Notre Dame, or the Pope goes to Jerusalem, can there be “common ground?” It’s all about the drone that keeps a monotone unchanging intonation throughout a song, a hymn, a chant or the sound of the universe. Today’s message ends with the story of Jesus’ Ascension. While Matthew 28 records the last words of Jesus on Earth, just before Ascending, the call to preach is better defined by His first words, as recorded in Mark 1.
Music: Gor Mkhitarian’s “Yeraz” (Dream)
Ani’s Bubles: “Stone Soup”

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