Elements of the Conundrum

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Next Step #202 – April 19, 2012

In a month of Resurrection we’re commemorating Genocide. Puzzle? Conundrum? Changing the language of conflict and understanding victory in terms expressed by Jesus. The path of the politicians, the challenge of St. Paul and the power of Christ come into play in this “Genocide Edition” of the Next Step.  Fr. Vazken brings it all together with a Christian message that is powerful, victorious and full of peace. Also -The April shower of tears won’t lead to May flowers this time, but will attempt to alleviate nausea. Religiosity of the shakers and movers, the rejection of the intelligentsia.
Ani’s Bubbles:  A Living Faith – Vincent Van Gogh
Song: “Menk Ankeghtz Zinvor Enk” by Hovhaness Badalian
Khirmian Hayrig’s Paper Ladle: http://armenianhouse.org/khrimyan-hayrik/loving-father.html
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

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A Blessed Fate of the Blessed Curtain

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Guest editorial in the “Key” Newsletter – April 15, 2012 by Rev. Dr. Zaven Archpriest Arzoumanian

During the Holy Week as we sang heartfelt melodies at St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale, we read in between Gospel passages regarding the last days of Our Lord on earth before His Crucifixion. “The curtain of the Jerusalem Temple was rent into two from top to the bottom” at the time Christ was crucified, as said in the Gospels. An amazing sign had its blessed echo in this lively church of St. Peter, headed by its Pastor the Reverend Father Vazken Movsesian.

The church was packed on Palm Sunday, and before his sermon the Pastor announced quietly that the large and heavy curtain of the Holy Altar, ten years already in use, was to be replaced by a new curtain, donated by a faithful. We figured at least a couple of months needed before the replacement. 
 
Two days later, on Holy Tuesday, while the Primate was presiding over the Ten Virgins ceremony, the new curtain was already in place and the dedication took place the same evening, again very quietly. We were amazed! A pair of large size gold-laced Armenian-style Crosses graced the new curtain. The old curtain was folded properly and laid on the side of the lower step of the Holy Altar.

Remember the curtain in the Jerusalem Temple was rent INTO TWO. So far at St. Peter one part of the story became a blessed reality: the curtain is hanging gracefully, naturally looking brighter than the old. But the real story stems from the other part of the Jerusalem’s Curtain: What to do with the old curtain that had absorbed sweet incense every week for ten years along with the fervent prayers of the faithful?
Ordinarily anything old replaced by new is quietly discarded. But not when it comes to the genius attention of Father Vazken Movsesian, an outstanding and caring priest of the Western Diocese, as well as the hard working Pastor of St. Peter parish for the past decade. This is what we heard him announcing on Easter Sunday as I was the Celebrant and waiting to deliver the sermon upon his kind invitation.
“Tomorrow according to our Church Calendar is a Memorial Day. There will be a Requiem Service for all our beloved departed souls. Following the service I will ask the ladies of this parish to come equipped with scissors to cut the old curtain most carefully to fit each part as a single blanket to be distributed to the homeless and to the poor.”
What a blessed fate to a curtain that remained faithfully hanging before the Holy Altar of Christ, His Cross indeed! From now on the poor will continue praying for them and for us. Our prayers shall meet wherever the blankets reach. Good for you and thank you Father Vazken our Brother in Christ.

Starting the 325

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Next Step #201 – April 12, 2012

The message of resurrection after the celebration of Easter reverberates, but under what conditions? A look at the altar dynamics and the recreation of the “Badarak” as a sacrificial expression of friendship. Guest Linda Zadoian (from Compass) discusses the evolution of the means by which evangelization takes place. Grass roots change to the Armenian Church. WWMMT: What would Mary Magdalen tweet? “I went to the tomb, it was empty!” Wouldn’t it have been a shame if her tweet was pushed down the Twitter page because of other tweets? Ongoing thoughts about Fr. Vazken’s & Fr. McKenzie’s sermons…
Ani’s Bubbles: A sign of faith
TAAB2: http://youtu.be/q7jZMCBEsZM
Song: Al Massih Qam by Rula Kishek
Lend a Second Hand Round #2
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

The Shadow of the Resurrection

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Next Step #200 – April 5, 2012

A reading of the Resurrection narrative according to Matthew – fear and joy exist together in anticipation of victory. Tracing the message of the Empty Tomb, courtesy of Thad & Bart, through Armenia and history. Arriving today-getting real with the resurrection in your life, discovering the joy of Mystery – fear and joy existing together – deep in life.
Ani’s Bubbles – The Poor Rich Family
Daily messages for Holy Week
Song: “Govya Yerusaghem”
Lusine Zakarian “Khorhoort Khorin”
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

Palm Sunday – “Key” Message 2012

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 1 April 2012
 
I congratulate all of our faithful people who completed the Lenten period successfully. Through your vigilance, you have opened your hearts and spirits to Christ’s unfailing love. Today, Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. You are a participant in that victory through Lent and today Jesus enters your hearts and lives in a very special manner. Congratulations! 
 
Today begins one of the most sacred periods in Christianity. It marks the journey of our Lord Jesus Christ, as he enters the Holy City of Jerusalem, is betrayed, face and be convicted false accusations and charges. He is condemned to death, crucified and buried. Of course, we know how the story ends, with the glorious Resurrection next Sunday. But in the meantime, the journey to the cross is a spiritual journey that we are invited to take through Holy Week. It is our way of “walking with Christ” through His trials, passion and crucifixion.
 
In the Armenian Church we not only commemorate these days with services, but we invite people to participate in the walk to the cross. Each of our services have opportunities for participation. During the 10 maid-ens young kids hold candles as described in Matthew 25; at “feet washing” we participate as described in John 13; and at the burial we walk below the grave. Please follow the Easter Week Schedule we’ve provided and participate in one of the most beautiful week’s services. ~ 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…

Remember ‘Current Events’? Did the Church forget?

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Next Step #199 – March 29, 2012

Revisiting the disenfranchised community (and we’re NOT talking about those who don’t attend church.) Targeting Armodoxy to the “three groups.” The Church and its relevancy to the multitalented/multidimensional individual. HH Vazken I of Blessed Memory (1955-1994), guiding the Armenian Church from Cold War to Independence: the Working of the Holy Spirit; Remembering the “Thief on the Cross” and then remembering ourselves. The “Opportunity Clause” used by Christians to rationalize a loving and damning God. The Basis of the Second Coming of Christ – looking at the Bottom Line of the Christian Message. A quick look at newspapers and a prelude to the “Virtual Armenia.”
Song: “Nayatz Sirov” by the Seminarians of the Vazkenian Seminary, Lake Sevan, Armenia
Daily messages for Holy Week: https://epostle.net/easter/
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

Fr. Vazken at the statue of HH Vazken I at the Seminary in his name, Lake Sevan, Armenia

“Advent” Sunday – Lent 2012

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 25 March 2012
The Lenten Season winds down this week.
On this last Sunday of Lent, our Church Fathers direct our attention to the Second Coming of Christ. This Sunday is known as “Advent Sunday” or “Coming.”
Most often the words “Second Coming” conjure in our minds images of the end-times. And because those thought remind us of our own mortality, we’re fearful to approach the subject in a sincere and mature manner. Hence we have discussions of Mayan calendars and 2012 brought to us courtesy of Hollywood and the pop culture.
Jesus, in no uncertain terms, tells that NO ONE knows the date and time of the end. Instead, he instructs us to “Set our minds on God’s Kingdom and all else will follow.” (Matt 5-7). That being the case, the Christian must always be ready to meet his/her Maker and to give an accounting of his/her life.
It is for this reason that our Church Father’s have instructed us through the scriptural readings of the day, to seek the path of humility, to love others and show compassion. Quite simply, it comes down to this: The best way to be prepared for the Second Coming of Christ is to follow the lessons of His FIRST Coming, namely to love and love without hesitation. -Fr. Vazken
Hear Fr. Vazken’s Advent message at Youtube.com/armodoxy
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…

The Unrighteous Judge – “Key” Message

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 18 March 2012
The story of the Unrighteous Judge, is the last parable in a trilogy prescribed to us by the Armenian Church during the Lenten Season. It emphasizes the actions of an unrighteous individual and makes him out to be the hero of the story.
Today, in the sermon we will examine this character and the lesson he gives re-garding prayer. But there’s more to today’s story…
Unlike other parables, this one exposes its purpose up front. The evangelist St. Luke writes, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Perhaps it was because there was room for misunderstanding and confusion that St. Luke offers this preface. I mention this because many times we’re eager to find explanations for the events of life which seem like they fall upon us randomly. Seeking a Lukean explanation is also part of the Lenten journey.
This is a time for prayer and meditation, introspection and inspection of motives and feelings. The parable of the Judge is filled with opportunities to grow during these last weeks of Lent. I challenge you to look at the story and then look within. See yourself in the story and then push yourself outside of the confines it presents.
These past three Sundays—Prodigal, Steward and Judge—are all about looking within and finding the opportunity to grow spiritually, in the Eyes of God, but also for our own peace of mind. -Fr. Vazken
Hear Fr. Vazken’s “Judge” message at Youtube.com/armodoxy
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…

The Crystal Within

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Next Step #197 – March 15, 2012

An interview with Linda Maxwell, co-founder of We Care for Youth and from Bliss Unlimited. Linda has spent her life inspiring and motivating people, primarily young people, in a path of responsibility and action, all motivated by her deep seated belief and faith in the good. Listen in on this conversation about meaning and purpose, as Linda discusses her recent retreat in India as well as her life and her work. This is a coffee-break within a coffee-break.
Part 1 of this Conversation – Next Step #168 
Song: “Distant Lands” by Armen Chakmakian
We Care for Youth: http://www.wecareforyouth.org/
Bliss Unlimited
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

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Managerial Skills Wanted – “Key” Message on Steward

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 11 March 2012
Managerial Skills Wanted
Once a year, we get the short-end of the stick as we lose an hour for Daylight Sav-ings Time. Unless you live in Arizona, this morning you woke up with an hour missing from your life. We reconcile with the no-tion, because in the Fall we get it back, still it bothers us because TIME is so precious. In fact, it is in such short supply that it has value, sparking sayings such as “time is money.”
This Sunday, the Armenian Church focuses its attention on the second of character in a trilogy of parable-heroes offered to us by Christ. Last week we studied the Prodigal Sunday, this week we look at the Dishonest Steward (Luke 16).
The theme is stewardship today. The day begs us to reflect on our managerial skills. How do we use the gifts that God has given us? Life is the gift given to us by God. That life is measured by time. Each of us is blessed with unique talents by the Grace of God, talents that give us identity. The chal-lenge therefore is to manage our time so that our talents are used for the betterment of our families, communities and ulti-mately, the world.
This Sunday of Lent, take an inventory of your talents. Find means by which your talents can reflect the Love of God.
“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so they will praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5)
-Fr. Vazken 
Hear Fr. Vazken’s “Steward” message at Youtube.com/armodoxy
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…