Power of Youth – The “Key” Message

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 22 January 2012
Today’s scriptural passage comes to us from the first letter of St. Paul to Timothy. In it he writes, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Of course, as St. Paul writes to his colleague and young delegate, Timothy, he is reminding him that youth may lacks experience but it brings with it adventure and freshness.
We can easily attribute these same words to us, as a parish. For indeed, the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale is young. We are eight years old, having begun the parish in 2003. But, as if we were listening precisely to St. Paul’s words, we are setting “an example for believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Our programs are a fresh adventure within the entire Armenian Church. We will let God be the judge of how effective our outreach is. Nevertheless, we have taken to heart the message that we must be the ambassadors and delegates of the Church (as Timothy was) and therefore our speech, conduct and actions must be grounded in “love, faith and purity.”
Sure, sometimes it’s difficult to reach these standards and we admit, we’re far from the ideal, yet as a young parish, we are laying the groundwork for the growth and development of the Christian community here in Glendale.
May God bless you all for your untiring efforts to aid the poor and helpless. May we always be inspired to keep it young and fresh.
~ 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…

Dreaming Happiness

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Next Step #189 – January 19, 2011

MLK’s “American Dream” serves as a backdrop for our discussion on happiness. Recent finding suggest religion adds value to the Happiness Hypothesis, how about for you? Fr. Vazken shares thoughts on the Sayat Nova Dance Group and their 25th Anniversary Concert, the MLK/In His Shoes 9th Anniversary Hike, Team In Her Shoes to fight breast cancer, and upcoming plans to bring awareness to issues of domestic violence. Fr. Artoon Sempadian passes away – today’s song “Hayrik” is dedicated in his memory.
Links to today’s topics:
Happiness Hypothesis & Religion: http://www.religionandsociety.org.uk/research_findings/featured_findings/religion_adds_value_to_the_happiness_hypothesis
Sayat Nova Dance Group of Boston: http://www.sayatnova.com/
Team In Her Shoes: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-In-Her-Shoes/292120147471155
Dr. King’s “American Dream” Speech:
Fr. Artoon Sempadian passes away: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fresnobee/obituary.aspx?n=artoon-sempadian&pid=155538890
Song: “Hayrik” by Norayr Kartashyan
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

MLK – Power to Dream… The “Key” message

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 15 January 2012
 It was only 50-60 years ago that segregation was well and alive in the United States of America. Yes, right here in America! It’s hard to believe. Although, we’re far from full equality for everyone, still we’re closer to the goal.
Reaching goals begins with a plan, a dream. One of the great dreamers of our time was the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He dreamed of a society where people would not be “judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
While Dr. King is remembered as a Civil Right’s leader, it is important to note that he considered himself first and foremost a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As such, he used the power of Christ’s message of peace, non-violence and love, to conqueror some of the most dirty and disgusting forms of hated and evil.
Dr. King challenged people – and continues to challenge us all through his legacy – to find the power of love in our own lives, to see that LOVE can overcome and overpower all of difficulties and hurdles that present problems to leading our lives in full and in unity with God.
This weekend, we honor the great Civil Rights leader by looking at his life and his goals. I’m honored to be leading the 9th Annual In His Shoes gathering, taking place tomorrow. We will be studying “The American Dream” as we hike up a local mountain and share in spiritual discussion. Join us on the trail or with your prayers. Set your minds on a goal of peace, for yourself, your family, your com-munity and your world. Dream it. Live it. Achieve it.
~ Fr. Vazken
This message is elaborated 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…

Extremism from Dr. King, The Forerunner & El Gordo

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Next Step #188 – January 12, 2012

A discovery 2 Quadrillion times the size of the Sun “El Gordo” & 7 Billion Light years away, brings the discussion of Mystery close to home.  A look at Sirach and Einstein’s take on mystery, it is the cornerstone of life and sight, says the world renown physicist. St. John the Forerunner prepares the way of the Lord with a call to repentance. Jesus’ command to love your enemies comes alive in the teaching of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with emphasis on his REV, he’s a minster of the Gospel. It’s all connected and Fr. Vazken connects the dots again. The simple prayer – “Lord, if you open my mouth, I will sing your praise” leads to the Epostle.net experience.
Song: You Must be Born Again by Dorothy Love-Coates: http://www.amazon.com/You-Must-Be-Born-Again/dp/B0015P2F3E
Ani’s Bubble – Extremist for Life – quotes from Martin Luther King Jr.
El Gordo: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/01/11/145043195/el-gordo-galaxy-with-mass-2-quadrillion-times-the-suns-discovered
Sirach 43: http://www.newadvent.org/bible/sir043.htm
Returning Home Sermon: http://armenianorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2012/01/returning-home.html
More on Dr. King & John the Baptist: https://epostle.net/archives_season2.html#31
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

Setting the Oven at New Year

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Next Step #187 – January 5, 2012

Christ is Revealed! It’s the Theophany and the Savior arrives at the Nativity, Baptism and everyday in the life of a Christian. A unique Armenian Orthodox understanding of the Revelation of God in this feast. By taking a look at the impact of the “Song of the Three” on the Armenian people, Fr. Vazken explains how the revealed Savior is the cornerstone of relevancy in our world today. Turn up the volume and the heat for this one. Also – The metaphysics behind the great Samoan day-robbery.
Samoa loses a day before the New Year
Song: “Tamada” by Norayr Kartashyan
O Great Mystery & Wonderous Mystery – Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

New Year – “Key” Message 1/1/12

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 1 January 2012
 Happy New Year! As the first servant of the St. Peter Armenian Church, I come to you with a very special wish and prayer for health and happiness in the New Year.
I also take this opportunity to thank you, our faithful congregation, for making our church exemplary by way of its commitment to the poor, the hungry and those in need. Our year-round projects were accented by our Christmas Holiday outreach. I’m pleased to report that the toys have been delivered (600+) to the battered children’s shelter, the hand-made blankets (100+) are warming children at the City of Hope, and the number of families finding strength and hope through our Children’s Memorial and other outreaches are immeasurable.
Our Lord Jesus Christ promises to entrust more to those who have been faithful with a little. (Luke 16:10) I ask that you include your church in your prayers for the New Year. May God give us the strength and courage to take on the challenges of the New Day and the New Year, however great they may be.
Welcome to 2012
The New Year begins with several and severe challenges – primarily caused by the world economic situation, but also by the lack of love and under-standing among people. Keep focused throughout the New Year on the power of God in your life. Make Church and the Love of Christ found within the Holy Church a PRIORITY in your own life and in the life of your family. With the power of God you’ll be able to take on the GREATEST of challenges.
Happy New Year! ~Fr. Vazken
This message is elaborated 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…

Strong Links into the New Year

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Next Step #186 – December 29, 2011

The year comes to an end with reflections that point to new beginnings. Where are the strong and weak links in our life? Finding the missing portion of Nicene Creed – and “focusing on the vision” of the Message of Christ. Kurt Vonnegut’s “Bluebeard” – beating yourself-up as the Turk: Resolving for the New Year. BC/AD BCE/CE and calendar crossings. The Magic of Christmas Eve – Fr. Vazken and his physicians meet at the Nativity of Christ – a life with days and days filled with life.
Song: Gor Mkhitarian’s “The Day” – www.gormusic.com
Focused Vision – Excerpts from the Sermon on the Mount, www.inhisshoes.org
Ani’s New Year Bubble
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

Christmas Morning – “Key” Message 2011

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 25 December 2011
                                                                                         
 Today – December 25th is celebrated as Christmas throughout the world. Our Armenian Church celebrates the “Theophany” (Աստուածայայտնութիւն ) on January 6. It includes the nativity and the celebration of Christ’s Baptism, when His Ministry took birth and form.
For an explanation of the reasons why we celebrate on a different date, check out this week’s “In Step With Christ” on our Youtube.com/Armodoxy channel. It is not the focus of this day. The date of Christmas, is a secondary issue next to the “message of Christmas.” It is that message that we Christians are called to celebrate, today and every day.
Too many people are consumed with the mundane and secondary issues of Christianity. Many time I hear people bickering over who correctly celebrates the Christmas feast. Is it the Armenians on January 6? Is it the Western world on December 25? Is it the Russians on January 7 or the Jerusalemites on January 19?
Our Lord Jesus Christ gives us the answer plain and simple. He says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Jn 13)
The message of Love is what it’s all about. To correctly celebrate Christmas, you don’t need to worry about the date, rather you need to focus on the message. God loved us first. He gave us the gift of Life through Christ. We have an obligation to Love others– on Dec 25, Jan 6, Jul 17, Sep 11 & everyday!
Whether you choose to celebrate Christmas today or on January 6, begin this day by loving. If there are disagreements and difficulties between you and others, resolve them. Celebrate Christmas today and every day by giving Love. ~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…

Solstice Bells to Christmas Cheers

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Next Step #185 – December 22, 2011

Kick off the Winter Solstice with some Christmas Cheer. Unafraid and unashamed to claim the Solstice, Fr. Vazken finds the Christ Child in the Manger radiating the Love and Light that overcomes darkness. This podcast is a celebration with music, love and a message unlike any other, as Armodoxy is revealed. A very Merry Christmas to all! A Christmas/Solstice Celebration! Secrets revealed: Bob Dylan’s reindeer and how Suzie got Ken to change his habits!
Ani’s Christmas Bubble
Musical Links:
Jethro Tull’s Christmas Album
Bob Dylan’s “Christmas In the Heart”
Melanie’s “Yes Santa, there is a Melanie”
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

Humility: Away in a Manger – “Key” Message

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 18 December 2011
                                                                                         
 Celebrating humility… Away in a Manger…
Last Friday evening, at our annual Christmas party, our church honored Mr. Amirkhan Amirkhanian, the caretaker and custodian of the church. As you walk into the church every Sunday morning, he is the one who first greets. He is the one who takes care of our church building during the week.
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, our Diocesan Primate, was with us. He observed in his remarks that when we honor the se special servants of the church, we’re honoring the idea that all service, how-ever large or small, is blessed in God’s sight.
Mr. Amirkhan has been the humble servant of this parish. Always ready to work and help in a manner possible—from taking care of the grounds, to cleaning up, to preparing for the sacraments. He is the humble servant of the church. We approach him with much affection and honor, but more important, he serves as an example to us all.
Of course, the ultimate example of humility came to us on Christmas eve. As the old Christmas carol says, “Away in a Manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.”
During this Advent season, these example come to us as important reminders of our role and responsi-bility as Christians.
I with to personally invite you to the Christmas eve service this coming Saturday evening – December 24 – where we will have an opportunity to celebrate together the gift of God – away in a manger.
Please join us with your families – parts for the children, it will be celebration like no other.
~Fr. Vazken
Check out all the outreach activities on our website: www.InHisShoes.org
*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…