Making saints out of Halloween and Religion

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #125 – October 28, 2010

Putting the Saints back into Halloween. Nothing to fear unless you’re peddling religion to children. Didn’t we say religion is not for kids! We find Patriarch Kyrll and Pope Benedict on the same page? In His Shoes hits the $ 500,000 mark to aid children of Genocide. Religion in the World: Pew Research
The quiz: http://features.pewforum.org/quiz/us-religious-knowledge/index.php
Nicholas Kristoff’s adaption: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/opinion/10kristof.html?_r=1
Song “Horovel” by Rouben Matevosyan
Ani’s Bubbles: “Homeless Outreach”
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

updated 041821 mm

New Means for a Bold Mission

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #124 – October 21, 2010

Just back from the New Media Expo in Las Vegas with ideas and resources for Epostle.net expansion. How new media becomes a tool for evangelization. The Mission of Christ as expressed in Luke 4:14-21 becomes the Mission of the Church – the Body of Christ. Exploring the mission beyond the literal expression and finding the power of Love. Also: Druids and religious charity. Manfred Mann turns 70.
Song by Chingiz Sadykhov, Caucasian Medley;
Ani’s Bubbles: “Smiles”;
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

Pay Phone Bank at the Mandalay Bay, LV
updated 041821 mm

New Media to Domestic Violence

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #123 – October 14, 2010

On the eve of the New Media Expo, the Epostle.net staff steps in the shoes of the Holy Translators and looks for the means to simplify the complex. Tigran translates the Nicene Creed to American Sign . Domestic Violence is brought to forum with the tragic story of Zaruhi. Sign the petition to bring legislation in Armenia and DO something more. Fr. Vazken outlines a plan for a women’s shelter where safety and spirituality are both priorities. The nonsense of the church doilies and the absurdity of women subjecting to men. We’re off to New Media Expo.
Human Rights Now – Armenia’s Domestic Violence Legislation is Overdue
Petition for Armenia to Pass Domestic Violence Legislation: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/armenia-must-pass-domestic-abuse-law/
Song: “Magdalene Laundries” by Joni Mitchell
Ani’s Bubbles: Mother Teresa on the poor feeding the poor
Produced by  Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.net

Magdalen Laundry in England – Early 20th Century

Stuck on the Bridge: When Tools become Toys

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #122 – October 7, 2010

Hypocrisy and khash (patcha) are not for the weak at heart. Orthodoxy is not for saints alone! What happens when our tools turn into toys and we lose sense of purpose in our lives? How to discuss hypocrisy WITHOUT being accused of hypocrisy? Fr. Vazken explores the different dimensions of the Church, giving, forgiving and BECOMING the Body of Christ today. Is there a “LIMIT” to wealth? Bill & Melinda Gates spend their money on charity – and how! John Lennon’s legacy further explored and the Highway Patrol 10-4 Parade. Archbishop Kaloustian’s Bridge metaphor. A look at the expanding programming at Epostle.net on the eve of the Las Vegas convocation at Media World Expo (http://www.blogworldexpo.com)
Song: “Would Jesus Wear a Rolex” by Ray Stevens (Link to Song)
“Image” by John Lennon, performed by John Bayless “Bach on Abbey Road”
Ani’s Bubbles: “God’s Cake” http://scrubsmag.com/author/AniBurr 
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for https://epostle.net

updated 041821 mm

Armodoxy: You Say You Want a Revolution?

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #121 – September 30, 2010

Defining the self within the structure of Armenian Orthodoxy as children of the 21st Century. “Validating” the new generation of Armodoxy as the last link in a chain, beginning with Time, with the center Golden Link Christ and an open end for what’s to come. A tribute to John Lennon as his 70th birthday approaches- the Revolution of the Sixties and WWJS: What would Jesus sing? Avoiding the pitfalls of traditionalism by not giving too much credibility to past at the cost of discounting the present.
Globalization and the Armenian Church http://www.vimeo.com/15291175
Song: “11 11” by Rodrigo y Gabriela  http://www.rodgab.com/
Ani’s Bubbles: The Golden House http://scrubsmag.com/nursing-theories-love-em-or-leave-em/
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

updated 041821 mm

Equinox Balance: Ends and Means

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #120 – September 23, 2010

The Autumnal Equinox brings a balance of time and power, one expressed through the “Harvestest” moon. Can we find a balance between ends and means, primarily when it comes to soliciting donation for the church? A listener’s comments about the St. Leon Cathedral.  And where is the balance of ego-inflation with the goals of the Church and religion? The Salvation Army REFUSES a donation of $100,000? Jethro Tull Plays in Armenia – a small tribute to a band with 40+ years of versatility and imagination gone wild.
Song: “Bouree” by Jethro Tull (A Little Light Music) www.jethrotull.com
Ani’s Bubbles: “Breast Cancer Walk” http://scrubsmag.com/author/AniBurr/
Dr. Harry Hagopian’s link: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/Armenia
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

updated 041821 mm

Tweets from the Consecration of St. Ghevont Armenian Cathedral

/0 Comments/in

Tweets from the Consecration of the St. Leon Armenian Cathedral September 11
These were sent via Twitter and archived here
• His Holiness accepts ecumenical guests at diocesan hq. Saturday, September 11, 2010 1:51:43 PM
• Vesting the clergy. A sea of red and purple. Saturday, September 11, 2010 2:09:46 PM
• Emotionally charged. Miuron on altar. HH Karegin blesses – first of many. Saturday, September 11, 2010 3:16:20 PM
• Washing altar w wine and water. Saturday, September 11, 2010 3:18:26 PM
• Vehapar dripping holy miuron on altar. Immaterial dove unexaminable. Saturday, September 11, 2010 3:23:36 PM
• Vehapar blesses the top of altar of ‘mother church of Los Angeles.’ 3:26 PM Sep 11th
• 1st four- the pillars which hold up the church – in the name of Evangelists Matthew Mark Luke and John. 3:45 PM Sep 11th
• Primates of East and West Abp. Khajag and Ab. Hovnan blessed the four dome pillars. 3:48 PM Sep 11th
• 12 more pillars named for apostles peter, andrew, phillip, mattias, thaddeus, james a, james z, simon bartholomew, paul, gregory illuminator 3:57 PM Sep 11th
• Miuron has transforming power. Stone structure becomes a living church. 4:04 PM Sep 11th
• HH Karekin II names the church St. Ghevontiantz (Leon) w blessing 4:07 PM Sep 11th
• Blessing now a cross stone in memory of 911 innocent victims. 4:22 PM Sep 11th
• Miuron is renewing. September 11 now a msg of love over evil. 4:25 PM Sep 11th
• H E Abp Hovnan offers prayer closing ceremony. Now offers msg. 4:27 PM Sep 11th
• Greek Primate offers congratulations on behalf of all ecumenical guests – Greek, Copt, Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran among them. 4:41 PM Sep 11th
• Vehapar reflecting and giving message to faithful. Tying to Feast of Holy Cross. Christ’s cross has been way of our salvation. 5:01 PM Sep 11th
• Asks that we not wear cross as ornament but accept it as st. Paul tells us- the power of God. 5:08 PM Sep 11th
• Picking up cross means taking on responsibility toward people. Cross is not heavy when its cross of Christ. 5:10 PM Sep 11th
• Remembring former Primates and commending Abp. Hovnan for completing. To Abp. Vatche for having vision. And to everyone … 5:12 PM Sep 11th
• Vehapar brings and presents altar cross w wish for protection to Srpazan 5:17 PM Sep 11th
• Final blessing and recess 5:21 PM Sep 11th
• Doves released! 5:24 PM Sep 11th

Additional Tweets at various times that weekend
• So begins visit of HH Karekin II to our diocese. Friday, September 10, 2010 8:17:45 PM
• Looking great. Charism plus. Captures the wave. Friday, September 10, 2010 8:19:50 PM
• We’re at welcoming dinner. Sitting w Abp. Khajag and Bp. Arakel – Gotayk diocese. Friday, September 10, 2010 8:20:59 PM
• Fr. Ktrij – coming off the holy mountain brings the energy across the globe. Friday, September 10, 2010 8:23:36 PM
• Iraqi primate speaking Arabic. Syrian primate singing Sayat Nova. Very musical and international evening. Friday, September 10, 2010 9:06:50 PM
• Vehapar talking. Reflecting how he came 2 yrs ago to bless foundation, now consecrating 2 yrs later. Credit to the primate and people wh … Friday, September 10, 2010 10:09:26 PM
• Credits agbu which puts love toward church and clergy in the heart of the people. Friday, September 10, 2010 10:12:58 PM
• Catholicos dedicating Iranahye Center. Low level crowd. Saturday, September 11, 2010 10:35:25 AM
• Mixing it up now – politicians getting into the act. What’s that word arajnort? Why don’t they let it be? Freud knew it. Saturday, September 11, 2010 11:08:59 AM
• Come to hear a blessing, still getting fillers that don’t count as extras. Did we need another reminder that Armenia was 1st Xian Nation? Saturday, September 11, 2010 11:25:18 AM
• Remembrance of 911 nicely tied in by H.E. Abp. Hovnan. Saturday, September 11, 2010 11:33:16 AM
• HH blesses this home by sign of cross, gospel and in the name of the Father Son and
• Holy Spirit. Saturday, September 11, 2010 11:48:44 AM
• Remembers the innocent victims of 911. Thankful for hospitality of USA. And glad Armenians are productive in this land ref: faith and love. Saturday, September 11, 2010 11:55:54 AM

Armodoxy: a Unifying Theory for 911

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #118 – September 9, 2010

In search for the Unified Field Theory, Steven Hawkings says God did not create the Universe. Changing chaos to order? Remembering the chaos of 911 – by burning the Quoran? Pastor or Publicity Hound?  Which Holy Book would Jesus burn? Also – Historic event: A Cathedral gets consecrated by the Catholicos of All Armenians, HH Karekin II. Bringing order to chaos! Is it worth the million$? Aghtamar – occupied by Turks – sound familiar? Fr. Vazken shares thoughts on church, the essence of life and faith in this podcast which is essential to the understanding of Armodoxy. OK, it’s not the Unified Field Theory Einstein was looking for, but Armodoxy does contain it all. You won’t want to miss this one.
Catholicos Consecrates Cathedral: Watch at http://www.armenianchurchwd.com/consecration
Reading: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s “The Duckling”
Song: “Maratuk” by Zulal: http://www.zulal.org/3.html
Ani: “Boots for Walking” Avon Walk
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

updated 041821 mm

Domino’s Labor; Clooney’s Memory

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #117 – September 2, 2010

A Labor Day story with a twist toward purpose. Fortune Magazine identified him, Tom Monagham, and the Next Step follows him to the real fortune. George Clooney accepts an Emmy Award for Humanitarian work. His memory doesn’t fade with a reminder to us all to keep the spotlight on the issues that don’t go away. Natural Disaster? Act of God? Who’s at fault?
Song: “Cold Wagon” by Gor Mkhitarian: http://www.gormusic.com/
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGS4yE5v9rM
Tom Monaghan Domino’s Pizza Story: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fsb/fsb_archive/2003/09/01/350799/index.htm
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

updated 041821 mm

Dreaming Peace w/out Violence

/0 Comments/in

Next Step #116 – August 26, 2010

Almost a half-century past Dr. King’s “I have a dream” speech, President Obama justifies war as a means to peace? So what’s left to dream? Armenian Orthodoxy and the dream to secure peace is explored in this podcast in a very personal manner by Fr. Vazken. More on the Mosque at Ground Zero – insights on constitutionality. Statement from the National Council of Churches: http://www.ncccusa.org/news/MK.cordovamosque.html
Song: Paul Simon’s “American Tune” w/Bach and Beethoven too.
Ani’s Bubbles: An Angel to smiling on you – http://scrubsmag.com/author/AniBurr/
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

updated 041821 mm