Next Step #115 – August 19, 2010
What’s the secret for making a church “work”? Could you bring it down to a word or two? Education? Faith? Commitment? Sincerity? Also in this podcast: Watching the Asteroids, Contributing to Confidence, Reclaiming childhood ideology.
Song: “Going Up the Country by Canned Heat”;
Ani’s Bubbles: “Obstacles in our Path”;
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Isn’t the whole message of Christianity based on the premise that God became man, to understand and feel the pain of His creation? In other words, to walk in his shoes! Or even more plainly, He simplified His status! Right? From Cosmic Creator, He became Jesus.
So why do we complicate things with religion? Why don’t we just follow the model and keep it simple? Instead, I try to sit through sermons and Bible Studies that have no connection to reality. They tell me about myths, about ancient heroes, laws and rules, about forces that are vying for my attention and ultimately my soul. They then bring it down to a final play-off – a decision between Heaven and Hell.
What happened to the God that cared so much for His Creation that He gave His Only Son so that we may be saved? What happened to the Essential Message: Love God, Love One another?
It’s really simple: Love. That’s it. From there EVERYTHING else falls into place. From Love we get Peace, we find God, we respect one another, we understand why giving is more blessed than receiving, we have harmony of mind, body and soul, and therefore individual, community and world.
Next Step #114 – August 12, 2010
St. Mary’s Assumption is an opportunity for Thanksgiving and reflections on motherhood, thru the lens of Armodoxy. Standing up for principles even in light of our comfort zones being violated. Questions worth asking: Why are apparitions of St. Mary so greasy? Would you say ‘yes’ to an unplanned pregnancy of Love? Is giving really better than receiving? Also: The Trump/Teresa show-down. The principles of the Mosque at Ground Zero.
Song: “Julia” by The Beatles
Ani’s Bubbles: “Who Packed Your Parachuette?”
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Next Step #113 – August 5, 2010
The War on Terror – does Armenian Orthodoxy have something to offer this war, or is it just about the battles? A look at building a mosque at Ground Zero and Mayor Bloomberg’s comments, “No neighborhood in his city is off limits to God’s love.” Where have we heard that before? Looking at the unique and miraculous events of our life – “The Badarak is a ballet danced with God,” says Fr. Vazken as he focuses on the uniqueness inherent in each person and in our God-relation. “No one has ever gone into heaven” says Jesus and the priest responds, “No one is worthy…” to bring balance to ballet of the Passion Play. St. Mary shares her unique role in history with us.
Song: La Ronde des Lutins, scherzo fantastique for violin & piano, Op. 25, by Antonio Bazzini; Performed by Maxim Vengerov (Violin), Itamar Golan [Piano]
Ani’s Bubbles: “The Seven Wonders of the World” (http://scrubsmag.com/author/aniburr/)
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Next Step #112 – July 29, 2010
Getting Involved in Darfur: the moral imperative against rape and genocide. No grey areas for Al Bashir. Reacting by walking “In His Shoes” and the power of Love through Armodoxy. Savoring the flavor of life. Matthew 19 – Separating the brain from heart and law from heartbreak. Extra: The hierarchical Sees – Etchmiadzin, Cilicia, Jerusalem and Constantinople.
Song: “Sevani tzugnors bar” by Yeghish Manoukian (Echo of the Mountains)
Gor Mkhitarian “Day”; Purchase SPIRIT album
Ani’s Bubbles: Try Changing the World; (http://scrubsmag.com/author/aniburr/)
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Next Step #111 – July 22, 2010
The Global Ecumenical Movement: The Most Inclusive Opportunity for Christians… An interview with Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Officer of Ecumenical Relations for the See of Cilicia, Moderator of the Joint Committee between Christian World Communions and the World Council of Churches, in an interview about Ecumenism. “When people look for spirituality, they are looking for Christ,” says His Grace. Also – answers to the questions: Was Jesus about movement or institution? Vision or program? Fellowship or management? A short tribute to the Archbishop Smpat Lapajian (1927-2010) – pioneering sermons on “new media.” Much much more in this very special, “Last of the Binary” series!
Song: “Aghoonig” by Element Band – http://www.elementband.com/
Ani’s Bubbles: The Wise Woman – http://scrubsmag.com/you-know-youre-a-student-nurse-when…/
Find more about Bishop Alemezian, the See of Cilicia and Ecumenism at: http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v10/doc/events.htm
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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| His Grace Bishop Nareg Alemezian and Fr. Vazken Movsesian |
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Next Step #110 – July 15, 2010
The Light of Transfiguration – one wish, what would it be? Health? Wealth? Or… ?; On the ethical and church issues with Apple’s iPhone mess, and a listen to iDuduk and iShvee (http://youtempo.com/). Looking beyond the corporate nature of the Church and avoiding the lies and hypocrisy Jesus warns against. Finally – some answers regarding Fr. Vazken’s nerves– was it the Gor concert? Coffee? Vuvuzelas? Or the Highway Patrol?
Song: Sonya Varoujian’s “Breeze” from the Janabar album;
Ani’s Bubbles: “An angel smiling on you” (http://scrubsmag.com/author/aniburr/);
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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On July 9, 2010, I had a chance to play guitar with R&B musician/folk singer Gor Mkhitarian at the Levitt Pavilion, Pasadena. This video is a graphic explanation of Armodoxy. And yes, the duduk you hear is being played on an iPhone – iDuduk app.
Thanks Gor!
Next Step #109 – July 8, 2010
Ara Arzumanian of Generation Next is our guest. He discusses his article “Lost Kids of Armenian America”. Working with young people on the streets of Glendale, Ara gives a unique perspective of a growing problem, including drugs, sexual promiscuity, theft, gangs, and violence. A small glimpse at the kids and one man’s crusade to educate and mentor. Empty egos, identity and self-knowledge are all part of the discussion along with an added bonus: a primer on V-techs and Armos and the White washed.
Song: “Hayr Mer” by Samvel Gregoryan http://armeniansound.net/samvel-grigoryan-hayr-mer
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Next Step #108 – July 1, 2010
Matthew Chapter 13 gets a special pruning, as the weeds are pulled from the grass. You won’t find a theodicy here, instead, it’s a meditation on true freedom from within. Blasting away the bonds of hatred and animosity. A most fitting reflection on this pre-Independence Day Celebration. It’s all here, even if you only hear “leb” along with a Fathers’ Day wish. Now? Here’s a theory of why things happen at epostle.net. Drugs in Glendale: http://araratmagazine.org/2010/06/lost-kids-arm-america-1/
Music: “About God” by Gor Mkhitarian; Purchase SPIRIT album
Ani’s Bubbles: Ice Cream; (http://scrubsmag.com/author/aniburr/)
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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