Next Step #252: A hawk in the church opens the doors to a developing mythology. Listen in as Fr. Vazken weaves the pieces to the story of the Hawk at Easter. Also in this episode - Chris Brown and the Misunderstood Jesus, Apostolic tradition today: the greeting and the disciples dilemma. Chevy vs Toyota and the Easter question. Easter transformation is a change forever. Pope Francis and the feet washing detainees. Life of Pi. Anush's Pomegranate: Staying Awake with Christ Song: " Oh Happy Day " ...
Apr 05, 2013
Next Step #251: Some important steps from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. St. Basil on the Institution of the Holy Eucharist, on understanding the Body & Blood within the Sacrament. The Orthodox Church comes together with HH Karekin I, HH Bartholomew, HH Francis - Three Pontiffs sharing the Kiss of Peace, representing the ONE HOLY & UNIVERSAL Church. On the Prime number 251 = 79 + 83 + 89 = 23 + 29 + 31 + 37 + 41 + 43 + 47. Happy Easter to All! Christ is Risen... Քրիստոս Յարեաւ ի Մեռելոց...
Mar 28, 2013
Next Step #250: The Vernal Equinox is celebrated by bringing a bright star to the Northern Hemisphere - Pope Francis I is inaugurated in the company of the brother who at one point called his attention away from the fishing nets to fish for men. Saints, Patriarchs and Popes - It can get confusing. His Holiness to His Holiness: Patriarch Bartholomew's message to Pope Francis. Cheap & Costly Grace - an end of Lent reflection as an entrance to Holy Week. Lenten Journey: www.armodoxy.blogspot.co...
Mar 22, 2013
Next Step #249: From the white smoke a tweet signals the election of Pope Francis and opening the doors of the fourth estate. Fr. Vazken refects on this election, the Pope, Orthodoxy and the Catholicism. Issues of social justice and the times ahead will be challenging. Spinning the Pope - News alert on the Pope and Armenian victimization. Toward the end of the Lenten season and the End of times - where to focus your attention. Final thoughts on living in the eternal present. The God question in ...
Mar 15, 2013
Gala Danilova in recording studio Next Step #248: As the Lenten Season enters its second half and the toxins are removed from our lives, guest Gala Danilova of the Halo Trust, Artzakh is interviewed about removing the debris of war. In this interview, Ms. Danilova discusses humanitarian efforts to rid villages and country sides of landmines. In the discussion, we find paths for peace and understanding. This is the joining of spirit, heart and hands - a "must-listen" this Lent - Fantastic Me Ban....
Mar 08, 2013
Next Step #247: Pope Benedict XVI's Twitter account puts up a vacancy sign "Sede Vacant" minutes after his last Tweet. Dynamic/Alive -It's all about moving forward. A healthy understanding to the Roman Catholic Church, for the Orthodox Christian - an Armodoxy view. Peter the Rock and the Confessional Rock: Christ the Center. Sunrise "Arevakal" Confession - "The Way, the Truth and the Life, Christ" Anush's Pomegranate Seeds: " Loving Divorce " Song: Armenian Public Radio "Retrograde" Apostolic Su...
Mar 01, 2013
Next Step #246: Corporate hypocrisy: Can the perfect nature of Christ's Body be reconciled with the imperfections of the human management team? Do we either accept and live with hypocrisy or opt for a revolution? Listeners chime in with stories of separation. Time-share strategies for selling Christ fail as they bait and switch another time around. The large avocado pit on the Lenten plate. Anush's Pomegranate: " Controlling my Inner Martha " Song: " Autumn/Spring " by Lilit Pipoyan Gor Mkhitari...
Feb 22, 2013
Next Step #245: Using symbols and myths to explain the mysteries in life gets a bit confusing when Armenian churches light some bonfires in the back yard. Mid Winter. Purification, Presentation, Valentine's and Adam & Eve all come together for today's show. The Pope's resignation begs the question of running the Perfect Body of Christ with imperfect people. Stripping away the imperfections and finding the bulls-eye in the middle of our faith. "There's something beautiful in the Armenian Chur...
Feb 15, 2013
Next Step #244: Vartan & Ghevont - lessons for a priest in turmoil about the mission and the church and his place in a church plagued by challenges. Fr. Vazken gives a personal account of reconciling the tangible with the abstract idea of the Kingdom - are we part of the machine? Have you hugged your priest lately? The "dz" in yoghurt should have made it. Purging the system of toxins during Lent through epostle.net Pomegranate Seeds by Anush: Looking Inward for Lent Song: Wonderous Crowning ...
Feb 08, 2013
Next Step #243: A new Patriarch in Jerusalem, Chris Brown at the Glendale Armenian Church, and two ladies want a baptism without a godfather - It's time for some structure! It's easy to find dirt under the grass, but Fr. Vazken discusses the greenness of the grass this new day. Why the Church and how it helps to get the message of eternity out to the people. Anush's Pomegranate - " Church & State " Song: "Nor Yerk" by Mariam Matossian Jerusalem Patriarch Elected - coverage and commentary by ...
Feb 01, 2013
Next Step #242: Been to the Mountain-top and back: the In His Shoes Mission celebrated the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr at its 10th annual retreat. This transforming event is viewed from a few different vantage points as Fr Vazken reflects on the program. Guest: Linda Zadoian from Compass . Unraveling the mysteries of a Black Baptist Preacher's message for the Armenian Orthodox Christian and the Armenian Orthodox Church. Can a First Class Church have 2nd Class Citizens? ...
Jan 25, 2013
Next Step #241: Datev Outreach Coordinator, Anna Gasparian, is in studio for a briefing on a Christ-centered ministry to combat domestic violence through the Armenian Church. This all during a weekend which calls for societal change from the memory of Rev Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. to President Barack Obama's second inaugural. Working to bring sanctity to the family in a holistic manner. Datev Outreach: http://datevoutreach.org Anush's Pomegrante Seeds - "Activism" - I'm not buying apathy! Son...
Jan 17, 2013
Next Step #240 : Celebrate with Fr. Vazken as he experiments with his new T-Pain Microphone. "Theophany in overdrive" - a review of the holidays beyond the 140 character count. The total & holistic approach of Armodoxy and how the Spirit moves us and moves within the Church. Loving through Understanding=the In His Shoes philosophy. Returning from New Media Expo, a review of show, technology and Suzie's voice from the back seat of the Mustang! The evolution of the computer - toasters, an appl...
Jan 11, 2013
Next Step #239: Theophany: Celebrating without Categories - Erotic, Filial, Agape - come together at the Asdvadzahaydnootiun = Theophany - God is revealed in Bethlehem, the Jordan - to the Wise Men and Shepherds, but did you hear about the Third Christmas Story by St. John? Check it out in this Orthodox understanding of the Christian message of peace and harmony. Armodoxy as it unfolds. Also - Baptism with a computer? Making 2013 a Year for Dreams! Song: "New York" by Gor Mkhitarian Jethro Tull ...
Jan 03, 2013
Next Step #238: Information deliverance shift: videos, art, free-flow, spooky elements, to the written version - the documentation and articulation of the Message. Little Vartan's question - can you get to heaven without dying? The Psalm - "Lord if you open my lips, I will sing Your praise" or thunderbolts from up on high? Watching "Les Miserables" on the Christmas Day. Revelation of homosexuality and the Church by a senior Armenian clergyman. Scraping off the barnacles reveals a Ship - and find...
Dec 27, 2012
Next Step #237: "The Christmas/Solstice Special" Finding the courage to celebrate Christmas after the Sandy Hook (Newtown) Shooting. Ringing the Bells of Etchmiadzin - the new Bethlehem: Fr. Vazken celebrates the Solstice and life after the end of the Mayan Calendar. Obama's mention of Jesus comes after the silence of the clergy. A Christian response to evil and the challenge to walk In His Shoes as Christ did. The date of Christmas that is beyond the Jan 6/Dec 25 debate - in an answer given by ...
Dec 21, 2012
Next Step #236: When the Church refuses to let you dream, it's missing the Call of Christ - the ultimate dreamer. Reject the stifling Church: A series of events in Fr. Vazken's life push him to this interesting development of ideas about dreams and reality. A shake up to realize the Mission of the Church, the Function of the Priest and the Purpose in life is in dreaming and allowing God's blessings. In this episode - Blood pressure goes DOWN in church and UP in church meetings. The gift of the D...
Dec 14, 2012
Next Step #235: The story of King Apkar in the context of Christ and life today. The WRITINGS of Jesus - to Apkar and the "wish list." Tradition, Scripture and Church. The escalation of violence in Syria and who will mourn the children of war? The Children's Memorial Service. A rock is thrown from Armenia to Turkey and a message comes back. The Annual Christmas Wish List: unlike any other! Ken is back and Suzie's not on strike! Anush's Pomegranate " Glad Tidings " Song: Gharabekian & Mondelc...
Dec 07, 2012
Next Step #234: Did you survive Black Friday & Cyber Monday? Now engage in the art of belly-dancing - it's a strip -tease to uncover faith. The New Israel is not a place, so seek your mind on God's Kingdom first. Issues of identity and belonging in a pluralistic society are discussed. How to read the Bible: avoid the literal and find God. MLK Retreat and a vending machine that dispenses caviar and snails - all in the mix in this Next Step. Pomegranate Seeds by Anush: The Nest: Half Empty or ...
Nov 30, 2012
Next Step #233: On a day remembered for the Kennedy Assassination, JFK sets the tone with thoughts on Thanksgiving. But there are more thoughts - from Bob, a homeless man on the streets of LA. Fr. Vazken explores beyond the traditions and connects with the models of thanksgiving old and new. Pilgrims to Black Friday ego-feasts, laced with Saturation Point Theology - as expressed by Christ in the parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12). A plea from John Lennon to look for peace instead of the extra TV...
Nov 22, 2012
Next Step #232: An emotional unwinding of ideas at the death of a little girl. Fr. Vazken explores this tragedy from a pastoral standpoint, bringing together Armenian Orthodox themes - Discovery of the Cross and the raising of the sleeping child (Luke 8). The vastness of the universe and a solar eclipse point to a unique ministry to the childless - a calling NOBODY wants. Wars, genocide, health, this time the page won't turn. Other topics: The success of the Jehovah's Witness. Participating vs. ...
Nov 16, 2012
Next Step #231: Extending the concept of "undanik" to "under heaven" in understanding the family of God (Storm Sandy and walking In His Shoes ). Fr. Vazken explains that Matthew 12:46-50 is not a lesson in biology as rude as it may seem. Extending Christian values and Church to Genocides and wars in Darfur and Syria as well as the death in our own backyards via In His Shoes . The Obama Victory: The silly-willy Armenian politics that bark at the caravan. "As for me," says Fr. Vazken, "I was there...
Nov 09, 2012
Next Step #230: Nietzche's formula for cheer applied to the Armenian Church via Armodoxy. Fr. Vazken's "Protest Manual" is revealed talking about effective protest and ill-fated varieties against the establishment. Bringing about change from within and not without. The imperfect-perfect Body of Christ. Challenges to the disenfranchised members of the Armenian Church community. Unveiling of the Datev Outreach program. Celebrating Halloween the Armodoxy way. Get Sun Sash FREE - www.SunSash.blogspo...
Nov 02, 2012
Next Step #229: En route to the Domestic Violence Walk and the unveiling of Datev Outreach, Fr. Vazken reflects on the intertwining of the abstract and tangible. Abstract ideas matterialize via tangible vehicles. Case in point, Christ and the Christian message, come to us via the Church. Discussed: The Patriarch's passing, the defrocking of a charismatic priest and the need for change. The Jethro Tull concert and Ian Anderson on world population and educating women. Rwanda 10 years after genocid...
Oct 26, 2012
Next Step #228: Patriarch Torkom Manoogian passes; Guest Commentary by Dr. Harry Hagopian. Politics in the Church? Never more pronounced - While a priest who brings people to the Armenian Church is defrocked, another clergyman who preaches non-Orthodox theology is granted a churchman's award. Make sense? The balance has tipped, more people checking off "None." Can Love be Irrelevant? Or are we not presenting it properly? Follow up to Ani Bubles' wedding. Song: "Armenian Medley" by Hosharian Bros...
Oct 18, 2012
Next Step #227: The "Mystery" of Holy Matrimony explained by a proud godfather as Ani Bubbles gets ready to walk the aisle. Whether you're a newlywed, been married for 50 years or contemplating the plunge, this episode explains the deep meaning of love, life and unity in Christ. A meaty stew of information in this one. Kings and Queens welcome. Coming job opportunities at Epostle too. Song: Bambir's "Two Poets" from " Armenian Scotch " Ani's Bubbles: Steps to Happiness Sun Sash Produced by Suzie...
Oct 12, 2012
Next Step #226: Where does morality - our sense of right and wrong - come from? Is it possible to have a morality apart from God? Armodoxy and the In His Shoes models hold some clues to the answer. The Road to In His Shoes and to Armodoxy is just as important as arriving there. The parable of the "Good Turk" can be heard by Jesus in the Armenian Church. Ayn Rand: "Morality has to be a rational science." Archbishop Baliozian enters Eternal Rest Ani's Bubbles: Two Frog http://bacheegsandlove.blogs...
Oct 05, 2012
Next Step #225: Returning from the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, after 39 miles, Fr. Vazken shares some solitary notes that point to the power of the cross. Reflections from the walk - the responsibility and privilege of Christianity. Church-business where "business" is not a dirty word. Thoughts on a pioneer: Fr. Vartan Kasparian retires, a priest and mentor to a generation. Looking back and moving forward: 30 year Anniversary of Fr. Vazken's Ordination - the thanksgiving of a priest and Winding...
Sep 28, 2012
Next Step #224: The Autumnal Equinox kicks off with a Walk against Cancer - by Team In Her Shoes. In preparation for the Avon Breast Cancer 39 Mile Walk in Santa Barbara, Fr. Vazken gets up-close and personal with reflections of battles won and lost against cancer. The injustice and unfairness of disease in life, particularly in children - how do we reconcile the beauty of God next to the ugliness of mutant cells? What can we learn from such experiences? What has Fr. Vazken learned in 30 years o...
Sep 20, 2012
Next Step #223: Jesus' last words on the Cross - "Eli, Eli Lama Sabactani" are the preface to the Feast of the Holy Cross. An Armodoxy explanation via St. Nersess Shnorhali. Fanning the flames of hatred with religious intolerance throughout the world. In defense of the indefensible? Song: Anahit Nersisian: 10 Piano Pieces by Armenian Composers "The Cross" Blind Boys of Alabama Harry Hagopian: www.epektasis.net Elevation of the Holy Cross Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net Look for The...
Sep 13, 2012
