New Years Eve - Decade End

Next Step #82: The New Year’s Eve Edition. Use this sound track as a “Dick Clark replacement” as we reflect on the year and the aught decade. Remember the Y2K scare? Living in post-9/11 society and the changes we’ve endured. What about life before podcasts? The Advent passage Luke 19 unfolds into a lesson on the uses of money and the problem of wealth. Why do the rich get richer and the poor poorer? Didn’t you think Jesus wrote the story of Robin Hood? Try a look at values. A wish for the New Year – to take the risks and move the “Epostle” dream forward. Bonus: Fr. Vazken reveals Pasadena’s deal with God!
The staff says “Merry Christmas” – www.epostle.net
Song: “Nor Yerk” by Mariam Matossian (www.mariammatossian.com)
Ani’s Bubbles: Pumpkins, Carrots and Coffee
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

Christmas Eve: Finding Hope in the Manger

Next Step #81: The Christmas Eve Edition - Looking and finding hope in the manger. Why “In His Shoes” is a way of life and how “respect” is the predecessor of love. The Christ child is a revelation of faith, hope and love – concisely placed in the manger for us all. Why January 6? Why December 25? And then finding Christ beyond the manger. Reflections of the newly deceased Fr. Kourken Mouradian – from Khorvirab to Glendale.
Song: "Christmas Song" by Jethro Tull
Silent Night by Sarah McLachlan from Wintersong Album
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Sponsored by Pomegranateandeye.etsy.com

Solstice Celebration: Light, Love and Life

Next Step #80: Winter Solstice Edition - Celebrating Love, Light and Life - The Birth of the Son and the Birth of the Sun are looked at through the lens of Armenian Orthodoxy. Children’s memorial: never letting these precious lives be forgotten, in real and concrete expressions. Shall we stop dreaming and imagining PEACE, now that Obama has given an excuse for violence? A look at Christmas shopping: WWJWFHB? And how an 8 year old changed his Christmas from getting to giving (to the homeless). This is a podcast in a series of Advent messages with a very fresh and unique flavor.
Linked info at:
Forgiveness: www.7x77.org;
Nataline Sarkisyan: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/;
Vahagn Setian: http://vahagnfoundation.org/;
Compassionate Friends: www.compassionatefriends.org;
In His Shoes: www.InHisShoes.org
Ani's Bubble – A Child Explains God
Song: Gor Mkhitarian's "About Light"
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for www.epostle.net
Sponsored by www.Pomegranateandeye.etsy.com

Reconciling with Absurdity

Next Step #79: Reconciling peace and war, love and evil, God and humanity – it’s the Next Step in the Advent journey. A look at Obama receiving the Nobel Peace prize while sending troops to Afghanistan; a murder in Glendale and a Genocide in Sudan – is peace possible without violence? Without war? And what about Bab Walter’s 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009? This Next Step tries to reconcile it all. And what about Jesus’ Wish List for Christmas? If he’s the real “Birthday Boy” – how about a gift for him? A look at the great banquet in Luke 14.
Ani’s Bubbles: What then, Senor?
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for ePostle.net
Sponsored by Pomegranateandeye.etsy.com

Clarity to See Responsibility

Next Step #78: A look at Jesus' answer to Evil in the Gospel of Luke 13 as an instruction to shift emphasis from others to ourselves and accept responsibility for our lives. Advent Sunday #2 - is a step closer to introducing meaning to the Christmas season and the value of finding a lasting “Peace on Earth.” It’s got to be more than a Christmas card greeting! Celebs that make it into the cast: Tiger Woods, the Salahis, Fred Claus and much mush (sic) more.
Song of the Day: About Light by Gor Mkhitarian
Bubbles by Ani: A Modern Thanksgiving Prayer
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for ePostle.net
Sponsored by Pomegranateandeye.etsy.com

Giving Thanks for Blessings

Next Step #77: The Thanksgiving and Advent edition of the Next Step. As we wrap up our third season, a time to reflect on the meaning of thanksgiving, while looking at the meaning and purpose of Advent. It's about getting ready, it's about facing the message of Love at Christmas.
Song of the Day - "Blessings" by Gor Mkhitarian
Ani's Bubbles: A Thanksgiving Prayer
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for ePostle.net
Sponsored by PredatorCycling.com

More than a Footnote – Check the Message!

Next Step #76: Interview with Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Dean of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary (StNersess.edu), Part 2 of 2 - Armenian Church is not a footnote to Christianity; the “Developed Theology of Sacrifice”; the “Radical Message of the Gospel”; How to connect to programs at St. Nersess Seminary. Also in this episode: reflections on St. Andrew, the First Called; Twilight continues with “New Moon” – vampires and the living dead
Song: Gomidas' Sourp Sourp, with intro by Fr. Findikyan
Ani's Bubbles: The Pencil
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for ePostle.net
Sponsored by PredatorCycling.com

Let’s Give the Footnote a Chance

Next Step #75: Interview with Fr. Daniel Findikyan (part 1 of 2) – Dean of the St. Nersess Seminary (www.stnersess.edu). Fr. Daniel explains why the Armenian Church is “more than a footnote” in Christendom and World history. What does the Armenian Church have to offer the rest of the world? Here is a candid talk about the centrality of Christianity to Armenian Identity. Also on this cast, Fr. Vazken reflects on Veterans day and the need for a new metaphor, one for peace. A preview of the Advent calendar is coming.
Song: Donavan's "Universal Soldier"
Ani's Bubble - Love and Time
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for ePostle.net
Sponsored by www.PredatorCycling.com

Lessons Along the Way

Next Step #74: A couple of “lessons along the way” from St. Thaddeus I to HH Karekin II, finding a journey toward "raw" Christianity. An holistic look and approach to the Divine Liturgy and spirituality. A biblical link to Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 7, and it’s not just "Mac 1". Lessons from the Navy Man: An encounter with Paul Ignatius as well as insights into a life observed through the lens of Armenian Orthodoxy.
Song: "Hrashapar" on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of HH Karekin II’s enthronement as Catholicos (from "Arevakal" by Students at Vazkenian Seminary at Lake Sevan)
Ani’s Bubbles: Two Frogs
Produced by: Suzie Shatarevyan for ePostle.net
Sponsored by: Predator Cycling

Hallowed Saints: Under the Masks

Next Step #73: Halloween through the lens of Armenian Orthodoxy, as a challenge to find the saints around us - living with them as they live within us. Under the masks, there's a self that waits (and needs) to be discovered. A podcast filled with Tricks and Treats.
Song: Gomidas' Pontifical Wish on 10th Anniversary of Enthronement of HH Karekin II
Ani's Bubbles: Father and Son
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.net
Sponsored by Predator Cycling - www.predatorcycling.com

Quakes in the Twilight

Next Step #72: While getting ready to upgrade to Windows 7 an earthquake and a trip to another dimension divert our attention to better things - mostly of the resurrection kind. Loma Prieta 20 years later; Rod Sterling 50 years later - reflections on the need to look beyond our sufferings and the importance of imagination. Ken's in trouble this time.
Bubbles by Ani: Butterfly
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.net
Sponsored by Pomegranateandeye.etsy.com

A Mission Statement to Love With

Next Step #71: Reflections from a clergy conference: New issues for a new day - artificial insemination is only the beginning. More on same sex marriages. The ordination of a priest and remembering the heretics. Before you look for the Unified Field Theory, try to find the Mission Statement of the Church; a look at Luke 4 and adopting Jesus' mission statement as our own. Who are the blind and the poor? Is the answer a pleasant surprise?
Ani's Bubble's: A Special Teacher;
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.net;
Sponsored by Pomegrante and Eye

Exercising Exorcism “as viewed through the lens of Armenian Orthodoxy”

Next Step #70: It’s not all about head-spins and vomit, as Fr. Vazken follows up on last week’s report of exorcism. The nature/nurture argument in defining evil and the devil. Where are balances of good and evil in our lives. Bulletin from the Vatican about New Media in the church. A look at spirituality in the world and rising trends. Some personal thoughts on post-Genocide walking in the shoes of others.
Ani's Bubbles: Sand and Stone
Song of the Day: Shogher Jan performed by Gor Mkhitarian written by Gomidas Vartabed and celebrating the 140th Anniversary of the monk’s birth
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.net
Sponsored by Pomegranateandeye.etsy.com

The End is Just a Challenge

Next Step #69: (viewed through the lens of Armenian Orthodoxy) Discussion on absolute morals in light of Roman Polanski’s arrest in Zurich. Overlooking rape? How about Genocide? A quick look at end-time "fright" theology and how it alienates people from some of the true strengths of religious thought. Is Jesus the only way? Here’s an explanation that gives Armodoxy its unique flavor. All these topics and some updates on the growth of the In His Shoes movement and the “epostle” ministry.
Song of the Day: Khorhoort Khorin, Gomidas Vartabed, Strings of Armenia
Ani’s Bubble: The Rose Within
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan
Sponsored by Pomegranate & Eye. Mention The Next Step podcast and receive a 15% discount - which will be donated to our ministry.

Simons of our Crosses

Next Step #68: Part 3 of 3 on the Holy Cross - Looking for help in carrying our crosses and realizing we are the only ones who can climb them in the end. Fr. Vazken uses the story of Jesus' Crucifixion to guide this meditation about help – Simon - in our sufferings - and finding purpose in a life style that makes us each, Simons of Cyrene. Also: A follow up to an exorcism, becoming a story of faith. A bit about end time theology with a look to the future podcasts as well.
Bubbles - Ani does cow imitations in "That's not my problem"
Song of the Day: "Saturday and Sunday" by the students of the Vazgenian Seminary at Lake Sevan.
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan.
Sponsored by Pomegranate & Eye. Mention The Next Step podcast and receive a 15% discount - which will be donated to our ministry.

The Cross is Elevated

Next Step #67: Part 2 of 3 on the Holy Cross. Explanation of the “Exaltation” in history, and its place in life today. Going beyond the John 3:16 message of everlasting life, Fr. Vazken brings the message home in a holistic manner, so the sacrifice of LOVE is our orders for life. A special prayer is offered on this 8th Anniversary of 9/11, with a letter Navy Seaman Apprentice Dembekjian that talks that look for peace. In His Shoes news includes Warren Goodman’s release from prison.
Song of the Day, Lilit Danielyan’s "Cut up this pomegranate here"
Bubbles by Ani: "Twins"
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan
Today’s show is sponsored by Pomegranate & Eye Mention The Next Step podcast and receive a 15% discount - which will be donated to our ministry.

Can't Avoid that Cross

Next Step #66: In the aftermath of making history with another electronic next step - streaming the Armenian Orthodox perspective. New models for living- finding the central point of our lives and the programming that is fed us. A letter about the prosperity gospel – watch out for the wolves in sheep’s skin! This podcast begins a three part series about the symbol of the Holy Cross - It's not something you can avoid! (nor should you want to avoid it!). Really? Who needs suffering? Part 1 (of 3) on the Armenian Orthodox significance of the Holy Cross.
Ani's Bubbles: "Three Trees"
Song of the Day: "Two Short Planks" by Ian Anderson.
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan

Working the Wild Fires

Next Step #65: The wild fires of Southern California serve as a metaphor for sin. A Labor day meditation on work, labor and purpose - the necessity to work - and what about when the work doesn't yield large profits? Is it worth it? The need to work/labor responsibility, even in worship. The example given by the Kennedys at the death of Teddy.
Music Kim Kashkashian “Songs from Spain and Argentina.”
Ani's Bubbles: George Mardikian on "Why I closed my restaurant."

Summer Wrap Up and the Electronic Horizon

Next Step #64: Wrapping up a busy summer and looking ahead at the electronic ministry to come, Fr. Vazken details some of projects that were developed during his Sabbatical and new steps for the electronic vision. The passing of Ted Kennedy, gives cause for reflection – about him, yes, but even more, about us and religion. The recent decision of the 9th Circuit court and the Armenian Genocide – how to counter the blatant disregard for justice.
Music: The Dance of the people of Trapizone, (Music of Armenian, Kanun)

The Evolution of the Fashion Show

Next Step #63: "The Evolution of the Fashion Show" or TURN AROUND THAT UPSIDE-DOWN MORTGAGE! Focusing in on goals and purpose is the key that leads to a productive life rich in flavor and meaning. Drawing from John 15, the metaphor of the grapes and the grapevine, is used to outline a simple diet guaranteed to bring results. Don’t get stuck with the raisins of life, at least not while there is rich and robust grapes waiting for the harvest. Just back from the desert, Fr. Vazken keeps it warm with music and thoughts for the next step in life.
Music: “The Fire of Your Love” by Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia
…and a bit of Tchaikovsky too!

The Virgin at Woodstock: What we learn from grapes

Next Step #62: It’s the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock and the FEAST of Assumption of St. Mary. Two events separated by millennium, held together by Armodoxy. Fr. Vazken delves into the notion of goodness and saints, by explaining that St. Mary – as the “Mother of God” is moreover the “Bearer of Love.” St. Mary’s life offers reflections on life lived with principles and a challenge to the listener to become today’s Mary. And what about the Grapes? Did you hear it through the grapevine? Here is a quick primer about the grape blessing service with notations from John 15 – Jesus is the vine, the Father is the vinedresser and we are the branches! The bearer of love, indeed! And was Jesus a member of the Counter Culture? Find out in this podcast that ties in the Virgin and Woodstock, Grapes and productive living. Also, the new and energized Fr. Vazken offers “Post-Sabbatical thoughts” and reflects on the necessary evils of church life. Putting all the circuits in place, here are some healthy tips of Christian living within the confines of Church structure.
Musical Selection: “Woodstock” by Joni Mitchell

Empire Ideas Stimulate Orthodox Thoughts

Next Step #61: Returning from a teaching trip in New York, Fr. Vazken reflects on many thoughts inspired by the Empire State. A cab ride to California could have made us miss the eclipse! But a quick stop at the Eastern Diocesan headquarters in Manhattan, a refreshing oasis at the St. Vartan park. St. Nersess Seminary and the wants/needs of the youth should not be missed. A look at the newly published “Armenian Church Edition” of the Holy Bible – and the NRSV translation. Can we do better than the Bible stories such as Noah’s Ark? And should we defend them just because we always have? And what about Bill Clinton’s diplomacy in North Korea? Women in the church (deaconess)? Even an exorcism this week gives Fr. Vazken a chance to see Armodoxy as a means of connecting to the essence of God’s love. There’s a good flow of ideas in this episode that you will want to ride.

Musical Selection: Armen Chakmakian’s Ceremonies – Enchantress

Ani’s Bubbles: The boy and his nails

More Than Language

Next Step #60: The disenfranchised members of the Church – is language just a convenient scapegoat? (In His Steps? The Next Shoes? – definitely not about language!) Fr. Vazken gives instructions here on not just reading a prayer – but experiencing it! A look at the prayer/hymn Aravod Looso with an Armodoxy approach = don’t just read it, live it! Drop the camera, remove your eye from the viewfinder and you’ll see a beautiful life all around you. Today’s Next Step offers an exercise to holistic praying – by following the flow of the prayer and melody of St. Nersess Shnorhali. A preview of the “In Her Mittens” project by In His Shoes.
Music: Aram Khatchadourian’s “Dance of the Youths” from Gayane Ballet
Bubbles by Ani: Global proportions

Sun and Moon: It's the Coffee that's important

Next Step #59: Following up on the theme of Transfiguration, looking at light beyond its sources. The longest solar eclipse, the 40th Anniversary of the lunar landing, the sale of the St. James Church building on West Adams Blvd., and Croatia all come into play in this podcast. (Armenia and Croatia each become independent in 1991 but capitalism is probably the motive for this one!) Even the stove - "ojakh" is taken to a new level of central focus of spirit in the family, one that Michael Collins might appreciate. This is the prelude to Nersess Shnorhali's Aravod Looso - but don't look for a translation hear to find out why?
Song: John Bayless' rendition of "Here Comes the Sun" (Bach on Abbey Road)
Bubbles by Ani: God's coffee

From Numbers to Light – it’s the connection that matters

Next Step #58: Next Step begins with an interesting number theories from listener Yuri in St. Petersburg, Russia. Is it by chance that #57 had all the digits in the date stamp? If so, what about zero? Can you shed some light on that? Jesus did exactly that – with the Transfiguration. Light was not spared to tie us into the beginning of all creation and the end of time as we know it. God’s promise to open our hearts to love and the well-lit path is explored by Fr. Vazken’s expose of the feast of Transfiguration. But don’t fret the esoteric themes, there’s a serving of fish and chips in this episode. It happens to be everything you need and more. Listen in to a wild ride from numbers to light and realize that they are all connected.
Song: “Arev, Arev” by Mariam Matossian
“About Light” by Gor Mkhitarian (Spirit Album)
Bubbles by Ani: Feeding the wolves

With Freedom Comes Responsibility

Next Step #57: Today. Earth date 7.8.9. Just as the date flows so does this podcast. Two years after the “7x77 Forgiveness Conference” Fr. Vazken recaps the basics of the formula for forgiveness and peace. Also, one final look at the Michael Jackson death story in light of his memorial service. From these topics emerge the concept of responsibility. It is the basis for healthy living and mature faith. Herein Fr. Vazken challenges listeners to a life of purpose and what it means to be free.
Ani’s Spiritual Bubbles: The lonely girl
Music: Bambir’s “J.B.K.”

Between a Rock and a Soft Place

Next Step #56: When Jesus was asked for a “sign” he offered nothing new. He only pointed to something that was “greater than” the signs. Here’s a casual look at symbols. In the wake of Michael Jackson’s death, Fr. Vazken looks into the ways information was processed, news was gathered, and the tools of technology to make our spirits come alive. The power of music – as expressed through Jackson and a surprisingly similar sound coming from Iran in the quest for freedom. The podcast ends with a special wish to America and the freedom it enjoys on this 233rd anniversary of Independence. Welcome back Gabriel from the Chad desert!

Songs: Sari Siroon Yar by Element Band; Miracles by Gor Mkhitarian
Bubbles with Ani – “The 1000 Mirrors”
The Next Step Theme Song is unveiled (composed and performed by Varoujan Movsesian)

Dreaming Fathers for Peace

Next Step #55: Fathers Dreaming of Peace – A look at Fatherhood through St. Joseph’s lens. In this podcast, Fr. Vazken explores parenting by looking at an individual’s relationship with God – in our ability to dream of the impossible and allow others to do the same. What happens when Jon leaves Kate? And what about the eight? You’ll find this podcast with a formula for real peace, whether in your life or in our world. Darfuri children make a phone call to President Obama – are you listening Mr. Obama?
Music: Our Father from the Focused Vision CD. And preview of a new theme song? (You’ll have to listen for this one.)
Ani with her Bubbles and much more.

Hripsime & Gayane in Iran and Korea

Next Step #54: If words turn into wars then simple acts of understanding and respect can turn into peace. With saber-rattling in Korea and political unrest in Iran, fear takes away thoughts of peace. But if peace is the ultimate equilibrium point, how is it achieved? In my life? On earth? In this podcast Fr. Vazken takes a look at two pioneering women of the early church, St. Hripsime and St. Gayane. Unwilling to compromise their principles, they made a difference in the life and quality of that life for generations to come. The H&G story is the prelude to “Etchmiadzin” – the place where Christ descends. In this podcast Fr. Vazken also challenges the listener to place respect as a condition and foundation to love through the “in his shoes” philosophy. News items: Iran, Korea, Holocaust Museum, KFI and Armenian bashing. It's all here.
Bubbles from Ani: the Philosophy of Peanuts
Music: Katmandu by Cat Stevens

A Look Back at Year One

Next Step #53: Wrapping up the first year of the Next Step Podcast, Fr. Vazken gives a moving account of a young cancer victim and the “Last Temptation of Christ.” What are the real questions that need to be asked? A look back on the year – from Darfur, to Obama, to new spiritual music, to messages of hope – Year ONE of the Next Step is only a step to year TWO coming up.
Guest William Archila reads from “The Art of Exile”
Music – John Bilezikjian rendition of Malanguena from the Neo Classical Oud album.

No Spirit in Exile

Next Step #52: Focus on the spirit this Pentecost, while the Spirit allows us to focus on life and love. A powerful message of finding the tie that binds all of our dreams and hopes. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit and it's unleashed when body, soul and mind work together. Unity of spirit is a chance to bring senses and extra-sensory experiences together to form our understanding of life. A bit esoteric, but Fr. Vazken goes through the steps with the listener.
Guest: William Archila discusses his new book “The Art of Exile” and offers a few readings bringing the flavor of El Salvador to this week’s podcast.
Music: Hover “The Spirit of God” and John Coltrane “Out of this world”

Potential to Reality: Ascension to Pentecost

Next Step #51: Caught between the 40th and 50th days after Easter, a look at dreams turning into life. What is life without dreams? When hope is gone, can there even be a glimmer of life? This next step examines the tragedy of children being tried as adults. Community, or CHURCH, becomes a means to maximizing our potention to love.
Poet William Archila reads from the "Art of Exile"
Song: "Vijag" by Zulal

“Circular Breathing”

Next Step #50: Can the discipline of inhaling while exhaling have applications outside of music? The Armenian duduk and the Scottish bagpipe meet each other on common ground. But when Obama goes to Notre Dame, or the Pope goes to Jerusalem, can there be “common ground?” It’s all about the drone that keeps a monotone unchanging intonation throughout a song, a hymn, a chant or the sound of the universe. Today’s message ends with the story of Jesus’ Ascension. While Matthew 28 records the last words of Jesus on Earth, just before Ascending, the call to preach is better defined by His first words, as recorded in Mark 1.
Music: Gor Mkhitarian’s “Yeraz” (Dream)
Ani’s Bubles: “Stone Soup”

Sacramental Mothering: A New Understanding of the Oldest Parent

Next Step #49: Forget the clichés. Forget motherhood and apple pie? In this post-Mothers’ Day tribute, Fr. Vazken doesn’t fill the Hallmark prescription for the day, instead he reveals a new understanding of the sacraments. Is it a roadmap for parenting? Definitely, it is a means of living in the orthodox tradition. “Sacramental Mothering” is yet another key to Armenian orthodoxy as it continues to pave the road for spiritual wholeness. This episode is must-listen in the continuing evolution of the oldest faith tradition.
Remembrance of Vahagn Setian
Featured song: “Panama Freighter” by Ian Anderson in honor of Jethro Tull’s performance in Armenia.
Ani’s Bubbles: Three Guests for Dinner

Three Funerals and an Identity

Next Step #48: The collective and past moments in our individual lives has contributed towards our identity. Earlier this year, Fr. Vazken’s trip to Armenia initiated a discussion at Etchmiadzin, the Holy Mother See, about identity. And this week with the passing of three people, Ankine Mouradian, Jora Markarian and Rev. Fr. Vartan Dulgarian, the line is drawn between their lives and ours. Using the metaphor of the onion, we can imagine ourselves as being composed of layers, and each layer around us there for a reason, including the hurts and the pains we’ve lived through. These are the experiences that today give us the strength to reach out to someone else now experiencing the same. What about the purity of the message? Well, time to tune in and find out how to keep it pure.

Ani’s Spiritual Bubbles talks about priorities.

Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingirian: World Press Freedom Day and the theme of media potential in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and reconciliation to focus on the moral responsibility of reporting the truth.

Musical selection is Melineh Kurdian singing “As Good as You” from her album, From Where You Are.

After a Famine/After a Genocide: A Shift in Perspective

Next Step #47: April is filled with remembrances of Genocide, from the Armenian to the Jewish to the Rwandan and now Darfur; the In His Shoes Ministries finishes a fast for world hunger. $28,000 later, a group of Genocide survivor-descendants prove that the power of love and good can overcome evil. It’s a lesson and inspiration for life. Whether to overcome personal difficulties or global calamities, there’s a message of victory- a switch of perspective, to believe crucifixions are preludes to resurrections.

Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingirian: Green Bible and Creation Care

Ani’s Bubbles: A different perspective

Spiritual Warfare against Genocide

Next Step #46: Rape is discussed as one of the absolutes – there’s no justification or rationalization whether we destroy the planet, human life or the gene pool. The topic is a big one and Fr. Vazken takes the route of spiritual warfare – using themes of fasting and prayer – he calls on a generation to opt for love in battling the great menace of Genocide. Is it possible? Listen as even a spiritual bubble gives clues to making our efforts matter.

Spiritual Bubble by Ani: Does it Really Matter?

Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingirian: Armenians in Turkey Today, another part of the story.

Arise from the Dark into the Light

Next Step #45 – The Easter message continues as Resurrection finds its way out of Jerusalem to each heart. Warren Goodman is granted parole and a new Gregory Beylerian artwork gets a “Rise” in the midst of our doubt. April 15 – Tax Day in the US, but no matter where you’re listening, those taxes are bothersome, until you get a new look at a familiar problem. No need to juggle God and money, your checkbook is probably the only thing that requires these acrobatics. Jew, Christian and Muslim – where does faith intersect for them? Hratch’s Global Perspective will surprise you. And a crackpot for the Bubbles from Ani.

Next Step Easter Message 2009

Special Edition - Next Step with Fr. Vazken - (#44) Easter Message. Where do we look for Jesus after the resurrection? Jesus died for me, is that it? Anything else? Here's a very special message with a call to action and responsibility in the Christian life. God is not wound up only on Sundays. Jesus is not at the grave. Listen in to this 18 minute clip with some great tunes as well.
Vazkenian Seminary students sing "Govya Yerousaghem"
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.net

Holy Week Passions: "The Eve of the Last Supper"

A Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Orthodox Church at the Armenian Church Youth Ministries Center in Glendale, California

Celebrant Priest: Father Vazken Movsesian
Musical Selection: Gor Mkhitarian from the Spirit Album
Camera: Christaphor Movsesian
Sign Language: Ashot Tadevosian
Produced by: Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.net

Holy Week 2009 – 99¢ Store Miracle

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the focal point of Holy Week. And during this period, we don’t just remember the events of Holy Week, but we actually live them through our services. In this podcast Fr. Vazken leads us through an experience at the 99¢ store worth a million dollar miracle. Tune in to make the miracle your own. Overcome your crosses by understanding Jesus’ desire to walk in our shoes. Here’s a last minute sprint to the Resurrection.

Spiritual Bubbles with Ani Burr reading an excerpt from a meditation on the Resurrection called “Condemned to Immortality” by Abbot Father Justin Popovic.

Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingirian turns his attention towards the UN’s Alliance on Civilizations, which this week held its Second Forum in Istanbul, Turkey, and aimed at advancing intercultural understanding.

Second Coming: It’s No April Fool’s Joke

Which way do you look to see Jesus’ second coming? East? West? And how far? 2 years? 20 years? 2000 years? The answer might surprise some and even irritate others, but to the Next Stepper, it’s one more way that Armenian orthodoxy gives a practical answer to life’s imponderables. What happens at the end? Are the sheep the only Curly ones? Or is Curly sheepish today? Check out this last-of-Lent podcast for many more answers!

Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingirian discusses major world gatherings including NATOs annual meeting and the Arab League Summit, with particular attention on Omar al Bashir and the Arab League’s rejection of the ICC.

Spiritual Bubbles with Ani Burr completes the final 4 verses of Nerses Shnorhali’s Havadov Khosdovanimk.

Prayer Beyond the Wish List

Praying for a Mercedes with Janis or an end to the war in Iraq all involve something deeper than a mere conversation. Fr. Vazken discusses a very misunderstood topic: Prayer. Whether you want to hang out at the pool of Bethesda or lament your losses in the stock market, you’ll want to listen in on this Lenten journey brought to you after this year’s Vernal Equinox.

Darfur update – following Gabriel and the StopGenocideNow team

Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingiran discusses the spiritual dimensions to the global economy and the G20 Summit taking place in London.

Spiritual Bubbles with Ani Burr continues Nerses Shnorholi's Havadov Khosdovanimk (17-20)

Darfur Genocide Escalates

As the Genocide escalates in Darfur, the In His Shoes mission turned its focus to more creative means of activism. This podcast is uniquely dedicated to the Darfur Genocide, but much more, it is about the faith and hope in the power of good. Here, Fr. Vazken guides the listener through an exercise in spiritual and moral warfare against evil. Complacency and indifference are constants that keep us from peace and harmony in our lives as well as on our planet. Martin King equates silence over crime with cooperation of evil, laying the groundwork for the moral-imperative Christians must find in life. This podcast will challenge the listener to move to action in various parts of his or her life. What does a mother pray as she watches her child raped or killed? The outrage over young girls being raped in Darfur, continues as an outrage against our own apathy. This is must listening for everyone who wants to “walk in the shoes of others.”

Global Perspective: Hratch Tchilingirian gives a briefing about Darfur, with historical and analytical angles.

Spiritual Bubbles with Ani Burr: St. Nersess Shnorhali’s “I Confess with Faith” continues (verse 13-16)

Coming Home – the sin of the Prodigal

Building on the theme of Lent, this 3rd week of Lent focuses on the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). The theme of the podcast is “Coming home.” On this 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against China, Fr. Vazken adds a candle on an Armenian altar as a gesture of solidarity. Listeners are invited to go beyond the story of the Prodigal and see themselves as reflections of the characters – whether the envy of the older brother, the wasteful natures of the younger son, or ideally, in the compassion of the father. Also – the flight of the bumble bee casts a stinger at the honey as a “Lenten food”?
A fitting podcast for the mid-Lent journey.

Spiritual Bubbles with Ani Burr continues Nerses Shnorhali's Havadov Khosdovanim.

Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingirian. Part 3/3 of Christian minorities in the Middle East. This segment highlights the external problems and pressures, again taking the Armenian community as an example.

Free Will and Responsibility

Building on the themes presented last week, the Lenten Journey continues with a look at Free Will and Responsibility. An Armenian Orthodox look at God presents metaphysical concepts which scrape the surface of space-time as understood in the concept of Love. This is some of the ground work necessary to understand the broader concepts of love and relationship building that will be coming out in subsequent podcasts. The prodigal, steward and judge are stored away for next week’s continuation of the Lenten Journey. Also, an invitation to participate in the annual In His Shoes ‘Famine’ aiding world hunger.

Spiritual Bubbles by Ani Burr: The Prayers of St. Nersess Shnorhali (continued)

Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingirian: Discusses Christian minorities in the Middle East today with a particular focus on the Armenian communities and issues of identity with a look at school, church, and media. (Part 2/3)

Song: “Orhnyal eh Asdvadz” by the Students of the Vazkenian Seminary, Sevan, Armenia

Armenia to Bedrock - A Lenten Journey

Back from Armenia, Fr. Vazken reflects on the sacredness of the first Christian nation as we take a next step into the Lenten journey. Preparing for Easter requires a regimen of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving. Armenian Orthodoxy writes the prescription for healthy living, including body, mind, and soul. Now, find out if Adam was Fred Flintstone and Eve, Wilma? And what about Adam and Steve as Fr. Vazken bashes religious gay bashers as well as most stereotypes. A great way to start off lent.

Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingirian looks at the Christian communities spread throughout the Middle East and their mass exodus from this region due to a host of dire internal and external issues.

Spiritual Bubbles with Ani Burr - Part 1 of 6 from St. Nerses Shnorhali's Havadov Khosdovanim (I Confess With Faith)

Musical selection: "Etchmiadzin ee Hore" from the album, Orhnial eh Asdvadz, sung by the seminarians at the Vazkenian Theological Academy of Lake Sevan.

Prelude to Lent

As we approach the Lenten journey, this podcast turns our attention towards Lent. Questions abound. What is it? How do we prepare for it? Why is the curtain around the altar drawn? Why can't we receive communion? And so on... Fr. Vazken answers all of these questions and gives us an explanation of the services that take place during this period. He also touches on the Feast of Ghevontianz and Vartan Mamigonian, but just enough to get our minds thinking... So much more on this next week!

In light of Darwin's 200th birthday anniversary celebration, the Global Perspective segment with Hratch Tchilingirian discusses several points that put both evolution and creation into focus.

Musical selection is "Ghapama" by Zulal, from the Armenian A Cappella Trio's self-titled album.

Celebrating Life and Love

"If the world be all yours, what will you take with you? Love God, love people, and love your beloved." -- Sayat Nova

From Groundhogs Day to Candlemas and Dyarntarach; from St. Valentine to Sayat Nova, this podcast is a celebration of new beginnings and a celebration of life and love. Our Lord, Jesus Christ is Love incarnate and in Him is the manifestation of all intensities of Love. Fr. Vazken challenges the listener to look at the all encompassing nature of love, and shows us how religion and culture come together to help us understand the realities of the world.

Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingirian looks at politics and the power of religion in society. Religion is not only a matter of personal faith but could also be a potent force of political mobilization and even revolution.

Special musical treat is a performance by Nune Yesayan singing Sayat Nova's Kamancha.

The Three "O"s

From Pythagoras to Narekatzi, from physics to religion – this podcast brings spiritual applications to physical laws… well, sort of. Fr. Vazken explores the “Three “O”-s that everyone should know – Oshagan, Ostrich and Obama - it’s a small portion of the USC lecture (2/2/09) that challenged students to find answers in ancient Armenian orthodoxy to some of the big issues confronting the world. Also – letters discussing extinction of the church, Catholic looking at Orthodox, and the parent/child songs.


Global Perspective by Hratch Tchilingirian: More on Greed (pt. 2) as reason for economic collapse. It’s a spiritual perspective too.

Bubbles by Ani Burr: A lamentation of the St. Gregory of Narek.

Musical Selection: “Blessing” from Gor Mkhitarian’s SPIRIT Album – Available for online purchase from the In His Shoes Shop

Playing at the Blackberry Bowl

What's really important in life? It's easy to lose focus and pop the drug of irrelevancy. In this podcast, Fr. Vazken takes the listener on a run through topics that weave the question of relevancy. Superbowl is this weekend, Acadamy Award nominations are in and a father shoots his children, wife and self because he's at the edge of hopelessness. How do we reconcile all of these events? Pope Benedict uses Youtube and revokes excommunication on four bishops. In a globalized world and economy, find the necessary word that sets you apart - you are the BEST as a child of God. "Sev Toot" is coined today!

Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingirian: Is the economic crisis based on greed? (part 1)
Spiritual Bubbles with Ani Burr: Wisdom, Faith, Hope and Love
Music: World debut of Arax's Crossing CD - "Vasbouragan"

A New Era of Hope

A fitting end to the Martin Luther King tribute, this podcast commemorates one of Dr. King’s children who was “judged by the content of his character.” Barack Obama becomes the 44^th president of the United States; hope is defined as believing in a dream come true. Fr. Vazken discusses the prayers at inauguration and isn’t it a “no duh” that Jesus’ name would come up? Rev. J. Lowery’s poetic benediction is highlighted here. PREMIER installment of Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingirian looks at Gaza and innocence lost.

Spiritual Bubbles topic: Obama’s Address on Hope

Two Kindred Spirits Separated By Millennia

John the Baptist and Martin Lurther King Jr. are two giants – one a Biblical figure, the other contemporary, yet they serve the same God and the same Lord. What is the legacy left by these ushers of the Way? Fr. Vazken brings together the work and mission that has driven these people to point the way to Christ. They stood up courageously against the power structure, urging peace, justice, and love, even unto death, and thus became martyrs for their unwavering preaching of the Kingdom of God.

Also, a look at the life and ministry of Fr. Mesrob Sarafian, an archpriest of the Armenian Church who went to his eternal rest this week. Notes from Oakland California, including an emotive reading from his funeral rite.

Revelations from the River to the Oven

The first broadcast of the New Year brings in a new message of revealed love. Fr. Vazken takes the listener from the River Jordan to temperatures beyond Fahrenheit. Is that Setrak or Shadrach? Misak or Meshach? Abo or Satchmo? What? Even Louis makes an appearance on this podcast, but who’s singing the Song of the Three? The oven is full of protest but hope for tomorrow. Tune in to start the new year with a revelation that comes only from above.