Scraping off Barnacles for the New Year

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 finding the VESSEL beneath - it'll take you on a ride to beyond!
Janine's blog: http://dailyexegesis.blogspot.com/
Compass #20 with Archbishop Vatche 
Sun Sash - www.sunsash.blogspot.com
Song: Auld Lang Syne by Kenny G
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Solstice Bells Ring For the Light

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 St. Gregory the Illuminator.
Links to topics in today's show:
In His Shoes.org
Karekin I on Etchmiadzin & Bethlehem
Fr. Vazken's Sermon on Shooting
10 Girls Killed in Afghanistan
President Obama at Sandy Hook Interfaith Service
Today is the Solstice
Jethro Tull Christmas Album
SunSash.blogspot.com
Song: The Light by Gor Mkhitarian
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The Dreaming Church

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 Drummer Boy, Epostle.net is backed up.  Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band +45, Ravi Shankar's passing. OK, we got it: The third king is Melcon!
Links:
Always With Me Newsletter subscribe: feedback@epostle.net
Sunsash #74 - Accomplishments
Church Attendance & Blood Pressure
"Little Drummer Boy" by Joan Baez
Jethro Tull Christmas Album
12/12/12 to 7/7/7 - Forgiveness: http://7x77.org
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From Kings to Humanity

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 & Mondelci - Armenian Chant
Children's Memorial Service
Sun Sash on Humanity
King Apkar Story
On Sts. Thaddeus & Bartholomew
Engineered by Ken Nalik
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Strip Away to Faith

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 Half Full?
Song: Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia - "The sea of life always tosses me about"
Harry Hagopian blogs:
GAZA: http://www.catholicnews.org.uk/israel-hamas-gaza-ceasefire
MENA: http://www.catholicnews.org.uk/mena28
Compass #33 - Belonging Dilemma and the Kingdom
Caviar vending machines in Burbank
Jethro Tull 40th Anniversary TAAB
Engineered by Ken Nalik
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Thanksgiving Thoughts from Bob to Bob

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, coupled with a plea to make God real everyday - not in a Telethon Way. This is the Thanksgiving edition of the Next Step!
"Lessons from Bob" by Anush Avejic
Song: Flora Martirosian - "Dzovastghik" 
President Kennedy's 1961 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Sun Sash: http://sunsash.blogspot.com
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Reconciling with the senseless and the unnatural

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. observing - and selling the product. The Supermarket model of Orthodoxy and the need to specialize to survive in the global marketplace of religion. And the child who selected a (Coptic) Pope. 
Song: Paul McCartney's "Calico Skies" 
Selecting the Coptic Pope
Dr. Harry Hagopian on the new Pope
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Barking at Caravans

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 with Obama - no brag, just fact." Youth and the Church - the problem beyond Armenian Church. More on the crimes of the priest who was defrocked. Grandpa & FDR Democrats/Grandma' baklava for James Roosevelt - it was her thanks for the last station of the caravan.
Sermon: "Politics, God & the Kingdom"  
Song: "Caravan" by Armen Chamakian 
Obama's Acceptance Speech
Sun Sash: http://sunsash.blogspot.com
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Obnoxious Voices from the Ridge

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.blogspot.com
Unveiling: http://DatevOutreach.org
Window article: http://acrag.wordpress.com/1991/06/
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Abstract to the Tangible

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 genocide and the necessity to populate.
Song: Anush Opera at St. Andrew, Cupertino
Datev Outreach: http://datevoutreach.org
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Endings: Death and Defrockery

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. Band; "Electric Kef"
Reflections on Patriarch Abp. Torkom Manoogian "Brandy & Honey with Our Tea" by Dr. Harry Hagopian
Domestic Violence Walk: http://DatevOutreach.org
Pew findings regarding "None" Religion
Sun Sash
Fr. Vazken's Blog
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Holy Matrimony with Bubbles

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
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A Question of Morality

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.blogspot.com/
Song: Calendar Express by The Dirty Diamond
Sun Sash
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Privilege of the Cross

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 up 24/7- not just on Sundays. A reading by Linda Zadoian.
Fr. Vartan Kasparian - http://www.armenianchurchwd.com/news/the-priest-and-the-church-archpriest-fr-vartan-kasparian-st-mary-yettem/
Ani's Bubbles: Breast Cancer Walk (2010) http://bacheegsandlove.blogspot.com/
Song: "Blue Moon" by Artash
Avon Breast Cancer Walk: www.AvonWalk.org
Team In Her Shoes
Video of 30th Anniversary: www.Youtube.com/InHisShoes
Compass #7: The Story of Days We Used to Know; Now 29 Years Later
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Team In Her Shoes

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 of challenges and rewards of the priesthood. Victimization and the call to victory. Following up on the themes of the cross and the questioning of God in the tragedy of cancer. Is it better to burn out than to rust (Neil Young)? Body/Soul Relationships.
Ani's Bubbles: "What Cancer Can Do" http://bacheegsandlove.blogspot.com/
Song: "Poetry Man" by Phoebe Snow
Team In Her Shoes
London Church - 90th Anniversary
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Enough, Eli...

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
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Threatening Justice in Big Ways

Next Step #222: Hungary releases a killer/Azerbaijan rewards a killer and Justice is threatened everywhere. Fr. Vazken pushes the story outside of politics with a reminder of Dr. King's warning, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everyone." Catholicos Karekin II calls for action. Moving the clock from 24 hours to 140 characters and moving the Christian outside his/her comfort level. A "Baku style wedding" leaves everyone moved to tears as a King and Queen take their child to the altar of God - a true story from Fr. Vazken's journal of Deviations from Orthodox practices in favor of Armodoxy. Final thoughts on Neil Armstrong, not forgetting Michael Collins.
Hungary Azeri Hate Crime against Armenians: http://armenianchurchyouthministries.org/flyers/Hungary-Azeri-Hatecrime.pdf
Ani's Bubbles: What does it Matter. http://bacheegsandlove.blogspot.com/
Song: "Ervoom Em" (Listen to My Heart) by Datevik
"Two Short Planks" by Ian Anderson
More at: http://armodoxy.blogspot.com
Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Before Any More is Hijacked

Next Step 221: Fundamentals of Christianity come out as we start sweating the large stuff. Following the hijacking of the Christian Church, is Orthodoxy up for a kidnapping? Misconceptions are keeping us from reaching our potential and finding Peace. Jesus and the Pussy Riots - it's about change, it's about revolution - turning over the tables of life. The Good Samaritan might have been a punk rocker or even a Turk - he was there to take us out of our comfort zone. Forget the words, listen to the concepts. Elections in the United States - what can we learn about politics and religion? What are the challenges for us today. Politics and Religion - let's talk. Put a bark into the bite so the caravan will stop and take notice of its flat tire.The Spanish Side of Aram Khatchadourian and the definition of identity.
Song - "Ayn Kisher" (Yev O Phe) by Element Band
Music - Spanish Guitar Music
Ani's Bubbles - "Juggling Life" -  http://bacheegsandlove.blogspot.com/
Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Start Sweating: It's NOT all small Stuff

Next Step 220: In this Next Step, Fr. Vazken challenges the notion that "it's all small stuff" by pointing to the disastrous consequence of such thinking: a church that has lost relevance. Abp. Shnork's example of the bridge that is too beautiful to cross is used as a metaphor for many traditional (read Orthodox) churches that have become breeding grounds quality picnics, dinners and Bingo, while losing the sense of Mission, the Gospel of Hope and the Path to Resurrection.
Compass with Linda Zadoian #29
Song: "Me and My Country" by Gor Mkhitarian
Ani’s Bubbles: Sand and Stone
Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Finding the Jesus Tax Code

Next Step 219: Why isn't juggling in the Olympics? H2O-Polo Coach Adam Krikorian on the world stage with honesty and integrity. Taking the "Next Step" beyond the words of the Bible and allowing the Gospel to live. Affecting a World with the Power of Armodoxy. Syria - a directive to help. Grapeblessing challenge. Debating Jesus' Tax Plan. Making Jesus work for your argument - it's an exercise in spinning statistics - so exercise caution!
Is Paul Ryan's Budget UnChristian?
Song: "Last Dance" by Armen Chakmakian
Ani's Bubbles: Golden House
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Split Second Expressions of Loss

Next Step #218: Taking off from the London Olympics, competition gets tougher in life. Talents & blessings: how much is left to chance? St. Mary - Assumption feast makes for conversation on what to do with fish! Thoughts on the Mars landing.
Song: Kilikia by The Beautified Project
BBC/Hagopian on Syria
BBC Podcasts
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Olympic Size Divorce

Next Step #217: Olympic size problems are in the 100th of seconds. Winners and losers are defined by milliseconds. We're not as tolerant when it comes to divorce - "hard-heartedness" prevents us from opting for faith, hope and love. Following up on the "Divorce Comma" from last week's lectionary reading - Matthew 19. Armodoxy answering the questions we ask. Armodoxy as a logical approach to daily dilemmas.
Sermon: The Divorce Comma
Song: Ov Siroon Siroon, Adiss & Vatche
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Disconnects that Aren't Obvious

Next Step #216: Who said, greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends? No really, who said it? Colorado shooting - a world where violence solves so much - why doesn't the alternative make sense? Do you really want to be like Steve Jobs? Wired Magazine presents the puzzle - he was a Buddhist and tyrant, a genius and a jerk, his life is an inspiration and a cautionary tale - Fr. Vazken puts it together with our personal reflections. Olympic time, again.
Song: "Tamara" by John Bilezikjian
Ani's Bubbles: "Special Olympics" http://bacheegsandlove.blogspot.com/
Wired Magazine re: Steve Jobs
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Evangelizing Apples, Life and Death

Next Step 215: Armodoxy in evolution - Celebrating the Priest as the Celebrant of Life. The wisdom of vartabed/kahana structure. Hovhaness Tomanian's battle against backwardness. Transfigured trilogy - Faith, Hope and Love. Developing evangelists based on the Apple mystique. Passings: Andy Griffith, Ernest Borgnine and Fr. Peter Gilquist.
Song: "Gadag Bar" Vanoush Khanamirian 
Coming Home
Rethinking Armenian Protestantism
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Missing the Point - Need a Tent?

Next Step #214: At the Transfiguration Peter loses sight of the celebration and asks the mundane. A look at Kazantzakis' Last Temptation of Christ, and some other bothersome questions: why death? why cancer? why children die? Reconnecting with the past and finding relevance. A trip up to the Sugar Pine. More on the Higgs Boson - and not losing the point at the Transfiguration.
Ani's Bubbles: Hope - http://bacheegsandlove.blogspot.com/
Song: Uzundara
Thoughts on Last Temptation
Why you should care about the God particle (Higgs boson)
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The God Particle We Knew About

Next Step #213: Looking beyond the known universe and finding pre-Big Bang evidence. The discovery of the Higgs boson God particle - St. Gregory anticipated it. Additions to the Creed - Pontius Pilate is absent but St. Gregory's Proclamation is in place in the Armenian tradition. Excerpts from the dinner conversation with Arman Satchyan, winner of the auction item.
Earlier than Universe from Yerevan
Higgs Boson - Discovery May Help Tell Universe's Secrets
Higgs Boson cartoon
Madame Kubah on Facebook
Compass interview with Arman Satchyan
Song: "Birth of a Star" by Torkom Saraydarian
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Phenomenon: Believing in the Faith

Next Step #212: Returning from a trip to Wisconsin, Fr. Vazken explores some of the challenges of a Virtual Church. The Importance of touch, action and empathy in the Christian equation. Interview with Fr. Nareg Keutelian, pastor of St. John the Baptist Armenian Church, on technology, the church and the phenomenon of non-ethnic Armenian Church members. Is this where Armodoxy is headed?
In Milwaukee: http://milwaukeearmenians.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/one-sunday-three-priests-a-family-celebration-at-st-john/
Song: "Antza Gnatzi" by Andranik Mouradian, Ethnic Sketches
Window: http://acrag.wordpress.com/
Fr. Vazken's Sermons: http://armenianorthodoxy.blogspot.com/
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Go Ask Alice

Next Step #211: A 35 year old debt is paid back, across generations and across continents with the passing of two gracious ladies Alice & Freda.
Song: Yerginkn Ambel E by Artur Sedrakian
Compass: "Tit for Tat"
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Bumblebee Pentecost

Next Step #210: 4th Anniversary Edition/Celebration. Australian Coffee - nothing down-under about it. Prove you're alive with this simple breathing experiment. The transcendence of time/space through the Church. The power of the Pentecost was the ability to transcend the temporal limitations. No need to check-in your brain to follow Armodoxy. "Etchmiadzin in Mission," said HH Karekin I, (1995-1999) - how to apply "etchmiadzin" to our daily and community life.
Song: "Good morning, defeat" by Gor Mkhitarian from United Fantasies
Ani's Bubbles: "Loving Kindness"
Hayk Foundation: http://haykfoundation.org/
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Transit to & from Lamenting

Next Step #209: Poet/writer Lory Bedikian interviewed on "Book of Lamenting" - Topics: difficulties, lament, life-travels and healing. More topics discussed by Fr. Vazken on this episode - by-passing evil and "going to Hell." The Transit of Venus, on the Queen's Jubilee - Her Majesty's a pretty nice girl. "Etchmiadzin as Mission." Epostle.net at the end of Year  #4 - what's done and what awaits. A visitor from Down Under.
Book of Lamenting: http://www.anhinga.org/books/poet_info.cfm?poet_name=lory%20bedikian
Song: "Prayer of St. Gregory" by Alan Hovhaness
Ani's Bubbles: "Doll Maker" - www.bacheegsandlove.blogspot.com
Silent Auction: https://www.facebook.com/events/280249275402685/
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Lory Bedikian

An unorthodox orthodoxy

Next Step #208: Artificially inseminated women bringing their children for baptism? Continuing on discussions of same sex unions, the next step with the children. Finding better weapons to bring about peace. Is it possible? Here's a true story - Yvette's website. The Mormon dilemma of the evangelical right.
Ani's Bubbles: Strength & Weakness
Song: "As I am Alive" by Yeghish Manoukian (with Gregory Beylerian, dahm)
Silent Auction: https://www.facebook.com/events/280249275402685/
Yvette's Website: www.inhisshoes.org/yvette
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Carnal Ethics

Next Step #207: Beginning steps in sexual and reproductive ethics, in light of Obama's evolutionary revelation. Expressions of gay lifestyle and tolerance through the Armodox lens. Another lens points to the Eclipse of the Sun. Reflections on the Pentecost feast and the descent of the Holy Spirit.
Song: "Amen. Hayr Sourp" by Vazkenian Seminarians
Ani's Bubbles: How much do you make? 
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Cutting the string at Ascension

Next Step #206: The Feast of Ascension (Hambartzum) is celebrated as a reminder of Christ's Great Commission, to take the Gospel message to the world. The power of God within our lives. Rejecting the superstitions of the destiny via Tumanian's poem, Anush. An Ascension day experience: are pork-chops the menu-item of choice? Have you seen the little piggies...? Why is Jesus missing from the list of philosophers? Cutting the 7 knots that keep us captive.
Song: Excerpt from Anush Opera, live recording by Viola & Ben Choupak, Marineh Huntsman
Anush Opera in the UK: http://www.accc.org.uk/anoush
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Fr. Vazken removing the 'tel'

Chapter Books to the Rescue

Next Step #205: Obama evolves on homosexual marriages while others evolve on the genocide recognition. Gay and Lesbian Marriages and the Armodoxy Response; "Chapter" books have the answer. More on Mary Madelyn's status update from the Holy Sepulcher. Armodoxy surfaces.
Song: "Sevani Tzugnors Baru" - 1970 Personal Recording
Ani's Bubbles: Touchstone
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Business in and for the Church?

Next Step #204: The infrastructure of the Church - necessity or hindrance to its mission? More than an exploration, Fr. Vazken begins a needed discussion about the workings (and trappings) of the Church. Business is a means of actualizing the goal and in the case of the Church, profits are measured differently. The case of Fr. Barthev, brings an interesting sideline discussion about the "Mission" of the Armenian Church. Looking beyond "normalcy."
Ani's Bubbles: The Dinner Letter
Song: "Haneluk Es" by Shiraz
NPR story on Fr. Barthev: http://www.scpr.org/news/2012/05/01/32244/popular-armenian-priest-leaves-us-and-young-parish/
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The Traveling Genocide

Next Step #203: Stories from a week of commemorations. The UCSB Commemoration and the lonely Turk. Santayana and Hitler - an axiom delivered 15 years later. In a Rwandan museum and the Question "Which Genocide?" as humanity running backwards.The Misunderstood Jesus and the power of Armodoxy: Overcoming with the power of love. European education and community issues. A priests log of commemoration events - bringing it all together with solid answers for victory.
Links from today's show:
In His Shoes: http://InHisShoes.org
Rwandan Genocide Blog: http://dervaz.blogspot.com/
Adam Schiff & Condoleezza Rice: http://youtu.be/OhF-y6k3AI8
April 24 in Etchmiadzin, Armenia: http://youtu.be/d1rJP2fbc38
Song: "Jesus" by Cat Stevens
Ani's Bubbles: He needed me.
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Hayoo Acher

Elements of the Conundrum

Next Step #202: In a month of Resurrection we're commemorating Genocide. Puzzle? Conundrum? Changing the language of conflict and understanding victory in terms expressed by Jesus. The path of the politicians, the challenge of St. Paul and the power of Christ come into play in this "Genocide Edition" of the Next Step.  Fr. Vazken brings it all together with a Christian message that is powerful, victorious and full of peace. Also -The April shower of tears won't lead to May flowers this time, but will attempt to alleviate nausea. Religiosity of the shakers and movers, the rejection of the intelligentsia.
Ani's Bubbles:  A Living Faith - Vincent Van Gogh
Song: "Menk Ankeghtz Zinvor Enk" by Hovhaness Badalian
Khirmian Hayrig's Paper Ladle: http://armenianhouse.org/khrimyan-hayrik/loving-father.html
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Starting the 325

Next Step #201: The message of resurrection after the celebration of Easter reverberates, but under what conditions? A look at the altar dynamics and the recreation of the "Badarak" as a sacrificial expression of friendship. Guest Linda Zadoian (from Compass) discusses the evolution of the means by which evangelization takes place. Grass roots change to the Armenian Church. WWMMT: What would Mary Magdalen tweet? "I went to the tomb, it was empty!" Wouldn't it have been a shame if her tweet was pushed down the Twitter page because of other tweets? Ongoing thoughts about Fr. Vazken's & Fr. McKenzie's sermons...
Ani's Bubbles: A sign of faith
TAAB2: http://youtu.be/q7jZMCBEsZM
Song: Al Massih Qam by Rula Kishek
Lend a Second Hand Round #2
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The Shadow of the Resurrection

Next Step #200: A reading of the Resurrection narrative according to Matthew - fear and joy exist together in anticipation of victory. Tracing the message of the Empty Tomb, courtesy of Thad & Bart, through Armenia and history. Arriving today-getting real with the resurrection in your life, discovering the joy of Mystery - fear and joy existing together - deep in life.
Ani's Bubbles - The Poor Rich Family
Daily messages for Holy Week
Song: "Govya Yerusaghem"
Lusine Zakarian "Khorhoort Khorin"
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Remember 'Current Events'? Did the Church forget?

Next Step #199: Revisiting the disenfranchised community (and we're NOT talking about those who don't attend church.) Targeting Armodoxy to the "three groups." The Church and its relevancy to the multitalented/multidimensional individual. HH Vazken I of Blessed Memory (1955-1994), guiding the Armenian Church from Cold War to Independence: the Working of the Holy Spirit; Remembering the "Thief on the Cross" and then remembering ourselves. The "Opportunity Clause" used by Christians to rationalize a loving and damning God. The Basis of the Second Coming of Christ - looking at the Bottom Line of the Christian Message. A quick look at newspapers and a prelude to the "Virtual Armenia."
Song: "Nayatz Sirov" by the Seminarians of the Vazkenian Seminary, Lake Sevan, Armenia 
Daily messages for Holy Week: http://epostle.net/easter/
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Fr. Vazken at the statue of HH Vazken I at the Seminary in his name, Lake Sevan, Armenia

Cross of Gold

Next Step #198: EXCLUSIVE: Reflections on the Passing of HH Pope Shenouda III, connecting with the Middle East and Armenians by Harry Hagopian. On the positive side of Lent - the power of Prayer, as expressed in physics and singularity. Black Hole Events to Killing Cancer. A first look at Holy Week with more to come...
Ani's Bubbles: Animal Crackers
Song: Cross of Gold by Darrell Grant on "Truth & Reconciliation"
Links:
Pope Shenouda's passing: http://youtu.be/b5CyiwnvW9A
Pope Shenouda Tribute: http://youtu.be/-apFmn18Sug
Harry Hagopian on the Pope: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/16410
Armenian Miuron/Coptic church: http://armodoxy.blogspot.com/2011/07/coptic-churcharmenian-miuron.html
More from Harry Hagopian http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/HarryHagopian
More from the Armenian Orthodoxy Blog: http://armodoxy.blogspot.com/
Holy Week Podcasts: http://epostle.net/easter/
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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The Crystal Within

Next Step #197:  An interview with Linda Maxwell, co-founder of We Care for Youth and from Bliss Unlimited. Linda has spent her life inspiring and motivating people, primarily young people, in a path of responsibility and action, all motivated by her deep seated belief and faith in the good. Listen in on this conversation about meaning and purpose, as Linda discusses her recent retreat in India as well as her life and her work. This is a coffee-break within a coffee-break.
Part 1 of this Conversation - Next Step #168 
Song: "Distant Lands" by Armen Chakmakian
We Care for Youth: http://www.wecareforyouth.org/
Bliss Unlimited
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Standing between Two Worlds

Next Step #196:  The true story of the Sun and the Moon is offered on this day of the full moon and solar flares. The story of the Dishonest Steward (Luke 16) sets the tone for a discussion of straddling two worlds - the physical and the spiritual, as Fr. Vazken opens a personal vortex into his ministry. This is a brief look at his own Lenten reflection and introspection. Loneliness and Joni Mitchell's concert?
Song: Dele Yaman from the Raven CD
I Confess with Faith: www.armenianorthodoxy.org/I_confess_with_Faith.pdf
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Transforming the Heresy Card beyond P-C-O

Next Step #195: The day after Leap Day, we're syncing with the universe. The transforming power of Christ during the Lenten Season. A chance to reflect on the power of Abp. Vatche's Interview. Are Armenians Orthodox - on the heresy card, played by Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants. An inward look at the sin of the Church in reference to homosexuality. Digitizing LP's, Davey Jones' (Monkees) passing.
Song: Kapama by the Armenian Song & Dance Ensemble
Ani's Bubbles: "Great Love"
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian Interview on Compass #20
Links from Harry Hagopian - Human Beings & Ultimate Origins
Panorthodoxy in America: http://bellarmine.lmu.edu/ecumenical
Freedom: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/2367/archbishop-on-bonhoeffer-what-it-means-to-be-free
Lenten Resources: http://armenianorthodoxy.org/lent/
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Twinkies in Paradise

Next Step #194: Quick! Word problem time - subtract the number of days of Lent from the total number of days in a year. Grab your calculator and press the RESET button on life. Find what is necessary in life and who's responsible for the challenges all around you. Adam and Eve have nothing on the Twinkie defense on this Expulsion Sunday. Vartan's battle continues with a Vatche, Zaven and Karekin in this new chapter of an old story. On the problems of crying and strength.
Song: Lilit Danielyan "I saw my love in the street" (Nahapet Kuchak)
Ani's Bubbles: Mother Teresa's Life
Links: Twinkie Defense
Lenten Page: http://armenianorthodoxy.org/lent/
Videos: www.youtube.com/armodoxy
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Bravery like St. Vartan's

Next Step #193: What makes St. Vartan "brave"? Another episode "from the desert" with analysis of courage and faith. On the fundamentalists and the rejection of literal translations of the Bible. Followup on the Domestic Violence Walk in Glendale. From Tempe Arizona.
Song: "Yegeghetzin Haygagan" by the Students of the Vazkenian Seminary, Lake Sevan, Armenia
Translation: http://zohrabcenter.wordpress.com/2010/03/24/cultural-tidbits-part-3-vahan-tekeyan-prince-of-poetry/
Ani's Bubbles: "The Rose Within"
Walk for Domestic Violence: www.inhisshoes.org
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Living Saints is Living Christ

Next Step #192:  A week of living saints - from Ghevont to Vartan and the Midwinter feast of Diaruntarch. Debut of Gor Mkhitarian's "New Life" - dedicated to the victims of domestic violence. This episode looks at domestic violence and the Christian response - it's about helping and healing. St. Joseph serves as an example of the great male lover. From monasteries to bleeding Marys, what would Christ do in the case of hurting families? Welcome to the team, Vahe.
Song: "New Life" by Gor Mkhitarian - www.gormusic.com
Ani's Bubbles: Children & Domestic Violence
Links - Tufenkian Foundation: http://www.tufenkianfoundation.org/
Globalization and the Armenian Church by Fr. Vazken: http://vimeo.com/15291175
Domestic Violence awareness event: www.inhisshoes.org
Vartan & Ghevont
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Purifying the Dogs of Midwinter

Next Step #191: The Church comes alive as it lives its mission in creating awareness for Domestic Violence and a shelter for the abused. Religion meets relevance, as Fr. Vazken takes the discussion from the Groundhog's Day, to Diaruntarach to purity. Can you preach what you don't believe? Then, how can Christians light a candle, pray to pictures and close their eyes to abused women and hungry children? Add some dessert to the cafeteria menus of religion in this one. Maternity leave according to the Bible. A farewell to Ken.
Walk for Domestic Violence: http://inhisshoes.org
Jesuit College Leader
Song: Rouben Hakhverdian "Poetner yev shuner" (Poets & dogs)
Engineered by Ken T. Nalik
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A Relevant Church does not Silently Protest

Next Step #190: When the Church turns relevant in the lives of the people it gives concrete means and ways of overcoming difficulties and tragedies. "Peace be with You" in light of terrorism - answers from the monastery. The act of love and care in the Early Church, as expressed in the book of Act. How the Einsteinian equation affects the USC-ASA. The Lost In Space Robot and imagination. Respecting the simple and rejecting the obscene. Introduction to the Presentation of the Lord (Luke 2:22) and the Rally against Domestic Violence.
Peace be with You by David Carlson
Robot Voice dies
Ani's Bubble: On Hope and Pediatric Nursing
Song: Datevik's "Ari Intz"
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Dreaming Happiness

Next Step #189: 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
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Extremism from Dr. King, The Forerunner & El Gordo

Next Step #188: 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: http://epostle.net/archives_season2.html#31
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Setting the Oven at New Year

Next Step #187: 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
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