Gateway to the Homeland

Next Step #264: The Supreme Court ruling on same sex marriages - put into perspective, in the context of Orthodoxy and the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Definitions and laws in the Armodox tradition. In this episode, Fr. Vazken discusses issues of homosexual marriages, unions, family, and the horrifying realities experienced through Datev Outreach, namely domestic violence and "unwanted" children. Also - a look at Armenia - as a pilgrim travels on the CYMA program in contrast to a young seminarian in the Soviet State in 1977.
Links...
Suicide-Domestic Violence victim in Armenia
Anush's Pomegranate
Compass with Linda Zadoian
Song: Mariam Matossian's "Hayastani Aghchigner"
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

Millennials and the/are the Youth

Next Step #263: The perennial question and concern for the youth is explored in view of the Millennials, technology and human search for meaning. Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant look for youth outside of the reality of life, and of course, will never find it outside. Youth are closer than we may realize - just need to look in the right place. Take a Next Step in this direction.
Anush's "Inside the Pomegranate" Blog launches in a new format as an audio blog. The premiere episode is included in today's Next Step.
Song: Nina Simone "Ain't Got No; I Got Life"
Inside the Pomegranate: Remembering Dad
Time Magazine, "The Me Me Me Generation"
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

Commencement: Water Bottles to Living Waters

Next Step #262: The 5th Anniversary Edition - Looking inward at the Next Step and the phenomenon of an "open" Church where ideas are expressed and explored. Commencement at the Graduation. Morning Evangelists peddling filtered water and more. SUN CEO McNealy told us over a decade ago to "Get over it." So why are we still concerned about privacy? And what about an All knowing God?
Message to the Graduates
Anush's Pomegranate - "Not all who wander are lost"
Song: "Gakavik" by Gor Mkhitarian on the Acoustic Folklore Album
McNeal - an end to privacy (1999)
Engineered by K.T.Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

Symbiosis: Yokes & Brides in the Armenian Church

Next Step #261: The symbiotic relationship between man and woman, Church and Christ are revealed during a Glendale wedding. Listen in as Fr. Vazken shares a story within a story. The tragedy of not forgiving and not moving forward - it effects more than you might imagine. Prayers for the graduate coming up.
Song: Sarkis Kazaryan, Rachmaninoff 
Anush's Pomegranate Seed: "What's Hair Got to Do with It?"
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio!