Thursday, August 29, 2013

Dreaming Beyond a Speech and into Syria

Next Step #273: 50 years after Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Kings Jr's "I have a Dream Speech," Fr. Vazken shares some thoughts and offers a challenge to dream of peace - bringing about peace without the use of violence. With the imminent threat of war in Syria, a candid look at our faith - do we really believe that we can overcome evil with love? Do we believe there are non-violent alternatives to threats of death and annihilation? Also a discussion of chickens and headless existence (in the context of the Armenian Church and Armodoxy)
Song: "Dream Song" by Joan Baez
The Speech
Transcript: http://www.inhisshoes.org/documents/MLK_dream.pdf
Harry Hagopian Podcast MENA: http://www.premier.org.uk/mena
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Thursday, August 22, 2013

Salty Blessings Abound

Next Step #272: St. Mary's Assumption Feast was truly a 3M-er: Memorable, Mystical and Magical. Fr. Vazken reflects on the feast which included the blessing of the harvest. Linda Zadoian, owner of Madame Kubah (and of Compass fame) joins a candid discussion about blessings and goodness. A small bowl of rice and flavorful conversation add to a mix about faith. Also in the episode: Myth Busting - the truth about grapeblessing service beyond the Northern Hemisphere.
Song: Krisdos ee Mech - New release of Gomidas Badarak by the Western Diocese
Sermon on Assumption
Madame Kubah: http://www.madame-kubah.com/
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Thursday, August 15, 2013

Speaking Words of Wisdom

Next Step #271: Fr. Vazken starts this episode by an attempt at myth-busting grape-blessing with the help of old-Iraqis and the folks down-under. Where this podcast ends up is a true reflection of Armodoxy - taking the essence of the Holy Mother of God, St. Mary, and finding a verse of pop culture that focuses on the importance of Saints in our everyday life. Is this a redirection or dismissal of her virginity? You decide. But before you do, listen to the list of names ascribed to St. Mary, from "Antaram" to "Makrouhi" to "Yerjanik" and find a message that talks to you. Also, a look at the Grape Blessing service; the Armenians were sanctifying food before Kosher became a standard. Don't miss this special edition of the Next Step.
Song of the Week: "Birth of a Star" by Torkom Saraydarian 
Source for Torkom Saraydarian's Creative Works 
What's missing from the Nicene Creed? Next Step #270
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Thursday, August 8, 2013

Missing from the Nicene Creed

Next Step #270: Discovering a missing element from the Nicene Creed. Is there more than the Father, Son, Holy Spirit and the Church? Listen in as Fr. Vazken finds the missing piece to the puzzle of Orthodoxy and Armodoxy. Balancing the roller-coasters of life - the cries and laughs - with a hug-proposal - how about a week long hug-fest? Beginning the 100th Anniversary Commemoration of the Genocide with some sanity. Also: In what language do you think? A look from the ghetto.
Song: Khatchadour Avetissian "Djermag Aghavnie" - White Dove
100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Monument Groundbreaking speech by Fr. Vazken
In His Shoes "Leveraging Love": http://inhisshoes.org
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Thursday, August 1, 2013

A Kiss for You: Laughs to Cries and Back Again

Next Step #269: A lost kiss finds its way to where it belongs. Join Fr. Vazken as mood swings and different life puzzles play into this podcast. A blast from Armenia and a stop at the orphanage for special need children. Armodoxy is the message of Armenian Orthodoxy and there's no better place to hear it. Pope Francis borrows a page from Armodoxy too.
Song: John Bilezikjian "Art of the Oud" 
Fr. Vazken on Same Sex Marriage (Act #10x
Pope Francis and the Armodox position
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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