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
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

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
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio!

The Secret of Armenian Orthodoxy

Next Step #181: A Thanksgiving episode that reveals the 'secret' of Armenian Orthodoxy. A parade opens this message of memories and leads to Thanksgiving "moments." Turning from victim mentality to victor through thanksgiving. A means of survival and growth. A special edition podcast recorded before the dawn.
Thanksgiving with Gabriel in Darfur: Truth Be Damned
Greetings from One Genocide to Another: http://youtu.be/weuwKPjvhu0
Song: "Meeting My Past" by Ara Dinkjian (An Armenian in America)
Thank You Very Much by the Scaffolds
Ani's Bubbles: Thanksgiving Message
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

Live from the Lounge: 4th Anniversary

Next Step #158: The Fourth Anniversary of the Next Step is celebrated “Live at the Lounge” with an open microphone on Suzie, Ani and Ken. Fr. Vazken shares thoughts about technology and ministry in this special edition. Closing thoughts – Fr. Vazken gets personal with thoughts on thanksgiving, humility and true healing. "Ours is not to add days to life, but life to days." - Dr. M. Garabedian. This is a prelude to the “Next Steps” to come.
Ani’s blog on Scrubs Magazine
"Evangelizing the Digital Continent" - Archbishop José H. Gomez, The Tidings Magazine
Theme Music: Varoujan Movsesian
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

Focusing Vision on Thanksgiving

Next Step #129: Focusing on the theme of Thanksgiving allows us to transcend the self and understand ourselves in the bigger picture of “giving” rather than receiving. Celebrate the shift from victim to victor as Fr. Vazken explains the Focused Vision that allows for walking “In His Shoes.” Sorry Tea Party – the first pilgrims may have had socialist ideas, but Thanksgiving is about something HIGHER than our selves. The good Senator TOO offers us some Turkeys! Get ready for Christmas – it’s about Christ!
Prayer of Thanksgiving: http://armodoxy.blogspot.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-prayer.html
Song: “Holy, Holy, Holy” by St. Gregory Youth Choir
Ani’s Bubbles: Corn
Telethon: http://www.armeniafund.org/telethon/telethon-2010/webcast.php
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

Avoiding Collisions by Melding

Next Step #128: Melding East and West is not a melt-down but certainly avoids the collision; Building identity the Armodoxy way; Jehovah Witness teens come to the door; St. Apkar the first king – a unique name indeed, especially for an Armenian Church – and this weekend is St. Andrew’s feast; The Advent Season is explained as a time of preparation with an “In His Shoes” challenge for listeners. A return from the desert and a different look at St. Mary: http://armodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/09/searching-for-veedon-fleece.html
Song: "Yavuz" by Herbie Mann from the “Impressions of the Middle East” album
Ani's Bubbles: “Praise him for your roses and thank him for your thorns” (Pre-Thanksgiving)
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

Grapes Invade Our Comfort Zones

Next Step #114: St. Mary's Assumption is an opportunity for Thanksgiving and reflections on motherhood, thru the lens of Armodoxy. Standing up for principles even in light of our comfort zones being violated. Questions worth asking: Why are apparitions of St. Mary so greasy? Would you say ‘yes’ to an unplanned pregnancy of Love? Is giving really better than receiving? Also: The Trump/Teresa show-down. The principles of the Mosque at Ground Zero.
Song: "Julia" by The Beatles
Ani’s Bubbles: "Who Packed Your Parachuette?"
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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

Thanksgiving Meal: Icon of the Holy Eucharist

Well he promised and now he delivered! Fr. Vazken presents herein the holistic religion: Armenian Orthodoxy. And the Thanksgiving meal serves as the icon for this holistic expression. This is one of Fr. Vazken's fundamental teaching points and a must-listen for the neophyte as well as the veteran. This also sets the tone for the season of Advent - the 50 day period leading to Christmas. And Fr. Vazken extends another promise -follow the journey of Advent with us and Christmas will never have the same meaning. You'll understand it not as event in First Century Bethlehem, but as the essential event leading to the ultimate expressions of love. In this episode of the Next Step, you'll learn of the incredible similarities between grandma's house (over the river and through the woods) and God's everlasting table.

New music from Gor Mkhitarian titled, “Snow” from the upcoming Spirit album as well as a track from Mariam Matossian’s In the Light album titled “Oosdi Gookas”. The Christmas concert is less than a month away. Tickets available from ItsMySeat.com

No Thanks to Cults: Religion Gone Wrong

Thanksgiving, Cults, Religion gone bad and much more. As Mr. Potter gives the secrets to financial success in this market, Fr. Vazken instructs about thanksgiving. It is the cornerstone of the faith and the key to lasting love. In this remarkable podcast, you are taken on a journey that will conclude next week at Thanksgiving. Quality may preempt quantity, but it doesn’t escape the site of this commentary. A wide variety of topics are discussed, Pope Benedict XVI makes it on board the Cast and Prop 8 is not exempt. Cults and Koolaid® are remembered on this 30th anniversary of the Jonestown massacre. Why do cults make it? You’ll be surprised by the answer Fr. Vazken gives.

A new song by Gor Mkhitarian in preparation for the December 18 concert. It all comes together on this Next Step.

Giving a Thanks Blessing

Stuffed Turkey, dressing and… Mother Goose? Not quite, but there is so much more to the holiday than the culinary delights that have … how do you say? Given us that je ne sais quoi satisfaction of the the salivary glands. It's certainly not the addition of pilaf to the Thanksgiving menu that makes Thanksgiving come alive in the Armenian Orthodox tradition. Just like other feasts on our church calendar that give us opportunities to live out the message of Christ, Thanksgiving allows us to acknowledge that there’s something greater than ourselves. Fr. Vazken take the next step toward defining the richness of the Thanksgiving experience by poking at the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18) and challenging listeners to give a thanks-blessing.

Featured songs: Mariam Matossian’s “Arev Arev” from In the Light album and Gor Mkitarian’s "Blessing" (Orhnutyun) from the not-yet-released Spirit album. On December 18, In His Shoes will proudly present Gor’s “Spirit” CD Release Concert at Zipper Hall with opening performance by Mariam Matossian. Tickets available online: ItsMySeat.com