Next Step #281: Fr. Vazken prepares for the annual walk against Domestic Violence through the streets of Glendale & Burbank. Hear his thoughts as organizations and political parties turn their heads from the menacing and ugly realities in the community. Next - a discussion with Gala Danilova, from Artsakh on a variety of life & death issues, violence & peace, the value of life and updating to Windows 8.1 and life beyond the iPhone. Candid & meaty discussions help make way for the Step.
Song: "New Life" by Gor Mkhitarian
Landmine Free Artsakh: http://landminefreeartsakh.com
Datev Outreach: www.datevoutreach.org
Fr. Vazken's blog: www.armodoxy.blogspot.com
Engineered by Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com Now on Stitcher Radio!
Next Step #275: Fr. Vazken takes the listeners on a thought process regarding war and peace. It's absurd to believe that violence against violence will breed peace, but it's equally as absurd to believe that love and goodness against acts of violence can even survive. Here are some thoughts and a Christian answer to the evil that destroys hope. Also in this episode, Abp. Rowan Williams' thoughts on "persecution" and "growing up." Afterthoughts to the Avon Cancer Walk.
Song: Nune's "Cka Kesi Nman"
Links: Inside the Pomegranate
Blog: The Other South, America
Compass: Anti War Protest
Video - Cancer, the War and The Candle Archbishop Rowan Williams on the Persecution
Engineered by Ken T. Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com Now on Stitcher Radio!
Next Step #274: Lighting a candle is much better than cursing the darkness. Fr. Vazken looks at two darknesses - cancer (breast) and war (Syria) in this light. He follows the light from Jesus to us, and our responsibility to be beacons of peace and love. Rev. Martin Luther King's stand on Vietnam is used as inspiration for today.
Song: Peaceful World by Lara Derbedrosian
Compass - Anti War (#39) Team In Her Shoes
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com Now on Stitcher Radio!
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 Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com Now on Stitcher Radio!
Next Step #267: Back from the Holy Land, Fr. Vazken explains the Armodox understanding of chosenness and holiness, along with an explanation of evolutionary reality. No brain-checking in this one. The healing process is furthered and expanded and at the end there is peace.
Song: Nina Nay Nay by Hosharian Brothers
Sun Sash - www.Sunsash.blogspot.com
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com Now on Stitcher Radio!
Next Step #248: As the Lenten Season enters its second half and the toxins are removed from our lives, guest Gala Danilova of the Halo Trust, Artzakh is interviewed about removing the debris of war. In this interview, Ms. Danilova discusses humanitarian efforts to rid villages and country sides of landmines. In the discussion, we find paths for peace and understanding. This is the joining of spirit, heart and hands - a "must-listen" this Lent - Fantastic Me Ban.
Anush's Pomegrante Seeds: "The Right, the Left and a New Direction"
Song - Datevik's "Antzrev Yegav"
Clearing Landmines - The Halo Trust Artzakh (Karabakh) Love & the Universe Lenten Journey Sun Sash
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com Now on Stitcher Radio!
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
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
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"
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Next Step #184: News that the last of the American troops are pulling out of Iraq sets the pace for this Next Step. In the aftermath of war - an opportunity to seek lasting peace by eschewing politics and opting for a true spiritual understanding of life, humanity and the offer to love. Opting out of violence. A Merry Christmas to all! The conversion of Saul and a conversion at the Children's Memorial service. Advent "additions" in preparation for Theophany. Poverty hits Americans 1 in 2 John Belizekjian "What Child is This?"
Ani's Bubbles - "Are You Going to Help Me Now?" - An Armenian father & son during the earthquake.
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Next Step #146: Updates on Darfur from Gabriel and the iAct team; Other solutions for Libya, are within our tradition of Armodoxy – dream of peace. Living beyond the sword; The quadruple dangers of Japan’s earthquake: fear joins in with the tsunami and nuclear radiation; Supermoon for the start of Spring; The Dishonest Steward teaches that this world is not to be discounted, but the tools of this world can provide for our spiritual welfare. More on the revolutions – it’s in our hands.
iAct: www.stopgenocidenow.org/ Dr. DuPont on fear;
Follow the Lenten Journey at www.epostle.net/lent
Music: Nersisyan Komitas-Andreassian Garoun a
Bubbles: What to give up for Lent
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Next Step #135: It’s Theophany! The Revelation of Christ! Kickoff the New Year with some ponderings - What to think when the twelve-day countdown is over. Instead of partridges and lords a-leeping, cancer and death visits. Finding PEACE in the face of stress and difficulties. Fr. Vazken shares some personal stories from the Christmas week that point to Christmas miracles – ones of Biblical proportion! The prayer of blessing water – would you believe it provides the answer to some of life’s biggest questions. Christ is Revealed! Blessed is his Revelation!
Ani’s Bubbles: Adam & Eve “Kids”
Songs: “Heaven is a Zillion Light Years Away” by Stevie Wonder
“Today is Christmas” the Youth Choir of St. Sahag/St. Mesrob
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Next Step #133: The eve of Christmas Eve is a look beyond the astronomic. How to say “Peace on Earth; Good Will to Humankind” with Genocide in Darfur, war in Iraq and Afghanistan and now Korea nuclear saber-rattling. Try the obvious this Christmas: Including Christ and Christmas in the Peace Equation. You have faith, but do you believe: the difference between faith and belief. The Solstice and eclipse have passed and we’re left with a view of Christmas through the lens of Armodoxy; Story: Parik's Miracle Baby is the Christmas miracle.
Song: "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by JS Bach, performed by Angel Romero;
Ani's Bubbles: "Christmas Bubble Maker";
"Another Christmas Song" by Jethro Tull http://www.j-tull.com/news/christmasalbum.cfm;
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
The “Christmas Eve” edition of the Next Step, explores the scene at the manger as something greater than its historical components. Drawing on the purest concepts of mathematics, Fr. Vazken makes the case that with Jesus, we find the sick, the hungry, the lame and the suffering wrapped in the swaddling cloth. If A=B and B=C then A=C; can we swap variables and find that even peace has a chance! Digging deep – this podcast even addresses the bigger questions – did the manger smell like baby wipes? Interspersed with an assortment of great carols, this is a Christmas Eve treat for everyone – young and old looking for the magic that can come only from God.
