Thursday, October 25, 2012

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
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Thursday, October 18, 2012

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

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Thursday, October 11, 2012

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
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Thursday, October 4, 2012

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
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Thursday, September 27, 2012

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
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Thursday, September 20, 2012

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

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Thursday, September 13, 2012

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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