The Third Christmas Story: Theophany

Next Step #239: Theophany: Celebrating without Categories - Erotic, Filial, Agape - come together at the Asdvadzahaydnootiun = Theophany - God is revealed in Bethlehem, the Jordan - to the Wise Men and Shepherds, but did you hear about the Third Christmas Story by St. John? Check it out in this Orthodox understanding of the Christian message of peace and harmony. Armodoxy as it unfolds. Also - Baptism with a computer? Making 2013 a Year for Dreams!
Song: "New York" by Gor Mkhitarian
Jethro Tull Christmas Album
MLK Retreat - http://inhisshoes.org/MLK/MLK2013registration.html
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

Solstice Bells Ring For the Light

Next Step #237: "The Christmas/Solstice Special" Finding the courage to celebrate Christmas after the Sandy Hook (Newtown) Shooting. Ringing the Bells of Etchmiadzin - the new Bethlehem: Fr. Vazken celebrates the Solstice and life after the end of the Mayan Calendar. Obama's mention of Jesus comes after the silence of the clergy. A Christian response to evil and the challenge to walk In His Shoes as Christ did. The date of Christmas that is beyond the Jan 6/Dec 25 debate - in an answer given by St. Gregory the Illuminator.
Links to topics in today's show:
In His Shoes.org
Karekin I on Etchmiadzin & Bethlehem
Fr. Vazken's Sermon on Shooting
10 Girls Killed in Afghanistan
President Obama at Sandy Hook Interfaith Service
Today is the Solstice
Jethro Tull Christmas Album
SunSash.blogspot.com
Song: The Light by Gor Mkhitarian
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

Solstice Bells to Christmas Cheers

Next Step #185: Kick off the Winter Solstice with some Christmas Cheer. Unafraid and unashamed to claim the Solstice, Fr. Vazken finds the Christ Child in the Manger radiating the Love and Light that overcomes darkness. This podcast is a celebration with music, love and a message unlike any other, as Armodoxy is revealed. A very Merry Christmas to all! A Christmas/Solstice Celebration! Secrets revealed: Bob Dylan's reindeer and how Suzie got Ken to change his habits!
Ani's Christmas Bubble
Musical Links:
Jethro Tull's Christmas Album
Bob Dylan's "Christmas In the Heart"
Melanie's "Yes Santa, there is a Melanie"  
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

The War is Over - Merry Christmas!

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

The Armodoxy Christmas Catalog

Next Step #183: The Armodoxy Christmas Catalog is the only guide you need for the holidays. Make sure your holiday giving is with the PERFECT gift for friends and loved ones. Don't miss out on an offer guaranteed to last a lifetime! Deals galore! What do you need and what do you want? The Greatest Gifts of Christmas are packaged for the listener! Also - on the Cathia Hamparian Memorial. Season 8 begins.
Compassionate Friends: http://www.compassionatefriends.org/
Song: Joan Baez "Down in Yon Forest" from "Noel"
Follow In His Shoes on Twitter.com
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

Christmas Day Ponderings

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

Another Christmas Song

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

Blue Moon to Lights of Christmas

Next Step #132: Physical and emotional pain find relief in the expression of love. Keeping the dream alive after the horrific murder of Yvette Hakopian by giving children a Christmas morning miracle. Explained: the best way to fight fire – yes, you can even try it at home! Asteroids, blue moons, an eclipse and the Winter Solstice make the Christmas Season astronomically beautiful. December 25? January 6? You’ll get the answer you’re looking for whether you’re on the West or the East of the debate. Finally – a spelling of kook and it’s not coook!
Song: "Ring Out Solstice Bells" by Jethro Tull http://www.j-tull.com/news/christmasalbum.cfm;
Ani's Bubbles: "Special Olympics";
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

Fr. Vazken and Hripsig with the Toy and Blanket Drive donations

Unlimited and Indefinable Nature of God

Next Step #131: Along the road to Christmas, we journey to the outer areas of the universe on an Advent journey. What is the unlimited and indefinable nature of God? No need to check your brain-in at the door: The Kingdom of Heaven is within and without you! John Lennon – 30 years after his death – how do we reconcile all the injustice in the world? Is it true, “All you need is love?” As a child of God, find one unifying message – erotic, filial and agape – the message of Love in your life. How do you stay warm from the cold? Listener Harry Hagopian shares a message for World Vision and to all! http://www.premier.org.uk/worldvision;
Advent projects and more: http://inhisshoes.org
Song: "Amen Hayr Sourp" by Vazkenian Seminarians at Lake Sevan;
Ani's Bubbles: "Short but Important Lesson";
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

Changing Perception at Advent

Next Step #130: What changes? God? The Universe? Us? God - then, today and tomorrow - can we ever understand? The Armodoxy answer might surprise you.  Advent thoughts in preparation to Christmas – the shift in view and perception; Astronomers discover the universe is 3X bigger than previously thought while the fool discover too much too late (Luke 12). And the truth about lithium-ion batteries. It’s all in this podcast.
Song: "Sardarabad" by V. Khanamirian/Armenian State Dance Ensemble
Ani's Bubbles: "The Bishop's Gift";
Blog worth reading: http://banakan.blogspot.com/
Advent programs and gift giving: http://inhisshoes.org
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

Midwinter Blues Turn Fun

Next Step #87: Special numerical calculations for 2010 - 40 days twixt Christmas and Groundhogs, gives way to the Purification period. 40 days twixt Presentation and the End of Lent - doesn't happen, but once in a lifetime. Drop the embarrassment from Christian and Christian pastors this is about a LIVING Christ and his REVOLUTION. Follow up on the "Khrimian and Obama" lecture topped off with Superbowl wishes for a Super Sunday.
Song: George Harrison's "The Inner Light" by Jeff Lynne (Concert for George);
Bubbles by Ani: 8 Gifts;
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.net

Christmas Eve: Finding Hope in the Manger

Next Step #81: The Christmas Eve Edition - Looking and finding hope in the manger. Why “In His Shoes” is a way of life and how “respect” is the predecessor of love. The Christ child is a revelation of faith, hope and love – concisely placed in the manger for us all. Why January 6? Why December 25? And then finding Christ beyond the manger. Reflections of the newly deceased Fr. Kourken Mouradian – from Khorvirab to Glendale.
Song: "Christmas Song" by Jethro Tull
Silent Night by Sarah McLachlan from Wintersong Album
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Sponsored by Pomegranateandeye.etsy.com

Reconciling with Absurdity

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

Clarity to See Responsibility

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

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

Sun makes way for the Son

Celebrating Christmas before or after the New Year. Does it matter? To some yes, but from the Armenian Orthodox perspective, it's one of many trappings that skew us from the Truth. What about the Bible? Did it come from God? Dare we say that there are means to God beyond the Bible? And if so, what does that say about the truth of the Bible? Find out in this podcast which explains a bit more than the date of Christmas. Travel back in time to the first thoughts of religion and find out how fact and truth can end up on two different sides of the coin. And all this occurs as our planet takes a spin around the outer rim of its orbit around the Sun. Happy Solstice and a Merry Christmas to all!

Featured Songs: Carols by Joan Baez, Victory by Gor Mkhitarian

The Ox, House, and Wife on Advent

On the Great Banquet, or WWJWFHB = (What would Jesus want for his Birthday?) The answer is given in scripture and in this podcast! What were the Jesus "parents" like? We got a glimpse of them in Montrose, of all places. And what a headache they COULD have had, instead did they take the Advent prescription? Only Mary's pharmacist knows for sure? This is one of a series of podcasts following the Advent journey to Christmas. At the end of the road is the prize: A new view of Christmas - not in a stable in Bethlehem, but as the only true representation of Christ's revelation.
Music: Gor Mkhitarian plays the Lord's Prayer - a new rendition of Jesus' words. Join in for all the excitement of this Holiday cast.

Shaking Christmas Vampires

You’ll find this episode filled with “Happy Holiday” cheer, and here’s a hint: it’s not because Fr. Vazken wants to be politically correct! Christmas is coming and with the season of Advent, you’re invited to look within and at how the Christ child is being born around you and then within.

Also, in this episode we look at Vampires and the undead. As crowds line up to watch “Twilight” and emotions heat up, we compare it with the undead in the church, namely the saints, both those with a capital and a small ‘S’. The last segment of the podcast is dedicated to the 20^th Anniversary of the earthquake in Armenia (December 7, 1988) and the formation of Armenian electronic multimedia through sain.org and the foundation for In His Shoes Ministries.

Featured song: “About Light” by Gor Mkhitarian