Business as Usual? Or Just the Plan?

Next Step #277: A first look at the Bishop's Synod in Etchmiadzin, along with background info on the catholicoi at the dias. A special treat for listeners with a uncovered gift to celebrate Fr. Vazken's anniversary. The evolution and synthesis of Armenian and Orthodoxy toward Armodoxy, in this edition. To be continued...
Song: "Life's a Long Song" by Jethro Tull 
Compass #7-SE (to claim "gift" press on the "Special Edition" tag)
Bishop's Synod - Message of Catholicos Karekin II and Catholicos Aram I
Pictures from Bishop's Synod
Pope Francis Interview, "America" Magazine
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
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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! 

Bumblebee Pentecost

Next Step #210: 4th Anniversary Edition/Celebration. Australian Coffee - nothing down-under about it. Prove you're alive with this simple breathing experiment. The transcendence of time/space through the Church. The power of the Pentecost was the ability to transcend the temporal limitations. No need to check-in your brain to follow Armodoxy. "Etchmiadzin in Mission," said HH Karekin I, (1995-1999) - how to apply "etchmiadzin" to our daily and community life.
Song: "Good morning, defeat" by Gor Mkhitarian from United Fantasies
Ani's Bubbles: "Loving Kindness"
Hayk Foundation: http://haykfoundation.org/
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

Resonating to Turn Condemnation to Salvation

Next Step #159: The power that resides in each of us, is also part and fabric of the universe, it resides outside of us. Belief and faith means going beyond the ordinary and the expected. Armodoxy is the path that challenges us to find harmony within ourselves and without – seeking the impossible and resonating with the harmonics that otherwise don’t exist. Tapping into the Jesus principle of Resurrection. “Praying Solves all of my Problems.” – Pope Kirollos.  The “loaded” prayer of Christ. Only Christ can change the ugliness of condemnation and death to the beauty of salvation and life.  Using examples from his recent experiences with health issues, Fr. Vazken talks about the power to overcome evil, cancer, and darkness in the Armodox tradition. Armodoxy’s raison d'etre and Etchmiadzin as mission.
Music: Bazzini's "La Ronde des Lutins'; http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vengerov-Virtuosi-Antonio-Bazzini/dp/B00005K3Q0
Opening: Arax “Vaspouragan” http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/arax2
Lucine Zakarian “Xorhurt Xorin”
Ani's Bubbles: Keep Hope Alive (Believing in Magic)
Support 18 year old Gegham: https://www.facebook.com/gennext
Theme Song by Varoujan Movsesian
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

Building Inside and Out

Next Step #119: A building comes alive as His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians consecrates the new St. Leon (Srbotz Ghevontyantz) Armenian Cathedral in Los Angeles. The Holy Spirit changes inanimate stones to the living church. Fr. Vazken discusses why the name St. Leon was God inspired and presents a challenge to listeners to plug into this saint of the church. Interview with Father Ktrij Devejian, Director of the Office of Foreign Communications for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. A very candid interview about his work, Holy Etchmiadzin & the Catholicos, and his inspirations. “She has seduced me for 20 years,” says the priest. Come by to find out, then learn why “The Soviets did more damage to the Armenian Church in 70 years than the Ottomans or Turks did in 600 years.” Reflections from the Holy Mountain, Ararat.  Finally, a special appeal to attend a special Concert (JT in Armenia, next week).
Song: Gor Mkhitarian’s “Blessing” from the Spirit album: Purchase Online
View the Armenian Cathedral Consecration: http://www.armenianchurchwd.com/
Etchmiadzin & Fr. Ktrij: http://www.armenianchurch.org/ or http://www.facebook.com/holyetchmiadzin
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

Father Ktrij Devejian capturing a moment. Photo used by permission, courtesy of Sandy Kazanjian

Etchmiadzin is a Dream

Next Step #105: Skip the Geography lesson. Don’t stress the History lesson. The Feast of Etchmiadzin is about making dreams come true. What is your vision for life? Here's a step-by-step approach to making dreams come true by dreaming faith, hope and love. Rising from the pit of life, or is that the Diocese partying on Ascension day? Letters from listeners expose hints at Armodoxy and In His Shoes.  Celebrating 2 years and running – join the celebration, you’re invited!
Music: "Etchmiadzin" by Seminarians of Vazkenian Seminary at Lake Sevan;
Ani's Bubbles: "Somebody to Love";
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

Hripsime & Gayane in Iran and Korea

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

Armenia to Bedrock - A Lenten Journey

Back from Armenia, Fr. Vazken reflects on the sacredness of the first Christian nation as we take a next step into the Lenten journey. Preparing for Easter requires a regimen of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving. Armenian Orthodoxy writes the prescription for healthy living, including body, mind, and soul. Now, find out if Adam was Fred Flintstone and Eve, Wilma? And what about Adam and Steve as Fr. Vazken bashes religious gay bashers as well as most stereotypes. A great way to start off lent.

Global Perspective with Hratch Tchilingirian looks at the Christian communities spread throughout the Middle East and their mass exodus from this region due to a host of dire internal and external issues.

Spiritual Bubbles with Ani Burr - Part 1 of 6 from St. Nerses Shnorhali's Havadov Khosdovanim (I Confess With Faith)

Musical selection: "Etchmiadzin ee Hore" from the album, Orhnial eh Asdvadz, sung by the seminarians at the Vazkenian Theological Academy of Lake Sevan.