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Armenian Orthodoxy

Preface to the Next Step

LISTEN NOW! Podcast Archives are listed below.

Obama's Deeds, McCain's Words, Christ's Teachings
August 27, 2008

Next Step #11 - Politics, Religion, Faith and State - is it all a mix or what? Just over a week ago the two presidential candidates, Obama and McCain, entered into a conversation on faith and politics with Rick Warren of Saddleback Church. In particular, Warren asks each of the men about their faith and what it means to them. McCain says it means that he is “saved and forgiven”. Obama’s response also includes an “obligation to embrace not just words but deeds.” Fr. Vazken makes this question the focus of this episode. Get ready for the Orthodox worldview on faith, salvation, and forgiveness!
The songs in this episode include Spirit in the Dark performed by the Blind Boys of Alabama, and a rendition of Mogats Shogen by the Armenian a cappella group Zulal.

Fears and Prejudices
August 20, 2008

From Ben Stiller to Carole Jouroyan this Next Step is about retardation and our reaction. Carole Juroyan worked as the Executive Director for the Glendale-based Association of the Retarded. The interview provides Carole's 25-year experience of working and overcoming fear and prejudice. Also in this episode, Fr. Vazken touches upon the Saddleback Forum with presidential candidates Obama and McCain, but more on this next week. The musical selection (Vem Radio) is dedicated to two people we lost this week: baby Zaven Jendian and Mariam Paparigian.

Grapes, Vines and Robustness
August 13, 2008

The feast of the Assumption of St. Mary - the Holy Mother of God reminds us to be the bearers of Love. Fr. Vazken explores John 15 and Jesus' directive to stay connected to him - the true vine. Also in the broadcast, an update on Ossetia and Darfur. The two songs that are featured in the podcast are Gor Mkhitarian's rendition of Gomidas' "Shogher jan" and Lucine Zakarian singing "Diramayr."
An exploration of Armenian Orthodoxy and the focus on Love.
Recorded on 13 August 2008

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - 888 - DARFUR OLYMPICS
August 8, 2008

St. Mary's Yes
August 6, 2008

Don't shy away from this broadcast! Its not your same-old-same-old.

On the Feast of St. Mary, Fr. Vazken explores the concept of "bearing God", that is, giving birth to Love. He challenges the listener to think beyond the cliches of the physical event and see St. Mary as a saint who rose above her humanity by accepting the call of God. This is not your ordinary message about St. Mary being the chosen of God. No, this is about St. Mary taking responsibility for her life and responding with a solid "Yes" to God.

Also, a call to Save Darfur. With the start of the China Olympics on 08/08/08, Fr. Vazken focuses on the necessity to make noise and draw attention to the tragic situation in Darfur. Here is a call to stop Genocide using the means we have, but first and foremost by being educated. In 1915 the world closed its eyes, ears and mouth* to the Armenian Genocide. Here's a true commitment to "Never again!"

Today's songs: "Beautiful Boy" and "Oor Es Mayr Im" 

Even Eclipsed Light Overtakes Darkness
July 30, 2008

The total eclipse of the sun gives the metaphor for light conquering temporary darkness. Fr. Vazken takes a look up to our star for a lesson on light and darkness. How and why Jesus moves the discussion about himself (I am the Light of the World) to us (You are the light of the world).
Gabriel Stauring from Stop Genocide Now takes off for Chad and why we must focus on our attention to Darfur and the Sudan. Fr. Vazken changes the discussion from politics (as usual) to a moral imperative to help Darfur.
Eulogy for Fr. Oshagan Minassian - a priest confined to a wheel chair but able to inspire, even without meeting him. Letters, music and more.

Realizing Dreams
July 23, 2008

Inspired by the moon landing 39 years ago this week, Fr. Vazken talks about dreaming and turning them into reality. Is it as easy as waking up?
Darfur update - Bashir defies the world community.
Interview with Gor Mkhitarian who discusses his music and spirituality.
World premiere of the song "Miracles" - part of an album of spiritual music to debut in December 2008. "Miracles" is Gor's latest creation. Gor continues to discuss prayer and his song, "About God."

Impulse Buying of Love
July 16, 2008

Next Step Podcast Episode #5 - When Peter accepts Jesus invitation to be a fisher of people (Matthew 4), he and his brother Andrew are impulse buyers of Love. Its another example for us to not restrict our ability to love. Included in this podcast is an interview with St. Nersess seminarian, Deacon Ryan Tellalian, who speaks about service and the St. Nersess experience. Featured song: The Fishermen of Sevan performed by oud virtuoso John Bilezikjian.

Repent or Perish
July 9, 2008

Pain and suffering is experienced on different scales, whether on a grand scale as when natural disasters strike, or as experienced on the personal or individual level. Is this because the sins of some are greater or worse than others? The answer is found in Luke 13. In the Gospel, Jesus says NO! But He tells us that we must repent. To repent is to redirect our outlook, our attitude. What makes this possible? Where does Einstein's belief in an expanding universe fit into this? Is God moving the bishop on the chessboard of life? Tune in to this next installment to find out!

Freedom to Create through Love
July 2, 2008

Independence Day is a fitting time to look at our freedoms through the lens of Armenian Orthodoxy. What has been the strength of the Armenian people to survive? Where does this spirituality come from? Christ releases us of our bonds and gives us the true freedom – His Love. God has given us the most beautiful gift, the ability to create by tapping into the power of love. In this podcast Fr. Vazken explores the ideas of freedom, independence, and creativity.

Vartavar - The Transfiguration Feast
June 25, 2008

Vartavar: a pagan feast transfigured into a Christian one. So today Fr. Vazken takes the next step to a place called Transfiguration. Jesus' transfiguration is documented in several of the Gospels including the scene in Matthew 17 where Christ reveals His illumined Divinity. His face shines like the sun and his garments become as white as light. What does all of this mean to us today? How does Pink Floyd figure into this? Do transfigs only grow in California? Tune in to Armenian Orthodoxy. Take the next step!

The Next Step
June 18, 2008

With this premiere broadcast, Fr. Vazken takes the next step in exploring Armenian Orthodoxy. God is experienced as Mystery, deep and inscrutable. Tune in and take this first step with us.