The Next Step

Next Step #232: An emotional unwinding of ideas at the death of a little girl. Fr. Vazken explores this tragedy from a pastoral standpoint, bringing together Armenian Orthodox themes - Discovery of the Cross and the raising of the sleeping child (Luke 8).  The vastness of the universe and a solar eclipse point to a unique ministry to the childless - a calling NOBODY wants. Wars, genocide, health, this time the page won't turn. Other topics: The success of the Jehovah's Witness. Participating vs. observing - and selling the product. The Supermarket model of Orthodoxy and the need to specialize to survive in the global marketplace of religion. And the child who selected a (Coptic) Pope. 

Song: Paul McCartney's "Calico Skies" 

Selecting the Coptic Pope

Dr. Harry Hagopian on the new Pope

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Next Step #231: Extending the concept of "undanik" to "under heaven" in understanding the family of God (Storm Sandy and walking In His Shoes). Fr. Vazken explains that Matthew 12:46-50 is not a lesson in biology as rude as it may seem. Extending Christian values and Church to Genocides and wars in Darfur and Syria as well as the death in our own backyards via In His Shoes. The Obama Victory: The silly-willy Armenian politics that bark at the caravan. "As for me," says Fr. Vazken, "I was there with Obama - no brag, just fact." Youth and the Church - the problem beyond Armenian Church. More on the crimes of the priest who was defrocked. Grandpa & FDR Democrats/Grandma' baklava for James Roosevelt - it was her thanks for the last station of the caravan.
Sermon: "Politics, God & the Kingdom"  
Song: "Caravan" by Armen Chamakian 
Obama's Acceptance Speech
Sun Sash: http://sunsash.blogspot.com

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Next Step #230: Nietzche's formula for cheer applied to the Armenian Church via Armodoxy. Fr. Vazken's "Protest Manual" is revealed talking about effective protest and ill-fated varieties against the establishment. Bringing about change from within and not without. The imperfect-perfect Body of Christ. Challenges to the disenfranchised members of the Armenian Church community. Unveiling of the Datev Outreach program. Celebrating Halloween the Armodoxy way.
Get Sun Sash FREE - www.SunSash.blogspot.com
Unveiling: http://DatevOutreach.org
Window article: http://acrag.wordpress.com/1991/06/

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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

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

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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

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

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

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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

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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

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net