Spiritual Discussions (archive)
An investigation into central fundamental issues such as the meaning of life, our calling, the search for truth, the choice of the spiritual way. Additionally, we investigate other themes, such as dogmatic purity and the recognition of one’s own tradition. All these and more are discussed by the participants of Spiritual Discussions.
What are the Church’s responses to these challenging questions? What is the relationship between the spiritual and material aspects of life? Is it possible to reach perfection in this life? How does one carry out the commandments of Christianity? What should be our attitude towards various sects? How should we protect our children and ourselves from “spiritual deformations”? Thorough responses and discussions to these questions and other important issues will be heard in Spiritual Discussions.
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
Being poor in spirit means giving up sin, evil. The Church Fathers also call poverty in spirit “voluntary humility.” One of the greatest evils that harms humanity is hedonism.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Nine Beatitudes
The nine beatitudes are considered to be the main commandments of the New Law and are not forcible. The nine beatitudes are deeply interconnected with each other and are gradual. The Kingdom of Heaven is a complete set of spiritual goods.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Green Sunday
Etymology and meaning of the Armenian word “ashkharhamatran.” The four Gospels are the basis of the life of the Christian faith. The Church of Christ and the Holy Spirit of God are inseparable from each other. What is the role of the Armenian Church in modern society?
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Hope
What is hope according to Christian understanding? Awareness of sin plays a very important role in building true faith.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Lust
Etymology of the Armenian word “bghjakhohutiun” (“lewd thinking”). Why is lust among the seven mortal sins? The traps of lust. Abstinence is the basis of all virtues.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Gluttony
Various shades of gluttony. Gluttony is the insatiable consumption of food and drink. Negative consequences of gluttony. During the period of fasting, the use of both animal products and alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Resurrection
The mystery of the Resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith. Spiritual resurrection is about deliverance from sins and walking towards Christ. With the resurrection of Christ, all people were given the opportunity of salvation.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Resurrection (part II)
The role of the Resurrection of Christ in the life of every Christian. Awareness of one's sins is the beginning of the path of a true Christian. Through faith, God's indwelling takes place in the human heart.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Manuk Hergnyan
Ressurection (Part I)
The resurrection of Christ saved humanity from sins. In Christianity, the soul and body are not in opposition․ Resurrection of the dead․ Faith opens the doors of the human heart․
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Belief and Actions
Faith and actions are inseparable phenomena. The Holy Scripture is full of actions of faith that we should learn from. Interrelation of virtue and actions of faith.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Sunday of the Judge
Character analysis of the unjust judge and the widow. It is important not to be talkative in prayer, to avoid worldly requests and desires. How to pray correctly.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Manuk Hergnyan
Faith
What is faith? How is it perceived by modern people? Should we believe in the resurrection of the dead or not? Human faith is measured in temptations.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Sunday of the Steward
Forgiveness, charity, and shrewdness are emphasized through the parable. The relationship between waste and charity. By judiciously using the "unrighteous mammon," one can perform acts of mercy. Logical connections of Jesus’ parables.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Manuk Hergnyan
Baptism
Baptism is one of the seven sacraments of the Church. Baptism has a deep religious and saving meaning. The order of baptism in the ancient Church and in our days.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Burial Rite
What is the purpose of the burial rite? According to Christian teaching, the human body, like the soul, is immortal․ During the burial ceremony, the participation of an anointed priest is required. Three parts of the burial rite.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Fear and Awe
What is fear, a positive or negative phenomenon? The fear of God is the guiding force of human life. The difference between the sacred fear of God and filial love. The connection between the fear of God and human humility.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Salvation of the Soul
Etymology of the word “salvation.” Human life is largely connected with sin and needs to be liberated. A person needs true faith to get the chance to be saved.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Jehovah's Witnesses
A sect is a confessional deviation combined with a sharp difference from the general rules of public life. Characteristic features of sects. Why people join sectarian movements.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
The Chosen Nation
What do we mean by saying “chosen nation”? Why did the Jews become the chosen people, and why was this grace taken away from them? Are Armenians a chosen nation?
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Suicide
Suicide is a crime against God. What are the main reasons for suicide? Euthanasia is unacceptable in Christianity․ Awareness of sin and, as a result, changing one’s life path is the way to forgiveness.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan