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.
Falsehood and Hypocrisy
What is falsehood? Manifestations of falsehood in different areas of life. Humility is an integral part of avoiding falsehood.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is one of the key Christian virtues. How does a Christian walk the path of forgiveness? Does forgiveness have limit? Does forgiveness take away punishment?
- Speaker: Fr. Dajad Davidian
- Host: Manuk Hergnyan
Good and Evil
The essence of the concept of "good." Evil is not an entity, but a state. Accumulation of the awareness of goodness in societies.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Marriage
Why do people get married? Hierarchy of the “owner” and “obedient” phenomena. The difference in family values in the West and the East. What are the restrictions for a wife and husband?
- Speaker: Fr. Dajad Davidian
- Host: Manuk Hergnyan
First Council of Nicaea
What is special about ecumenical councils? All the churches of the world are involved in an ecumenical council. What theological issues were discussed during the Council of Nicaea? Consubstantiality of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Civic Consciousness
The emergence of the word and phenomenon of "citizenship." The concept of "citizenship" today. Rights and responsibilities arising from civic consciousness. Does dual citizenship carry risks?
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Obsession with Glory
Etymology of the Armenian word “paramolutiun” (obsession with glory). The differences between glory and honor. Obsession with glory is vanity. It arises from pride. How to deal with the love for glory? Small acts of humility are an effective way to combat this vice.
- Speaker: Fr. Dajad Davidian
- Host: Manuk Hergnyan
Human Relations
Human-God and human-human relationships. Value regulations are necessary in human relations. Various expressions of humility.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Fasting
What is the real purpose of fasting? In Christianity, the limitation of carnal desires and pleasures is considered a prerequisite for the spiritual development of a person. Preparation for baptism and the emergence of Great Lent in the ancient Church. Humility as a way to overcome temptations.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Manuk Hergnyan
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Purpose and significance of pilgrimage. For the pilgrimage to the Holy Land, a Christian must go through a long preparatory journey․ The presence of the Armenian nation in Jerusalem. Presentation of the content of the film, “From Ararat to Zion.”
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
The Righteousness of Faith (Part II)
God's judgment according to the apostolic approach. The way to live with faith. False righteousness and human arrogance. Only true faith is required of humans for forgiveness of sins and for salvation.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
The Righteousness of Faith (Part I)
Why does the Apostle Paul clearly indicate his service to God? What is Jewishness? Paganism and Christianity. A person's conscience is a unique way of distinguishing between good and evil.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Virtue
Etymology of the Armenian word ”arakinutiun” (virtue). Seven human virtues. The way to carry God within us.
- Speaker: Fr. Dajad Davidian
- Host: Manuk Hergnyan
Mercy of God
Does God's mercy have a limit? Despair is one of the greatest sins of a Christian. God's punishment and mercy.
- Speaker: Fr. Dajad Davidian
- Host: Manuk Hergnyan
About Beauty
Beauty as an attribute of God's creation. Absolute beauty and subjectivism. Types and levels of beauty.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Love
What is love and how to attain it? “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13). Why is the cross of the Armenian Apostolic Church budded? Divine love and love for God. What is the relationship between love and happiness?
- Speaker: Fr. Dajad Davidian
- Host: Manuk Hergnyan
Baptism
The seven sacraments of the Church. The relation of the grace of baptism to salvation. The peculiarity of the rite of baptism. Distortions of the Sacrament of Baptism and their refutations.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
The Peculiarity of Christian Prayer
Foundations and degrees of Christian prayer. The Fathers of the Church are the best examples of correct human prayer. The purpose of prayer.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’
Human words must have a clear weight. Reasons for the gap between words and actions. Semantic shades of an oath, a vow, and a solemn promise. How to say "no."
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
What Jesus Christ Brought to the World
The coming of Jesus Christ first gave humankind the opportunity to be freed of Adam's sin. The Christian life cannot be imagined without a strong struggle against sin. The peace of Christ is the harmony of being with God.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan