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.
Hayk and Bel
Who was Hayk and why did he become the forefather of the Armenian people? Hayk's rebellion against Bel. History of nations and knowledge of God. Movses Khorenatsi as the father of Armenian history.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Sadness and Joy
Why is the Christian path full of suffering and hardships? The transformation of Christian sorrow into joy. Joyful mourning liberates the human soul. How a Christian repents.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Hypocrisy
Etymology of the Armenian word "keghtsik" (falsehood). The condemnation of hypocrisy in the Gospel. The main source of hypocrisy is pride. The consequences of hypocrisy for a person and for the people around.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Priesthood
Establishing the order of priesthood in the Church. Priesthood is a mediation between God and the people of God. The essence of the Divine Liturgy. Who was Melchizedek the high priest? The coming of Jesus Christ and the reinterpretation of religious realities.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
God-Pleasing and People-Pleasing
Explanation of the terms “God-pleasing” and “people-pleasing” and the difference between them. People-pleasing equates to falsehood.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Holy Places
The role of holy places in Christian faith. The representation of the Armenian nation in Jerusalem. The importance and process of pilgrimages. What should be a human’s attitude toward holy places?
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Chastity
The definition of chastity according to St. Grigor Tatevatsi. What is chastity? The Sacrament of Marriage. How to fight lustful thoughts?
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Ups and Downs in Our Lives
Definition and differentiation of the phenomena of rise and fall. Spiritual and physical falls are not interrelated. How to overcome a slump and strive for a rise again.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Extreme
Concept and perceptions of extreme. How to distinguish truth from an extreme. Heresy and the fight against it. How to avoid extremes.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
To Be an Armenian Christian
To be a Christian means to observe and implement in life the theoretical and practical principles of the true faith. The nuances and perceptions of Christianity for an Armenian.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Reading
Ways and types of receiving information. Peculiarities of reading. How to read spiritual literature correctly. Why do humans need the written language?
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Architecture
Architecture as one of the most important expressions of art. What does a city's architecture reveal about that city's history and values? Features of Armenian church architecture.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Law of God and Law of Sin
In humans, there is struggle between the soul and the body. The indwelling of God in human. ”The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Rom. 8:6). The law of the flesh leads humans to sin.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
About Death
What are the causes of fear of death in humans? What awaits human soul and body after death? Anticipation of death in the life of a Christian.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Feast of the Cross
The four feasts of the Cross in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Reason of the Feast of the Cross․ The important role of the Cross in the life of Christians. Jesus Christ accepted death to give us the possibility of immortality.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Motherhood
The meaning of motherhood is revealed to humanity through St. Mary the Virgin. Motherhood at the family level. The role of the mother in the nation-building process.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Xenomania
Xenomania and love for others. Roots, forms and dangers of xenomania. How can society fight against xenomania? How can true values be made to work?
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Education
Current state of education in Armenia. By what mechanisms is it possible to develop the Armenian educational system? The example of Sahak Partev and Mesrop Mashtots. On what basis should the Armenian school be built?
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
About the Presence of God (Part II)
With His life-giving powers, God is ever-present in His creation. Commentaries of the Church Fathers on the presence of God. The fear of God grows into an infinite love for God.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Divinity of Christ
What is the essence of the Holy Trinity? The interconnectedness of God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Son was not transformed by becoming human; His divine nature did not stop. Christ went through all human passions and overcame them in order to free people from the sins embedded in them.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan