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 Those Who Are Persecuted for the Sake of Righteousness (Part I)
How do the Fathers of the Church interpret the phenomenon of persecution for righteousness? A true lover of virtue is not one who diligently practices virtues, but one who is ready to bear with patience the trials that follow those virtues. The path to deliverance from sin is full of difficulties and trials.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Who are considered as peacemakers? What does it mean to be called a son of God? The totality of spiritual goods is fundamentally different from worldly goods. The ritual meaning of the transmission of peace during the Divine Liturgy.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
What is holiness of heart, and who can be considered holy in heart? Degrees of holiness. Seeing God is possible only by the grace of God. Seeing God in the writings of the Church Fathers. Differences in Old and New Testament episodes where God is seen.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Blessed Are the Merciful
Mercy is one of the main expressions of love. Forms of expression of mercy. The seven physical and seven spiritual types of mercy according to St. Grigor Tatevatsi. The extent and limit of mercy.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Justice is a phenomenon that must be attributed to the divine nature and to every good given by God. The four human virtues. The divine virtues are faith, hope and love.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Manuk Hergnyan
Blessed Are the Meek
What is meekness? Meekness includes all those virtues that suppress natural vices. By saying “earth” the Lord means the kingdom of the Church established on this Earth. Meekness is the true patience.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Spiritual interpretation of the terms “mourner” and "consolation." Joyful mourning leads a person on the path of spiritual liberation. The teaching of Anania Narekatsi about repentance.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Feast of the Apparition of the Cross
What is the meaning of the cross for Christians? Sectarians reject the cross and its mystery. The central act of salvation is performed on the cross. After the miraculous resurrection of Christ, the cross turns from an instrument of death into a symbol of resurrection.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Manuk Hergnyan
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