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.
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
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
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
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
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
The Essence of Fasting
What is the purpose of the Christian life? Fasting is one of the most important virtues of the spiritual life. Fasting should be seen in the overall context of spiritual life. One of the means of practicing the virtue of abstinence is fasting. The effect of fasting on human physical health.
- Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
- Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
