Programs 
Saturday - 10:00
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.
Meaning of the word “faith.” Explanation of faith according to the Holy Bible. Faith as a relationship with God. The process of the knowledge of faith. Faith as a communion with realities of eternal life. The phenomenon of disbelief.
Speaker: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
Host: Deacon Ara Nalchajyan
Negative effects of family problems on children. What are the consequences of divorce for children. How parent’s sins harm their own children. Virtue is the basis of family.
Traits of a pious family. The influence of parents on children. How to give spiritual upbringing to children?
Importance of performing virtues without ostentation. The main principles of prayer. Prayer as inner attention. Prayer as an inner union with God. Levels of prayer.
The role and meaning of prayer according to the Bible. Prayer as a way of immediate communication with God. How to be prepared for prayer and how to pray? The fruits of prayer.
What is the attitude of the Christian Church towards the idea of reincarnation of the soul? The interest in Eastern philosophical teachings in the modern world. The struggle of the Christian Church against gnostic teachings. The uniqueness of Christianity.
Love according to the Christian teaching. The Holy Bible about love. The redemptive role of love. Mercy as a continuation of love. Love as a main force of human life.
Apostolic gifts. The seven sacraments of the Church, virtues and mortal sins. Individual revelations. Dangers from demonic forces.
What is sectarianism? What damages can sects bring about? How to know Christ truly.
The sacrament of Holy Communion is the heart of the Church. Levels of theology. How to be prepared for Holy Communion? The reasons for deprivation of Holy Communion. How to keep the grace of Holy Communion?
The etymology of the word “baptism.” The role of baptism in Christianity. The preparation period before baptism. Spiritual changes that occur after baptism. The baptism of children. The sacrament of Confirmation or Anointing.
The main principles of orthodox life. Pride as a rejection of God's love. The fear of God and repentance. Differences between emotion and faith.
The etymology of the word "orthodoxy." The link between orthodoxy and Church. The unity of practical and theoretical faith. The role of orthodoxy in human life. Orthodoxy in modern global life. The relation of identity and truth.
Condemnation of hypocrisy in the Scripture. Hypocrisy as a denial of the truth. The link between hypocrisy and pride. The nature of inner hypocrisy. How to fight hypocrisy.
The conversion of the Armenian nation. The perception of Christianity among Armenians. The Christology of the Armenian Church is based on the apostolic faith. The interrelation between national ideology and faith.
Charity as a virtue and fulfillment of the commandment of love. Charity as a type of repentance․ The value of hidden charity. Spiritual and material charities.
The principle of humility in Christianity. The relation of love and humility. Stages of humility. The role of humility in public life. Accepting criticism with love as a sign of humility.
Commentaries of Church Fathers on pleasures. The cause of the love for pleasures. The difference between pleasure and bliss. The types of pleasure and suffering. Suffering as an important factor of spiritual life and progress.
The transition from paganism to Christianity. The role of Christianity in human history. Faith as a personal path to the knowledge of God.
What are the limits of the influence of demonic powers? How to distinguish good and evil. Evil and magic according to the Bible. How to protect oneself against evil.
Our attitude to genocide. Genocide as a diabolical plan. Prayer for martyrs and justice. The commandment of love. Commentary on the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.” What to teach children about the genocide?
The ecclesiastical explanation of miracle. Why do miracles occur? Miracle as a transformative power of human life. External and internal miracles. The spiritual conversion of humans as the greatest miracle. What is a deceptive, demonic miracle?
The theological foundation of holiness. Faith of the Holy Trinity as a source of holiness and as a dogmatic foundation. The path to canonization. The role of intercession of saints in people's lives.
The need of holiness today.
