St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In "Have You Seen the One I Love": Contemplation on Song of Solomon 1:15, Eric Tadros explores the deep spiritual relationship between the soul and God as reflected in the Song of Solomon. Eric discusses how the Lord views the soul as beautiful and desirable, even amid sin, emphasizing God’s persistent desire for the soul’s return.Eric highlights the importance of seeking God's testimony over worldly praise, using examples like John the Baptist, St. Mary, and others who appeared plain outwardly but were great in the sight of the Lord. He reflects on themes like labor, faith, love, confession, and humility as qualities that make the soul beautiful to God.The symbolism of “dove’s eyes” is explained as representing spiritual insight and the presence of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to maintain purity, presence, and peace in their gaze and interactions. Eric encourages embracing the paradox of the Christian life where God's standards differ from the world’s, seeking to hear, “Behold, you are fair, my love.”#SongOfSolomon #ChristianContemplation #SpiritualLove #EricTadros #ChristianFaith #GodsLove #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the challenges of balancing spiritual life with daily responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God’s presence in all aspects of life—whether at work, church, or home. He discusses practical ways to incorporate prayer and spiritual practices into busy schedules, like listening to sermons or praying the Jesus Prayer during everyday tasks.Fr. Matthias highlights the significance of aligning personal goals with God’s will and recognizing spiritual growth as a gradual journey rather than an instant outcome. He stresses the value of accountability through confession and community support, encouraging active service within the church as a form of spiritual expression.By addressing distractions and time management from both a secular and spiritual perspective, Fr. Matthias offers guidance on maintaining inner peace and nurturing a closer relationship with Christ through consistent spiritual discipline and fellowship.#SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #PrayerLife #FaithJourney #DistractionFree #LivingIncense #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this continuation of the series on Jonah the Prophet, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores God's sovereignty over creation as revealed through Jonah’s story. He examines Jonah’s resistance to God’s command to preach to Nineveh, contrasting Jonah’s apathy with the pagan sailors’ active efforts to survive the storm. Fr. Matthias highlights Jonah’s spiritual numbness, depression, and lack of compassion that lead him to isolate himself rather than seek God’s help.The talk delves into Jonah’s realization of his inner failings, the sailors’ recognition of God’s power, and the unfolding divine plan through the prepared great fish. Fr. Matthias draws connections between Jonah’s prayer from the fish’s belly and the hope of resurrection, emphasizing faith and thanksgiving even amidst suffering. This message encourages believers to respond faithfully to God’s call, embrace transformation through trials, and trust in God’s mercy and salvation.#JonahTheProphet #FaithInTrials #GodsSovereignty #ResurrectionHope #ChristianTransformation #TrustInGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of the glory of God through the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, highlighting its biblical foundations and spiritual significance. He discusses the role of Simeon the Elder and the prophecy revealing Christ as the light for the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Fr. Matthias examines how God's glory is shown in scripture through creation, miracles like healing the man born blind, and the deliverance of Israel from Egypt.He emphasizes that God's glory is not for self-exaltation but so that people may believe and receive salvation. Fr. Matthias encourages believers to reflect on how their lives can glorify God through obedience, faith, compassion, and perseverance in suffering, citing the example of the Coptic martyrs. He also addresses the importance of forgiveness and prayer in manifesting God's glory and calls Christians to live in a way that draws others to glorify God through their witness and good works.#GloryOfGod #ChristianSermon #PresentationOfTheLord #FaithAndSalvation #GodsGlory #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this episode of Living Incense, we reflect on how the ordinary rhythms of modern life—work, responsibilities, screens, and constant busyness—quietly shape our priorities and often crowd out our spiritual life without us realizing it. What begins as necessary activity can easily turn into distraction when balance is lost, even when the things occupying our time appear good or productive.The conversation explores what truly defines a distraction, emphasizing that the issue is not time alone, but intention, balance, and the ongoing tension between the spirit and the flesh. We discuss how spiritual life cannot be reduced to a fixed formula or percentage of the day, but must be lived wisely within each person’s responsibilities, while still protecting intentional, consecrated time with God.We also examine inner peace from a Christian perspective, not as the absence of struggle or emotion, but as the fruit of trusting God and remaining rooted in Him through both ease and suffering. Drawing from Scripture and lived experience, the episode highlights why spiritual growth is gradual, why consistency matters more than visible results, and how God often works quietly over time to form us.Finally, we speak about recovery when spiritual rhythms break down, the importance of accountability through a father of confession, and the role of the Church as a supportive community that helps us carry one another’s burdens. This episode offers encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed, reminding us that the spiritual life is a journey of faithfulness and return, not perfection.#ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #OvercomingDistractions #LivingIncense #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Michael Sedrak explores the meaning of doing everything "to the glory of God," emphasizing the importance of intention behind good works. He distinguishes between external actions and internal motivations, urging believers to serve with sincere hearts, relying fully on God’s grace rather than their own strength.Drawing from Scripture, including St. Paul's letters and the story of Abraham, Michael explains how Christians are called to perform their tasks as God’s workmanship, with humility and trust even when circumstances seem impossible. He highlights the connection between sacrifice and love, warning against a half-hearted or prideful approach to serving God.Michael also reflects on the transformative power of beholding God's glory, as experienced by St. Peter, and encourages believers to continually glorify God for their growth and renewal. His message calls for faith, endurance, and reliance on God in all aspects of life and service.#ToTheGloryOfGod #ChristianService #FaithAndGrace #GodsWorkmanship #ServeWithLove #GlorifyGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the concept of offenses and stumbling blocks in the Christian life, focusing on their causes and remedies. He explains how distorted portrayals of God and the Church, teaching God's word without living it, promoting human traditions over divine commandments, and neglecting essential doctrines can lead others to stumble. Fr. Matthias also highlights the confusion caused by exposing children to conflicting beliefs and by selectively ignoring Church teachings.He offers remedies such as seeking the true faith through scripture, faithfully following God's commandments despite societal pressure, acknowledging human weakness with humility, and diligently verifying teachings against the Bible. Fr. Matthias calls believers to be examples of faith and light amid a perverse world, guiding others to salvation through their unity, obedience, and authentic Christian witness.#ChristianSermon #FaithAndObedience #AvoidingOffenses #LivingTheWord #ChristianWitness #StayFaithful #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on Jesus Christ as the light of the world, emphasizing how believers are called to reflect His light to others. He explains that when God's light shines within us, it enables us to see God’s work in our lives, understand His commandments, and find hope in our calling as children of God. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of spiritual self-reflection, helping us recognize our weaknesses and repent. He highlights the challenge and necessity of loving others, even in the midst of personal brokenness.Fr. Matthias also explains how this enlightenment is received—through the sacraments, the word of God, and by continually looking to God for guidance and strength. Drawing on biblical examples, he encourages believers to trust in God's protection and presence in all circumstances.#LightOfTheWorld #JesusChrist #ChristianSermon #FaithInGod #SpiritualReflection #GodsLight #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of self-understanding through the healing of the man born blind by Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of seeing ourselves clearly, not by comparing to others, but by measuring against Scripture and God’s design for humanity. Fr. Matthias discusses how true self-awareness reveals both strengths and weaknesses, encouraging humility, repentance, and growth.He highlights practical ways to deepen self-knowledge, such as prayer, Bible study, and listening to sermons. Understanding ourselves helps us make better decisions, maintain healthier relationships, and serve others effectively. The message stresses the dangers of self-ignorance, including poor choices, strained relationships, and repeated failures. Fr. Matthias invites believers to ask God for spiritual sight to truly know themselves and reflect Christ’s healing in their lives.#ChristianSermon #SelfUnderstanding #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #HealingInChrist #BibleTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this Q&A session from the St. Monica Parenting Meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses common challenges parents face in nurturing the spiritual and emotional health of their children. Fr. Matthias explores detrimental parenting behaviors such as authoritarianism, permissiveness, neglect, and the impact of parental conflict on children. He emphasizes the importance of positive discipline, consistency, modeling good behavior, and maintaining open, respectful communication within the family.Fr. Matthias also discusses how to approach children struggling with ungodly behavior without judgment, the balance between being a parent and a friend, and guiding children’s choice of friends. Practical advice is shared on setting family habits that foster a Christ-centered home, managing discipline systems, and handling common issues like children’s interests differing from gender norms or reluctance to participate in prayer and church.Throughout, Fr. Matthias highlights the long-term perspective in parenting, encouraging patience, humility, and grace in raising children.#ChristianParenting #FaithBasedParenting #StMonicaMeeting #PositiveDiscipline #SpiritualGrowth #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org