St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Joy in Serving | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of joy in serving others, emphasizing that true joy is a response to God's love and salvation. He discusses how service can become burdensome when disconnected from spiritual joy, but scripture teaches that our service should be filled with gladness for the abundance God has given us. Fr. Matthias explains the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, showing how repentance and spiritual growth lead to lasting joy.Drawing on biblical examples, including St. Paul’s endurance and Christ’s promise of joy after sorrow, he highlights that spiritual joy sustains believers through trials and motivates service despite difficulties. This joy is rooted not in earthly circumstances but in the assurance of salvation and God's eternal presence. Fr. Matthias encourages cultivating a spiritual relationship with God to experience this abiding joy, which strengthens and comforts us and enables perseverance in serving others.Subscribe 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

Psalm 139:1-12 [The All-Knowing and All-Present God] | Bible Study (@MetropolitanYoussef_SUSCopts)

H.E. Metropolitan Youssef explores Psalm 139:1-12, focusing on the themes of God's omniscience and omnipresence. He explains how David expresses that God’s knowledge of us is intimate and exhaustive, encompassing every action, thought, and word. Metropolitan Youssef highlights the Psalm’s use as a prayer before confession, emphasizing self-examination guided by the Holy Spirit.The discussion covers the inescapable presence of God, who surrounds us with protection and care, no matter where we go—whether in heaven, earth, or the depths. Metropolitan Youssef interprets David’s reflections on God’s guidance even in darkness or trouble, portraying God’s presence as a source of comfort and strength. He also contrasts the secure closeness of God with the fear it may evoke in those who reject Him.This study unpacks the spiritual depth of Psalm 139, emphasizing God’s knowledge and presence as foundations for hope, guidance, and support throughout life’s journey.Subscribe 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

How to Foster a Healthy Siblings Relationship | St. Monica Parenting Meeting (Marie Hanna)

Marie Hanna shares practical guidance on fostering healthy sibling relationships by addressing common challenges like rivalry, comparison, and labeling. She uses the "new wife analogy" to explain the feelings of the first child when a sibling arrives and emphasizes the importance of validating children’s emotions rather than dismissing them. Marie discusses how parents can avoid comparisons and treat each child’s achievements and needs uniquely, rather than equally.She explains how casting children into fixed roles can limit their growth and encourages parents to support the individual interests of each child without competition. Marie also outlines when and how to appropriately intervene in sibling conflicts, promoting sharing and empathy over forced fairness. Her approach highlights patience, communication, and understanding as key to nurturing loving and respectful bonds between siblings.Subscribe 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

Life of Hope | The Harvest (Michael Sedrak)

Michael Sedrak explores the concept of living a life of hope rooted in faith in God, drawing on teachings from His Holiness Pope Shenouda’s book "Life of Hope." He explains that Christian hope involves trusting that God is already at work in our lives and that His deliverance will come at the right time. Michael highlights key aspects of hope, including the promise of eternal life, God’s mercy and forgiveness, and the potential for physical and spiritual healing. He reflects on biblical examples like Joseph and King David to show how God transforms trials into opportunities for good. Michael also emphasizes that God values even the smallest acts of faith and love and encourages viewers to offer their hearts fully to God. The talk concludes with a call to hold onto hope amid difficulties, knowing that God’s power and love are limitless and that joy naturally flows from true hope.Subscribe 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

2nd Maccabees 13-15 | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad presents a Bible study on 2nd Maccabees chapters 13-15, covering the continued conflicts between the Jewish people and their Greek adversaries. He details the military campaigns led by Judas Maccabeus against Antiochus V and his generals, highlighting internal Jewish struggles involving high priests seeking power through bribery and betrayal. Fr. Matthias explores key figures like Nicanor, who shifts from enemy to ally and back, and Alchemus, a traitorous high priest collaborating with Greek rulers. The study emphasizes the spiritual and historical significance of these events, including Judas’s vision of divine support through the prophet Jeremiah and the establishment of celebrations commemorating Jewish victories. Fr. Matthias concludes by reflecting on the persistence of spiritual warfare and the hope found in trusting God amid adversity, setting the stage for future explorations of biblical harmony.Subscribe 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

Finances in Marriage | SA&SP (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses the challenges of managing finances within marriage, highlighting common sources of conflict such as differing spending habits and economic backgrounds. He presents ten biblical and practical principles for financial stewardship, including the importance of hard work without overworking, unity through communication, planning and budgeting, maintaining emergency savings, and avoiding unnecessary debt.He emphasizes the role of tithing as a form of stewardship and generosity and stresses the importance of teaching children financial responsibility early on, including the value of money, saving, and contentment. Fr. Matthias also discusses setting boundaries for discretionary spending, combining finances, and the spiritual dimension of money management.The talk covers topics such as balancing work and family life, making decisions about stay-at-home parenting, and the implications of prenuptial agreements in the context of Christian marriage. Questions about practical financial compromises, supporting family members, and legacy planning are addressed with pastoral insight rooted in scripture.Subscribe 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

2nd Maccabees 11-12 [Defeat of Lysias and the Nomads] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of 2nd Maccabees chapters 11 and 12, focusing on the military struggles between the Jewish people and the Greek forces under the rule of Antiochus and his successors. He explains how Lysias, guardian of the young king, leads a large army to besiege Jerusalem, but is defeated through prayer and divine intervention.Fr. Matthias highlights the peace treaty negotiated between Judas Maccabeus and the Greek authorities, the ongoing threats from Greek generals and hostile neighbors, and Judas’s military campaigns to defend and restore Jewish territories. The discussion explores the political dynamics, warfare tactics, and the importance of faith and prayer during these conflicts.Additionally, Fr. Matthias addresses the belief in the resurrection of the dead and the practice of praying for the deceased, as described in this biblical text. This study offers historical context on the Maccabean revolt and its significance in Jewish history.Subscribe 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

2nd Maccabees 9-10 [God Punishes Antiochus & Timothy Defeat] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores chapters 9 and 10 of 2nd Maccabees, highlighting God’s judgment on Antiochus IV and the military victories of Judas Maccabeus. He describes Antiochus’s arrogance, his divine punishment through illness, and his eventual repentance as he humbles himself before God. Fr. Matthias compares Antiochus’s transformation to biblical examples of pride humbled by God.The teaching then shifts to the restoration of the temple, the institution of Hanukkah, and the continued conflicts involving Judas Maccabeus against enemy forces. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the role of prayer, divine intervention, and the challenges of internal betrayal faced by the Jewish resistance.This Bible study offers a detailed narrative of historical events, spiritual lessons on repentance, humility, and God’s providence amid trials, connecting biblical history with theological reflections.Subscribe 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

2nd Maccabees 7-8 [7 Sons’ Martyrdom & Judas Maccabeus Revolt] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Second Maccabees chapters 7 and 8, focusing on the martyrdom of the seven brothers and their mother who refused to violate Jewish law under Greek persecution. He discusses their steadfast faith, highlighting their belief in the resurrection as they faced torture and death rather than renounce their religion.Fr. Matthias then shifts to Judas Maccabeus’ revolt against Antiochus IV and the Seleucid Empire. He recounts Judas gathering 6,000 faithful followers, engaging in guerrilla warfare to reclaim Jewish religious freedom and purify the temple, setting the foundation for Hanukkah. The lecture examines the challenges Judas and his army faced, including the threat of enslavement and battles against reinforced Greek forces. Throughout, Fr. Matthias emphasizes the role of faith, prayer, and God's intervention as central to the Maccabean struggle for spiritual and national liberation.Subscribe 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

Spiritual Canon | The Harvest (Eric Tadros)

Eric Tadros explains the concept and importance of having a spiritual Canon, a structured daily rule of prayer and spiritual discipline tailored in consultation with one’s spiritual father. He discusses how a Canon provides order and consistency in prayer life, helping believers maintain spiritual motivation beyond fluctuating feelings and distractions.Eric addresses common challenges such as laziness, busyness, distractions, perfectionism, and inappropriate expectations that hinder maintaining a Canon. He emphasizes obedience to the spiritual father’s guidance as a key aspect of spiritual growth. The goal of a spiritual Canon is to create habits that foster continual presence with God, leading to deeper understanding, maturity, and union with Christ.Practical advice is offered to adapt the Canon according to individual capacity and life circumstances, stressing persistence, attention, and prayer throughout the day rather than isolated times.Subscribe 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