St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the calling of Levi, also known as Matthew the Evangelist, emphasizing Christ’s invitation to sinners rather than the righteous. He explains that the church is a place for those seeking repentance and transformation, not for self-justification. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of repentance as the core of the Christian life, stressing that God looks at our willingness to change rather than our moral achievements.The sermon also addresses spiritual healing through the sacraments, describing the church as a hospital where God performs necessary, sometimes painful, spiritual surgery. Fr. Matthias stresses the need to partake regularly in the sacraments to experience true change.He calls believers to respond to Christ’s invitation by leaving behind old ways, hosting God in their homes, and committing to a new life. Using biblical examples, Fr. Matthias explains that transformation requires continuous effort and humility, as old habits may still appeal but must be overcome to fully follow Christ.#ChristianSermon #CallToRepentance #MatthewTheEvangelist #SpiritualHealing #Sacraments #TransformationInChrist #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 part of the series, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the origins of the Orthodox Church by tracing the historical developments that led to various Christian denominations. He discusses how the Protestant Reformation introduced the principle of sola scriptura, resulting in multiple interpretations of the Bible and the proliferation of thousands of denominations. Fr. Matthias explains the differences between Protestants, whom the Orthodox Church considers Christians due to core shared beliefs, and groups like Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, classified as cults for their divergent views on the nature of God.He also covers the formation of the Church of England as a distinct entity stemming from political motives rather than theological revelation. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of adhering to the original faith revealed by God and preserved through church tradition to maintain unity and truth in Christian belief. This teaching invites viewers to consider the significance of church history in understanding where their faith comes from and why it matters.#OrthodoxChurch #ChurchHistory #ChristianDenominations #ProtestantReformation #SolaScriptura #FaithAndTradition #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 SA&SP Couple's Meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of harmony in marriage from a biblical and spiritual perspective. He explains that harmony is more than shared interests or communication techniques—it is the unity of two individuals becoming one flesh through the work of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of a common faith, shared values, and mutual service as foundations for marital harmony. He discusses practical aspects such as praying, worshiping, fasting, and serving together, highlighting how these spiritual practices unite couples in their journey toward salvation. Challenges like conflict, ego, miscommunication, and busyness are addressed with guidance on humility, forgiveness, transparent communication, and counseling. Fr. Matthias concludes by affirming that true harmony requires ongoing effort, self-sacrifice, and reliance on God's grace to foster peace and strengthen the marital bond.#ChristianMarriage #SpiritualHarmony #MarriageInChrist #FaithAndMarriage #HolySpiritInMarriage #CouplesMinistry #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 explains the manifestation of the Holy Trinity during the baptism of Jesus Christ, highlighting the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in this significant event. He explores St. John the Baptist’s role as the forerunner who reveals the beginning of Christ’s ministry and emphasizes the connection between baptism, Christ’s death, and resurrection.Fr. Matthias discusses the forgiveness of sins through Christ’s sacrifice as the Lamb of God, tying the Old Testament sacrifices to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. He also explains how the sanctification and renewal through baptism transform believers into new creations, restoring the relationship between God and humanity lost after the fall.The sermon reflects on the transition from the Old Testament law to the grace brought by Christ and encourages believers to emulate St. John’s dedication in serving God.#HolyTrinity #BaptismOfJesus #ChristSacrifice #StJohnTheBaptist #ChristianSermon #FaithRenewal #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 continues his study on the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on Jesus’ teachings about the hypocrisy and ambition of the Pharisees in Matthew 23. He explains the role of the Pharisees as teachers of the law, highlighting the contrast between their authoritative position and their failure to live according to God's intentions. Fr. Matthias explores themes of authority, obedience, and the misuse of religious power, illustrating how the Pharisees imposed burdens on people without genuine care.He reflects on the spiritual dangers of legalism, external appearances, and self-glorification, while underscoring the Christian call to humility and internal transformation. Fr. Matthias also addresses the pastoral application of these lessons by comparing them to contemporary challenges in the church, emphasizing the importance of sincere faith over outward ritualism. This teaching includes a deep look into how Jesus pronounces woes on the Pharisees for their actions and attitudes, and concludes with a plea for repentance and true devotion to God.#HarmonyOfTheGospels #PhariseesHypocrisy #BibleStudy #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianTeaching #JesusTeachings #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 story of Jonah the prophet, emphasizing Jonah’s humanity and his struggle with obedience and compassion. He explains how Jonah’s rebellion reveals the challenge of accepting God’s will, especially when it involves showing mercy to enemies like the Ninevites. Fr. Matthias highlights that God’s call to serve benefits both others and the one who serves, fostering growth, patience, and humility.The talk delves into Jonah’s attempt to flee God’s command by sailing to Tarshish, illustrating the futility of trying to escape God’s presence. Fr. Matthias draws parallels between Jonah’s experience and common human tendencies to avoid repentance, face distractions, and resist God's guidance. He also underscores God’s patient and loving approach to Jonah’s disobedience, using life’s circumstances to teach and correct without immediate judgment.By examining divine sovereignty over creation, Fr. Matthias contrasts the obedience of nature with human resistance, encouraging listeners to embrace God’s will with trust instead of irrational rebellion. This teaching invites reflection on personal struggles with sin, obedience, and the experience of God’s mercy and correction.#JonahTheProphet #GodsMercy #ObedienceToGod #ChristianTeaching #FaithJourney #DivineSovereignty #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 the Living Incense Podcast, we reflect on evangelism as a core calling of the Christian life—not as a program, argument, or checklist, but as a natural response to encountering the truth of Christ. Fr. Matthias explains how evangelism has always been central to the life of the Church, from the apostles after Pentecost to the everyday witness of believers today.The conversation explores why evangelism flows from love rather than obligation, how neglecting it can lead the Church to become inward-focused, and why authentic evangelism is rooted in relationships, humility, and personal transformation rather than information alone. We discuss the role of joy, integrity, and daily life as powerful witnesses to the Gospel, as well as the place of the sacraments at the heart of Orthodox evangelism.This episode also addresses common fears and misconceptions, reminding us that success in evangelism is faithfulness, not results, and that every Christian—regardless of personality or knowledge—has a role to play. Evangelism is ultimately about living as a servant of Christ in every place, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through love, patience, and truth.#Evangelism #ChristianLife #LivingIncense #Faithfulness #OrthodoxChristianity #WitnessingChrist #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

Elisabeth Abouelkheir (Missy) shares practical insights on navigating conflict within marriage, emphasizing that the purpose of marriage is sanctification rather than mere happiness. Drawing from her 32 years of marriage experience, she explains why conflict is inevitable due to individual differences and how it can be productive when handled with respect.Missy discusses Dr. John Gottman’s "Four Horsemen"—criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling—and how these behaviors predict marital outcomes. She offers guidance on creating plans for respectful communication, using I-statements, and managing emotions to prevent escalation. She highlights the importance of vulnerability, appreciation, and taking responsibility while addressing feelings without blame.Through real-life scenarios and audience interaction, Missy underscores the need for couples to build understanding, avoid hurtful patterns, and seek reconciliation. The talk concludes with practical strategies to improve conflict resolution and strengthen marital unity in the Orthodox Christian context.#ChristianMarriage #ConflictResolution #SanctificationInMarriage #OrthodoxChristianity #MarriageAdvice #HealthyRelationships #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 Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. He explains the story of a younger son who demands his inheritance early, leaves home, and squanders his wealth in a distant land, symbolizing humanity’s rebellion and separation from God. Fr. Matthias discusses the son’s eventual repentance, his return to the father, and the father’s compassionate and immediate forgiveness, illustrating God’s mercy and the true meaning of freedom.Fr. Matthias also examines the response of the older brother, highlighting themes of grace, entitlement, and forgiveness. He connects the parable’s message to real-life struggles with sin, repentance, and the Christian call to mercy. This teaching emphasizes that repentance is an action, not just a feeling, and that God welcomes all who return with sincere hearts.#ProdigalSon #BibleStudy #GodsMercy #Repentance #ChristianFaith #ParablesOfJesus #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 harmony of the Gospels by examining Jesus’ response to the Sadducees’ challenge on resurrection and marriage in eternal life. He explains how Christ clarifies that earthly institutions like marriage do not continue in heaven, where believers are like angels, united in a spiritual community beyond exclusive earthly relationships.Fr. Matthias then unpacks the greatest commandments, emphasizing loving God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. He highlights the connection between these commandments and Christian life, focusing on self-sacrificial love expressed through actions rather than emotions alone.Finally, he discusses Jesus’ teaching on the Messiah’s identity, revealing the divine nature of Christ as Lord and Son of David, drawing from Old Testament prophecies. Throughout, Fr. Matthias connects Scripture to practical faith, encouraging deeper understanding of resurrection, love, and Jesus’ mission.#GreatestCommandment #HarmonyOfTheGospels #BibleStudy #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianLove #JesusTeachings #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