St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias explores the various ways the Lord calls individuals, emphasizing that God's call is continuous and personal. He explains that Christ calls for physical and spiritual healing, repentance, service, encouragement, rebuke, and salvation, illustrating each with biblical examples like Bartimaeus, the adulterous woman, Jeremiah, Joshua, Job, and Lot’s family.Fr. Matthias highlights different channels through which God speaks, including Scripture, the words of others, life circumstances, conscience, and, rarely, signs. He stresses the importance of being attentive and receptive to these calls, encouraging believers to embrace the transformation God offers through a new heart and spirit.This sermon provides a thoughtful reflection on how God’s voice reaches believers in everyday life and calls them to respond with faith and obedience.#GodsCall #ChristianSermon #FaithJourney #SpiritualHealing #BiblicalTeaching #CalledByTheLord #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 and purpose of rebuke, emphasizing its role as an act of love aimed at correction and growth rather than judgment. Drawing from biblical examples like Christ’s rebuke of the Pharisees, King David’s response to Nathan the prophet, and St. Peter’s gentle correction, Fr. Matthias explains the difference between rebuke and judgment and the importance of receiving rebuke with humility.He discusses how to respond to rebuke constructively by examining oneself, seeking God’s mercy, and taking practical steps toward transformation. Fr. Matthias highlights the spiritual benefits of accepting rebuke, viewing it as a form of God’s love and a path to wisdom and repentance. He concludes with reflections from St. Augustine on the necessity of embracing rebuke to seek healing and spiritual renewal.#ChristianSermon #SpiritualGrowth #BiblicalRebuke #FaithAndRepentance #GodsLove #ChristianTeaching #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 Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers from Matthew 21. He explains how the parable reveals the magnitude of human sin in rejecting God's gifts and messengers, including the prophets and ultimately His Son, Jesus Christ. Fr. Matthias discusses the landowner’s efforts in preparing the vineyard and the patience God shows despite repeated rejection and hostility from the vinedressers.He highlights the themes of God’s love, patience, and the consequences of sin. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the call to bear fruit with the talents and blessings God has given, serving Him faithfully rather than selfishly. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the coming judgment and an encouragement toward repentance during the Great Fast, urging believers to seek God’s mercy and live in gratitude for the gift of salvation.#ParableOfTheWickedVinedressers #ChristianSermon #Matthew21 #GodsPatience #FaithfulServants #GreatFast #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 lecture, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his series on the origins of the Orthodox Church, tracing its foundation from Pentecost through key historical events and ecumenical councils. He discusses the development of early church structure and doctrine, including the councils of Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon, highlighting theological disputes such as Arianism and Nestorianism and their resolutions.Fr. Matthias explains the 1054 schism between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, emphasizing the later additions to the Nicene Creed and differing views on papal authority. He then explores the 16th-century Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther, focusing on issues like indulgences, purgatory, and sola scriptura, and contrasts Protestant reforms with Orthodox theology and tradition.This presentation provides a historical overview of how major Christian denominations arose from the original Orthodox faith and theological controversies shaping them.#OrthodoxChurch #ChurchHistory #EcumenicalCouncils #ChristianTheology #OrthodoxFaith #ChristianReformation #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 exploration of the origins of the Orthodox Church, starting with the establishment of the church on the day of Pentecost and the development of its early structure. He explains how key ecumenical councils addressed major heresies concerning the divinity of Christ and the Holy Spirit, highlighting councils of Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon. Fr. Matthias discusses the resulting schism between the Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Churches, as well as ongoing efforts toward their theological reunification.He then examines the Great Schism of 1054, focusing on disputes over authority and the addition of the filioque clause to the Nicene Creed by the Roman Church, which led to the separation of what became the Roman Catholic Church. The talk also touches on the historical persecution of the Coptic Church and its impact on church organization and spirituality. Fr. Matthias clarifies key theological points about the Trinity, the incarnation, and the development of doctrine, contrasting Orthodox and Catholic beliefs.#OrthodoxChurch #EcumenicalCouncils #GreatSchism #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #Pentecost #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 traces the origins and development of the Orthodox Church, beginning with its founding at Pentecost in 33 AD when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles. He explains how the early church grew from informal gatherings in homes to a structured institution with bishops, priests, and deacons, emphasizing the succession from the apostles to bishops.Fr. Matthias highlights key moments in church history, including the establishment of five major patriarchates and the role of ecumenical councils in preserving true doctrine. He discusses early heresies such as Arianism, Macedonianism, and Nestorianism, explaining how the councils of Nicaea, Constantinople, and Chalcedon addressed these challenges and defined orthodox Christology.He also clarifies the distinction between the Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox traditions as stemming from different understandings of Christ’s nature, rooted in the outcomes of the Council of Chalcedon. The talk underscores the importance of tradition, councils, and creeds in maintaining the faith and worship practices of the church.#OrthodoxChurch #ChurchHistory #EarlyChurch #EcumenicalCouncils #ChristianTradition #ApostolicSuccession #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

Eric Tadros discusses what it means to fulfill the mission of Orthodox Christians by focusing on living a God-centered life rooted in Orthodoxy. He explores the meaning of mission beyond traditional evangelism, emphasizing the Great Commission and the importance of embodying the faith through repentance, confession, obedience, knowledge, prayer, and acceptance.Eric explains the role of the sacraments, especially confession, in cleansing and preparing believers to receive the Holy Spirit for effective witness. He highlights obedience as a key challenge and virtue in living Orthodox faith daily, illustrating its transformative power through Biblical and monastic examples. The talk stresses knowledge combined with virtue, continual prayer, and openness to the missionary call within every believer’s life.By acquiring the Holy Spirit and living the Orthodox way, Christians become witnesses through their transformed lives, fulfilling their mission to be light to the world.#OrthodoxChristianity #GreatCommission #ChristianMission #HolySpirit #FaithInAction #OrthodoxFaith #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 explores nine lessons from the life of the prophet Samuel in this teaching, focusing on the final three. He discusses the importance of giving God what He commands rather than what we think will please Him, using King Saul’s disobedience as a key example. Fr. Matthias highlights how God’s instructions are specific and must be followed with obedience, not just good intentions.He then examines how to handle disappointments when God’s plans differ from our expectations, illustrating this through Samuel’s grief over Saul’s rejection and God’s selection of David as the true king. Lastly, Fr. Matthias reflects on the difference between outward appearances and the heart, emphasizing that God judges by inner intentions rather than external looks, as seen in David’s anointing.This message encourages faith, obedience, and trust in God’s ways even when they challenge our understanding.#ProphetSamuel #ChristianTeaching #FaithAndObedience #GodsPlan #BiblicalLessons #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. James Gendi explores the meaning of the Kingdom of God through the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on Jesus’ miracles and the response of the Pharisees. He explains the kingdom not as an earthly realm as the Jews expected, but as a spiritual reality present both now and in the life to come. Fr. James discusses how Christ’s casting out of demons signals the arrival of God’s kingdom, illustrating that Christ’s victory over Satan enables freedom from sin and spiritual captivity.He emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is within us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and that living in the kingdom involves repentance and transformation of the heart rather than worldly power or signs. Fr. James also shares stories and parables illustrating how we experience the kingdom here on earth while awaiting its fullness in the afterlife. This teaching invites reflection on faith, freedom, and God’s presence among believers.#KingdomOfGod #FrJamesGendi #ChristianFaith #SpiritualFreedom #JesusMiracles #GospelOfMatthew #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 on lessons from the life of Samuel the Prophet, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how Samuel interceded for the people of Israel by taking their sins upon himself and praying for their forgiveness. Fr. Matthias reflects on the role of an intercessor, comparing Samuel's example to Moses’ willingness to share in the people's consequences. Emphasizing trust in God over human leaders, he discusses Israel’s desire for a physical king as a rejection of God’s kingship and the implications of seeking security in earthly things.Fr. Matthias also highlights Samuel’s response to rejection by continuing to pray for and love those who turned away from him, offering guidance on handling personal rejection without retaliation or bitterness. The talk includes practical advice on self-reflection, forgiveness, and restoration based on biblical teachings, encouraging viewers to embody the spirit of intercession and trust in God’s providence.#SamuelTheProphet #ChristianIntercession #TrustInGod #BiblicalLessons #FaithAndForgiveness #SpiritualRestoration #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