St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

07-07-2019 What’s Your Choice? Sermon by Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry

Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry explores the importance of integrity in daily life and faith. He illustrates integrity as doing the right thing even when no one is watching and shares personal stories to highlight challenges we face in maintaining it. Fr. Polycarpus emphasizes that integrity is the core of a person’s being, comparing it to the center of a pizza, essential for wholeness.He reflects on biblical teachings, including warnings about hypocrisy from Luke and Matthew, and the example of King David’s Psalms as a guide for living with integrity. Fr. Polycarpus encourages viewers to choose honesty in all areas—work, school, and family—and stresses that integrity protects us spiritually and morally. The message calls for commitment to integrity as a path toward becoming more Christ-like and preserving righteousness in everyday decisions.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

06-23-2019 The Harvest: Salvation in the Orthodox Understanding (Part 6)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his series on salvation in the Orthodox Church by focusing on the sacrament of confession. He reviews the biblical and patristic foundations for confessing sins to a priest, explaining the priest’s unique role in binding and loosing sins through the Holy Spirit’s authority given by Christ to the Apostles. Fr. Matthias elaborates on how confession complements baptism by continually cleansing daily sins, likening baptism to a full bath and confession to washing one’s feet.The talk addresses practical advice for preparing for confession, emphasizing sincere repentance and the importance of acknowledging all personal failings, not just major sins. Fr. Matthias explains the absolution prayer, the necessity of honesty in confession, and how forgiveness restores the penitent through God’s grace. He also clarifies that absolution depends on true repentance and sincerity, not simply on the priest’s words, highlighting the spiritual healing available through this sacrament in the Orthodox faith.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

04-04-2019 Fellowship Meeting: Philemon

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Epistle to Philemon, one of St. Paul’s prison letters, offering detailed commentary on its themes and historical context. He explains how St. Paul, writing from prison, appeals to Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus, a runaway slave who became a Christian and now serves alongside Paul. Fr. Matthias highlights the spiritual transformation that abolishes social distinctions, emphasizing Christian brotherhood over slavery.The talk addresses the cultural and legal realities of the time, St. Paul's pastoral wisdom in his appeal, and the significance of voluntary forgiveness. It also reflects on the use of gifts in the church community, the role of intercession, and how God can bring good even from difficult situations. This comprehensive study sheds light on forgiveness, Christian service, and the enduring impact of faith in challenging circumstances.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

04-26-2018 Fellowship Meeting: Tobit 9-10

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of the Book of Tobit, focusing on chapters 9 and 10. He examines the journey of Tobias, his marriage to Sarah, and the role of the Archangel Raphael, who guides and protects them throughout. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of discerning God's voice through wise counsel, addressing common obstacles like pride, rebellion, ignorance, and fear that prevent people from listening.The talk highlights practical advice on trusting God's will in decision-making, emphasizing prayer, faith, and seeking guidance while recognizing the priest’s role as providing insight but not definitive answers. Fr. Matthias also delves into the challenges of anxiety and pessimism, encouraging reliance on God’s faithfulness amid uncertainty. The story of Tobias exemplifies obedience and trust, culminating in blessings and the celebration of a marriage founded on the fear of the Lord.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

5-10-2018 Fellowship Meeting: Tobit 13-14

In this fellowship meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes the study of the Book of Tobit, focusing on chapters 13 and 14. He explores Tobit's life during the Assyrian captivity, his blindness, and the journey of his son Tobias accompanied by Archangel Raphael in disguise. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual symbolism of the story, relating it to the Church’s salvation through Christ as the bridegroom.The discussion delves into Tobit’s prayer of praise, emphasizing God’s eternity, mercy, and chastisement as a form of divine love. Fr. Matthias highlights themes of faith, repentance, suffering, and hope, addressing how believers should balance acknowledging their sins with trusting in God’s mercy.The talk also covers the prophetic elements in Tobit about Israel’s exile, Jerusalem’s restoration, and the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. Finally, Fr. Matthias discusses the canonical history of Tobit, the Septuagint’s role, and how the Old Testament prophecies point to Christ and the New Jerusalem.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

5-3-2018 Fellowship Meeting: Tobit 11-12

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of the Book of Tobit, focusing on chapters 11 and 12, highlighting key moments such as Tobias’s return home, the healing of Tobit’s blindness through the fish’s gall, and the role of Archangel Raphael. He explores the spiritual symbolism in the narrative, emphasizing faith, obedience, and God’s providence amid trials. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of worship upon returning home and the communal aspect of faith expressed through family prayer and thanksgiving.The talk also delves into the biblical foundation for guardian angels and their intercession, supported by scripture references including Matthew 18:10 and Psalm 34:7. Fr. Matthias discusses the spiritual meaning of almsgiving, prayer, fasting, and the revelation of divine works for God’s glory. The message underlines the transformation from suffering to joy through faith and God’s mercy, inviting believers to recognize God’s guidance and grace in their own lives.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

4-19-2018 Fellowship Meeting: Tobit 7-8

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the exploration of the Book of Tobit, focusing on chapters 7 and 8. He explains the canonical status of Tobit in Orthodox tradition, its historical context during the Assyrian exile, and the righteous life of Tobit who buries the dead despite risk. The discussion covers Tobias’ journey with the Archangel Raphael, the story of Sarah and her struggle with a demon, and how God orchestrates their meeting to overcome their trials.Fr. Matthias highlights themes of faith, doubt, and divine providence, showing how God works through ordinary means and circumstances. He elaborates on marriage according to Mosaic law and emphasizes prayer, trust, and obedience to God in difficult times. The talk ends with reflections on worship as a wholehearted sacrifice, connecting Tobit’s story to Christian spiritual life and perseverance.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

3-29-2018 Fellowship Meeting: Tobit 5-6

Fr. Matthias explores chapters 5 and 6 of the Book of Tobit, highlighting Tobit's blindness and family struggles, and Tobias’ mission to retrieve a debt to support them. Fr. Matthias explains how God works secretly through people and circumstances, introducing the angel Raphael as Tobias’ guide, and discusses the importance of faith and internal peace amid suffering.He emphasizes that experiencing negative emotions does not equate to lack of faith, using biblical examples like Tobit, Job, David, and Elijah. Fr. Matthias discusses how spiritual peace differs from worldly peace and encourages trusting God’s plan even when it involves trials.The talk also covers Tobias’ encounter with a giant fish, the symbolic victory over evil by obeying God, and the significance of marriage motivated by love and faithfulness rather than lust. Fr. Matthias explains how God’s healing power is manifest in the story and the role of obedience in discerning God’s will.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

3-22-2018 Fellowship Meeting: Tobit 3-4

In this fellowship meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Tobit chapters 3 and 4, focusing on Tobit's prayer of trust in God's justice and mercy amid suffering and blindness. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of humility, self-examination, and recognizing that God's plans often extend beyond immediate circumstances. The talk highlights Tobit's compassion and intercession for his people, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Moses.Fr. Matthias also introduces Sarah’s story, explaining the significance of her seven failed marriages and the demon Asmodeus as a symbol of lust versus true love. He emphasizes the meaning of almsgiving, obedience to God’s commandments, and living a life with God constantly in mind. The message encourages consistent faith, mercy toward others, and trust in God's timing and purposes, even in trials.This teaching connects biblical narratives with practical spiritual guidance on prayer, humility, purity, stewardship, and seeking wisdom through God’s counsel.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

3-15-2018 Fellowship Meeting: Tobit 1-2

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Book of Tobit, a deuterocanonical text accepted in the Orthodox tradition but excluded by Protestant Bibles. He explains the meaning of "canon" and the historical process through which the Church determined which books were inspired Scripture, emphasizing the Septuagint's role as the Old Testament used by Christ. Fr. Matthias outlines the historical setting of Tobit’s story during the Assyrian exile of the northern kingdom of Israel, highlighting Tobit’s faith, righteousness, and acts of charity despite suffering and blindness. He discusses Tobit’s commitment to burying the dead at great personal risk and the spiritual lessons on enduring suffering with hope in eternal life. Fr. Matthias connects Tobit’s trials to Old Testament prophecies and encourages reflection on serving others amid hardship, illustrating how faith is maintained in difficult circumstances.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