St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining the early miracles of Christ recorded across different accounts. He discusses key miracles such as the healing of the nobleman’s son at Capernaum, the casting out of a demon-possessed man in the synagogue, the healing of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, and the cleansing of a leper. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of Jesus’ authority in teaching and miracles, the role of faith in healing, and the deeper spiritual meanings behind these events. He also addresses how Christ balanced his healing ministry with his mission to preach the kingdom of God, emphasizing the importance of prayer, faith, and understanding Old Testament law fulfillment. The discussion includes insights on demon possession, the nature of Christ’s miracles, and how the public’s response to Jesus evolved during his ministry.#MiraclesOfChrist #HarmonyOfTheGospels #BibleStudy #FaithAndHealing #JesusMiracles #GospelTeachings #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 harmony of the Gospels through Christ’s return to Galilee, His encounter in the synagogue at Nazareth, and the calling of the first apostles. Fr. Matthias explains the historical and spiritual significance of the synagogue as a place of assembly and scripture reading, contrasting it with the Old Testament sacrificial system. He examines Jesus’ proclamation of His mission by reading from Isaiah 61, emphasizing His role as the Anointed One bringing spiritual liberation and the “acceptable year of the Lord,” understood as an eternal Jubilee.Fr. Matthias also discusses the skepticism Jesus faced in His hometown and the reasons for people’s rejection of Him. He then details the calling of fishermen Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, highlighting their immediate response to follow Jesus and the transformative nature of their calling. This study looks at themes of faith, submission, and the true value of discipleship grounded in service and trust in God’s plan.#HarmonyOfTheGospels #BibleStudy #JesusInNazareth #CallingOfTheApostles #FaithAndDiscipleship #ChristTheAnointedOne #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 meaning of discipleship according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He explains that being a true disciple requires carrying one's cross, which involves self-discipline, repentance, and perseverance despite the challenges faced in life. Fr. Matthias clarifies the call to prioritize commitment to God above all relationships and examines the spiritual battle believers face against unseen forces of evil.He emphasizes the importance of planning and understanding the cost of following Christ, likening discipleship to building a tower or preparing for war. Fr. Matthias stresses that victory in this spiritual war is only possible through God’s help and calls for vigilance and continual reliance on prayer, confession, and faith. The message encourages believers to remain steadfast, recognizing the reality of the spiritual struggle and seeking God’s protection.#Discipleship #FaithInChrist #SpiritualWar #ChristianSermon #FollowJesus #WalkingWithGod #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. Polycarpus Shoukry explores how marriage transforms a personal relationship with God into a shared spiritual journey between spouses. He contrasts societal views of marriage as a contract with the Church’s understanding of it as a sacred covenant and one of the seven sacraments designed to unite couples with God.Fr. Polycarpus emphasizes prioritizing a relationship with God within marriage, encouraging couples to view their union as a path from Earth to Heaven, supported by prayer, mutual support, and self-sacrifice. He discusses the importance of embracing each other's hidden traits, growing together in virtue, and maintaining unity through shared spiritual goals.Using scriptural and theological insights, including quotes from Church Fathers and psychological concepts like Carl Jung’s shadow and persona, Fr. Polycarpus guides couples to transform everyday challenges into opportunities for spiritual growth and martyrdom within marriage. This talk encourages couples to cultivate harmony, love, and faith as essential elements in fulfilling their covenant before God.#ChristianMarriage #SacredCovenant #FaithInMarriage #SpiritualGrowth #MarriageAndFaith #RelationshipWithGod #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 talk, Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry explores the theme of internal peace and spiritual balance. He compares the loss of physical balance to disturbances in our spiritual lives caused by sin, negativity, and external challenges. Fr. Polycarpus encourages holding firmly to the promises of God as a source of stability and peace, drawing on the example from Song of Songs where the soul searches for and ultimately clings to its beloved.He illustrates the importance of trusting God’s words and resting in His promises, even when circumstances feel uncertain. Fr. Polycarpus also highlights how maintaining positive speech and mindset influences inner peace, reminding listeners that what fills the heart will reflect in their words. The talk concludes with a prayer for God’s peace, guidance, and a hopeful outlook through faith and trust in God’s fatherly care.#InternalPeace #ChristianFaith #TrustInGod #SpiritualBalance #GodsPromises #FaithAndHope #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 St. Monica Parenting Meeting, Fr. Younan William explores the challenges of balanced parenting based on a verse from the book of Sirach. Fr. Younan discusses the dangers of extreme leniency and harshness in raising children, emphasizing the need for a middle ground that combines love with discipline, nurturing with structure, and freedom with boundaries.He explains how parents can maintain this balance by using authority, persuasion, love, and prayer while respecting children’s free will and preparing them for independence. Fr. Younan draws from biblical examples and personal experiences to highlight the importance of consistent rules, teaching obedience, and fostering a healthy relationship with church authority.The talk addresses common struggles such as parental guilt, managing misbehavior, and helping children develop spiritual habits without overwhelming them. Fr. Younan concludes by encouraging parents to rely on God’s grace and pray continuously for their children as an essential part of their upbringing.#ChristianParenting #FaithAndFamily #StMonicaMeeting #BalancedParenting #ParentingWithPrayer #FrYounanWilliam #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 talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the communication differences between men and women in marriage, emphasizing how these distinctions impact understanding and conflict resolution. He explains the metaphor of men being like "waffles," compartmentalizing tasks, while women are like "spaghetti," processing life in interconnected ways. Fr. Matthias discusses how men focus on problem-solving and often withdraw into solitude to manage stress, whereas women seek emotional connection through communication.He highlights how these inherent differences affect decision-making, language use, and expressions of self-worth within marriage. Fr. Matthias addresses common misunderstandings that arise when men and women interpret words and intentions differently and stresses the importance of empathy, clear communication, and mutual respect. Through recognizing these differences and working toward compromise, couples can build stronger relationships rooted in love and understanding.#ChristianMarriage #CommunicationInMarriage #MarriageAdvice #FaithAndFamily #FrMatthiasShehad #MarriageInChrist #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 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.#ChristianJoy #ServeWithJoy #GodsLove #SpiritualGrowth #FaithInAction #JoyInServing #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

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.#Psalm139 #GodsOmniscience #GodsOmnipresence #BibleStudy #MetropolitanYoussef #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

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.#ChristianParenting #SiblingRelationships #FamilyHarmony #FaithAndFamily #ParentingTips #StMonicaMeeting #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