St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

”I Have Come as a Light into the World” | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on Jesus Christ as the light of the world, emphasizing how believers are called to reflect His light to others. He explains that when God's light shines within us, it enables us to see God’s work in our lives, understand His commandments, and find hope in our calling as children of God. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of spiritual self-reflection, helping us recognize our weaknesses and repent. He highlights the challenge and necessity of loving others, even in the midst of personal brokenness.Fr. Matthias also explains how this enlightenment is received—through the sacraments, the word of God, and by continually looking to God for guidance and strength. Drawing on biblical examples, he encourages believers to trust in God's protection and presence in all 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

Self-Understanding | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of self-understanding through the healing of the man born blind by Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of seeing ourselves clearly, not by comparing to others, but by measuring against Scripture and God’s design for humanity. Fr. Matthias discusses how true self-awareness reveals both strengths and weaknesses, encouraging humility, repentance, and growth.He highlights practical ways to deepen self-knowledge, such as prayer, Bible study, and listening to sermons. Understanding ourselves helps us make better decisions, maintain healthier relationships, and serve others effectively. The message stresses the dangers of self-ignorance, including poor choices, strained relationships, and repeated failures. Fr. Matthias invites believers to ask God for spiritual sight to truly know themselves and reflect Christ’s healing in their 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

Q&A Session | St. Monica Parenting Meeting (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Q&A session from the St. Monica Parenting Meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses common challenges parents face in nurturing the spiritual and emotional health of their children. Fr. Matthias explores detrimental parenting behaviors such as authoritarianism, permissiveness, neglect, and the impact of parental conflict on children. He emphasizes the importance of positive discipline, consistency, modeling good behavior, and maintaining open, respectful communication within the family.Fr. Matthias also discusses how to approach children struggling with ungodly behavior without judgment, the balance between being a parent and a friend, and guiding children’s choice of friends. Practical advice is shared on setting family habits that foster a Christ-centered home, managing discipline systems, and handling common issues like children’s interests differing from gender norms or reluctance to participate in prayer and church.Throughout, Fr. Matthias highlights the long-term perspective in parenting, encouraging patience, humility, and grace in raising children.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

Orthodox Afterlife Series: Part 4 | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the Orthodox Afterlife Series by exploring the concept of "The Harvest," the spiritual journey of the soul after death. He discusses near-death experiences and the role of guardian angels in guiding souls through the transition from earthly life to the afterlife, referencing Scripture, the Church Fathers, and contemporary monastic teachings. Fr. Matthias explains the presence of angels and demons at the time of death, highlighting the spiritual challenges faced by the soul in the crossing-over process. He clarifies Orthodox beliefs about the afterlife, including the rejection of the toll houses doctrine while affirming the reality of spiritual temptations and divine protection through angels. The talk also shares historical and modern accounts of interactions with guardian angels and the importance of prayer for protection during this passage.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

March 31st, 2020 | Q&A (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses questions related to faith and practice during challenging times. He explores historical instances when Coptic churches were closed, highlighting perseverance in prayer at home and the enduring love of Christ.Fr. Matthias discusses the impact of body-related compliments, emphasizing discernment and respect in communication. He explains why the Coptic Orthodox Church chants its liturgy, tracing its roots to Jewish worship and its role in creating a spiritual experience that reflects heavenly worship.The talk also covers how to approach reading spiritual books, stressing the importance of knowing the authors’ backgrounds and exercising discernment, especially for beginners. Fr. Matthias clarifies the use of respectful titles for clergy, connecting it to honoring the priesthood rather than personal character.Throughout, he encourages spiritual guidance and balanced growth in the faith, underscoring that prayer and worship continue even outside the physical church.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

Harmony of the Gospels [The Man Born Blind & The Good Shepherd] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining two key passages from the Gospel of John: the healing of the man born blind and Jesus’ teaching as the Good Shepherd. Fr. Matthias addresses the disciples’ mistaken belief that suffering is always due to personal sin, explaining the deeper spiritual meaning behind this miracle and how God’s glory is revealed through trials.He unpacks the healing story, including the dialogues between the healed man, his neighbors, the Pharisees, and Jesus, highlighting themes of faith, spiritual blindness, and the journey to recognizing Christ as the Son of God.Fr. Matthias then explains Jesus’ parable of the Good Shepherd, illustrating the distinction between true and false leaders and emphasizing Christ’s self-sacrificial love for his flock. This teaching also points to the inclusivity of salvation for all—Jews and Gentiles alike.This study offers reflections on faith, suffering, divine authority, and the nature of Christ’s pastoral care.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

Harmony of the Gospels [The Feast & The Paralyzed Man] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralyzed man in John chapter 5 within the context of the Jewish feast mentioned. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of the Pool of Bethesda, its location by the Sheep Gate, and its symbolic meaning relating to the Jewish people and the Law of Moses. He examines the dialogue between Jesus and the paralyzed man, highlighting the man’s long suffering, Jesus’ healing authority beyond the pool, and the man’s response of faith and gratitude.Fr. Matthias also discusses the controversy surrounding Jesus healing on the Sabbath and clarifies the true purpose of the Sabbath as a day of doing good in alignment with the Father’s ongoing work. A theological discourse follows on the unity between the Father and the Son, focusing on Jesus’ divine authority, the role of faith in Him for eternal life, and the final resurrection and judgment. The study concludes with reflections on rejecting true prophets and the importance of embracing the Messiah promised in the Scriptures.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

Harmony of the Gospels [The Bread of Life] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels by exploring John chapter 6, focusing on the identity of Christ as the Bread of Life. He explains the context following the miracle of feeding the 5,000 and the significance of Jesus’ teaching on spiritual nourishment versus physical sustenance. Fr. Matthias addresses the misunderstanding of the crowd seeking only physical blessings instead of eternal life, emphasizing the necessity of faith and internal transformation over mere works.The talk delves into Christ’s declaration “I am the bread of life,” highlighting the connection to the Eucharist and its central role in salvation. Fr. Matthias clarifies the relationship between physical and spiritual realities in the sacraments, explaining how consuming Christ’s flesh and blood symbolizes union with Him and eternal life. He also reflects on the challenges faced by those who struggled with this teaching and the importance of continued faith despite difficult doctrines.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

Harmony of the Gospels [Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the Harmony of the Gospels Bible study through the events of Holy Tuesday in Holy Week, focusing on how Christ responds to confrontation and traps from the chief priests, scribes, elders, Pharisees, and Herodians.Fr. Matthias walks through Jesus being questioned about His authority in the temple and explains why Christ answers by asking about the baptism of John, exposing the leaders’ fear of the people and unwillingness to commit to the truth. He then covers the Parable of the Two Sons, contrasting outward religiosity with repentance and obedience, and connects it to tax collectors and harlots entering the kingdom of God before self-righteous leaders.Fr. Matthias explains the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers across Matthew, Mark, and Luke, identifying the vineyard, the prophets, the Son, the rejected cornerstone, and the transfer of the kingdom to a people bearing fruit. He concludes with “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” including a discussion on worship, authority, and the image of God in man.Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StPaulHoustonLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stpaulhouston/Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

God Prepares Us for Salvation [Through His Word] | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how God prepares us for salvation through His Word, focusing on the prophetic role of Zacharias and the calling each believer receives to live purposefully. He reflects on the importance of recognizing personal vocation beyond formal roles, emphasizing living a Christian life as a witness in a challenging world. Fr. Matthias discusses the themes of divine judgment, using Noah’s story as a call to readiness and preparation. He also highlights how God equips us for hardships, illustrated through Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream, encouraging believers to trust God through trials. The message includes how prophecy strengthens the faithful, referencing Daniel’s vision during Israel’s exile, and concludes with the example of the wise men who followed divine guidance to worship Christ. This sermon invites listeners to respond actively to God’s call, seeking Christ not only for blessings but as an offering of love and devotion.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