St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Great Banquet from Luke 14, explaining the spiritual meaning behind God's invitation to salvation and union with Christ. Fr. Matthias discusses how this invitation represents both a general call to live a holy life and a specific call to use one’s God-given talents in service. He addresses common excuses people offer for not responding to God's call, such as personal obligations or discomfort, and challenges listeners to evaluate their true priorities.Drawing on scripture, including Isaiah’s readiness to serve and teachings on discipleship, Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of commitment, sacrifice, and intentional living in responding to God's calling. He encourages a personal and wholehearted “send me” attitude to participate fully in the spiritual life and service within the church community.#GreatBanquet #GodsInvitation #ChristianDiscipleship #CallToServe #FaithAndService #SpiritualCommitment #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

Michael Sedrak explores the concept of living a continuous life of thanksgiving grounded in faith, humility, and patience. He explains that thanksgiving is not limited to specific moments but should permeate every aspect of our lives, even amid trials and tribulations. Michael discusses different levels of gratitude, from thanking God for evident blessings to giving thanks for unseen protection and challenges that strengthen faith.He highlights key reasons why believers may struggle to maintain gratitude, such as pride, fear, and forgetfulness of God’s provision. Drawing from scripture and historical examples, including the perseverance of persecuted Christians, Michael emphasizes the transformative power of faith in fostering thanksgiving. He also reflects on the importance of spiritual friendships, health, work, and family as continual sources of gratitude.Michael concludes by describing a cycle of prayer, rejoicing, and thanksgiving that sustains Christian life, encouraging viewers to cultivate this ongoing spiritual practice.#LifeOfThanksgiving #ChristianFaith #GratitudeInChrist #FaithAndThanksgiving #SpiritualGrowth #ThankfulnessEveryday #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 concludes his study on Philippians 4 by exploring St. Paul’s message about the mindset believers should have, especially during suffering. Drawing from St. Paul’s imprisonment, Fr. Matthias explains how joy stems not from worldly success but from a deep relationship with God and faith in His presence. He highlights the call to stand fast in the Lord as citizens of heaven living in a challenging earthly exile and resisting worldly pressures.Fr. Matthias emphasizes rejoicing in the Lord, contentment in all circumstances, and the power of prayer with thanksgiving to overcome anxiety. He unpacks how God’s peace guards our hearts and minds and encourages meditating on virtues that reflect God’s goodness. The talk underscores imitating St. Paul’s example of gentleness, faith, and spiritual discipline for a life rooted in the Holy Spirit. This teaching guides believers to find peace and joy regardless of external trials.#Philippians4 #ChristianMindset #FaithInSuffering #GodsPeace #BibleStudy #SpiritualDiscipline #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 continues exploring the themes of joy and perseverance in Saint Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual training through consistent practice of faith rather than seeking new teachings. Fr. Matthias explains Paul’s warning against Judaizers who insisted on physical circumcision, contrasting it with the true righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.He reflects on Paul’s message of counting worldly gains as loss to attain true knowledge of Christ, highlighting the necessity of embracing suffering and carrying the cross as part of Christian discipleship. Fr. Matthias also discusses the process of spiritual growth, the power of the Resurrection experienced inwardly, and urges believers to press toward the heavenly goal with persistence, using Paul and the saints as examples to follow. The teaching challenges listeners to deepen their relationship with God through faithful obedience rather than mere intellectual understanding.#Philippians3 #BibleStudy #FaithInChrist #ChristianDiscipleship #SpiritualPerseverance #KnowChrist #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 Philippians chapter 2, highlighting Saint Paul's call for unity, humility, and self-sacrifice modeled after Christ. He explains how true comfort comes from Christ alone, not from worldly circumstances or others, emphasizing the importance of relying on God amid trials. Fr. Matthias discusses the role of love, fellowship, and mutual care within the Christian community, urging believers to consider others' interests and avoid selfish ambition.The talk addresses practical Christian living—working out salvation with reverence, avoiding complaining and disputes, and holding fast to God’s word. Using biblical examples, Fr. Matthias encourages embracing humility and obedience, reflecting the mindset of Christ who humbled Himself for humanity's salvation. The message concludes with an appeal to live blameless and shine as lights in a challenging world, drawing strength from God’s presence and promises.#Philippians2 #MindOfChrist #ChristianLiving #HumilityInChrist #BibleStudy #FrMatthiasShehad #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 continues his exploration of the book of Joshua, focusing on chapters 11 through 13. He discusses Joshua’s final conquests in Canaan, highlighting the battles against a coalition of northern kings and the divine strategy that combined human effort with God's power. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of God’s commands to utterly destroy the Canaanite kings and the role of Joshua in faithfully carrying out Moses' instructions.He also covers the comprehensive list of thirty-one defeated kings and the division of the land among the Israelite tribes by lot, emphasizing the cooperation between divine will and human action. Fr. Matthias addresses the tribe of Levi’s unique inheritance and the ongoing presence of unconquered lands, setting the stage for future battles. Throughout, he reflects on faith, obedience, and the spiritual dynamics of hardening of hearts and repentance in the biblical narrative.#JoshuaBibleStudy #ConquestOfCanaan #BiblicalHistory #FaithAndObedience #DivineStrategy #31Kings #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

Sandra Mathoslah, PharmD, explores the connection between fasting, nutrition, and spirituality in this seminar focused on nourishing the body to support the soul. Sandra emphasizes the importance of whole, unprocessed foods during fasting, highlighting the roles of plants, protein, and fats in a balanced diet. She discusses practical swaps for fasting meals, such as replacing animal protein with legumes and tofu, and cautions against using heated olive oil and processed vegan substitutes.Sandra also covers hydration and electrolyte balance, the benefits of fermented foods for gut health, and mindful eating practices during fasting. She addresses supplement use, recommending careful selection with a focus on vitamin B12 and D, and shares tips for creating simple, nutritious meals and snacks. Throughout, she connects dietary choices to spiritual well-being, encouraging viewers to see food as essential fuel to serve God and others.#ChristianFasting #SpiritualNutrition #FaithAndHealth #MindfulFasting #NourishTheSoul #HealthyChristianLiving #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.G. Metropolitan Youssef presents a detailed Bible study on Psalm 19:8-14, exploring how God's word reveals His holiness, justice, and grace. He explains the titles, descriptions, and effects of God's law, commandments, fear, and judgments, emphasizing their role in guiding, enlightening, and purifying believers. Metropolitan Youssef highlights King David’s reflections on the value of God’s word as more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey, offering warnings and rewarding obedience.The study includes a prayer from David for cleansing from secret faults and protection from willful sins, underscoring the need for divine grace in overcoming sin. It concludes with a reminder that true godliness involves the sanctification of both heart and speech, and closes with a recognition of Christ as Strength and Redeemer, through whom prayers are accepted by God.This teaching deepens understanding of Psalm 19’s spiritual message and its application in the Christian life.#Psalm19 #BibleStudy #GodsWord #ChristianPrayer #MetropolitanYoussef #ScriptureReflection #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 examines Exodus 20:12-16, focusing on the 5th to 9th commandments. He explains the differences in how various Christian traditions number the Ten Commandments and highlights the distinct themes dividing the commandments related to God from those concerning neighborly relationships. Fr. Matthias explores the commandment to honor one’s parents, discussing its unique promise and societal implications, and reflects on obedience both in childhood and adulthood.He addresses the commandment against murder, clarifying the distinction between lawful and unlawful killing and the authority God grants to governments. The talk also covers the commandment against adultery, emphasizing the spiritual and familial impact of sexual immorality, and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of marriage.Fr. Matthias discusses the commandments against stealing and bearing false witness, relating these laws to faith in God’s provision and the pursuit of truth in a society that often disregards it. Throughout, he connects these commandments to practical Christian living, family dynamics, and spiritual integrity.#TenCommandments #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #Exodus20 #FaithAndMorality #FrMatthiasShehad #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 Exodus 19:12-20:11, focusing on the first four commandments. He begins by reviewing Israel’s arrival at Mount Sinai, God’s covenant, and the significance of physical holiness in Scripture, emphasizing how God imbues physical objects and places, like the mountain and the church, with spiritual importance.Fr. Matthias explains the boundaries God set around Sinai and the preparation required before His revelation. He discusses the difference between Old and New Testament manifestations of God’s presence, highlighting the fear inspired by God’s voice in the Old Testament compared to Christ’s accessibility in the New Testament.The first four commandments are analyzed, showing their role in regulating humanity’s relationship with God. Fr. Matthias clarifies interpretations of the commandments, the meaning behind prohibitions on idols, the importance of reverence for God’s name, and the purpose of the Sabbath. He also addresses common misunderstandings about icons and intercessory prayer in Orthodox Christianity.This study provides foundational insights into the Ten Commandments, God’s covenant, and their spiritual relevance.#Exodus #TenCommandments #BibleStudy #OrthodoxChristianity #MountSinai #SpiritualHoliness #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