St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Eric Tadros discusses the biblical theme of mercy and truth based on Psalm 85: "Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed." He explains how this verse prophesies Christ as the fulfillment of both mercy and truth—truth through the Old Testament law and mercy through Christ’s sacrifice. Eric emphasizes that mercy and truth are inseparable; mercy without truth becomes a license to sin, while truth without mercy leads to cruelty.Using examples from the Gospels, including the Samaritan woman, the woman caught in adultery, and the prodigal son, Eric illustrates how Christ balanced truth and mercy. He underlines the importance of self-reflection, confession, and love in applying these principles in personal relationships and society. Eric encourages believers to follow Christ’s example, offering mercy with discernment while upholding the truth to foster repentance and spiritual growth.#MercyAndTruth #Psalm85 #EricTadros #ChristianTeaching #ChristOurMercy #SpiritualGrowth #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, Gerges Gad explores the role of the Virgin St. Mary within the Coptic rites, emphasizing her unique position as the Theotokos or Mother of God. Gerges discusses the significance of the Virgin Mary fast, her appearance in daily prayers and hymns, and her veneration distinct from worship. He explains her depiction in icons, her place in liturgical practices such as the Agbaya prayers, incense offerings, and the Holy Matrimony sacrament.Gerges also examines theological aspects, including the title Theotokos affirmed at the Council of Ephesus, and contrasts Orthodox views with Catholic and Protestant perspectives on Mary. He highlights Marian symbolism in the liturgy, the connection to Christ's incarnation, and the theological meaning behind hymns and rituals involving her.This study offers an in-depth look at Marian devotion in the Coptic Orthodox tradition and the integration of her veneration into worship and sacramental life.#VirginMary #CopticOrthodox #Theotokos #MarianDevotion #BibleStudy #CopticRites #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 of Ecclesiastes 3:1, emphasizing the concept of life's seasons and their divine purpose. He explains how understanding these seasons can help believers navigate both joyful and challenging times, highlighting lessons such as the importance of patience, planning, and spiritual growth.Fr. Matthias also addresses related biblical questions, including the significance of Old Testament laws on mixing seeds and fabrics as a call for spiritual purity and separation from worldly influences. He discusses the necessity of attending liturgy to fully partake in communion, emphasizing the communal and transformative nature of worship. Additional topics include the meaning behind Psalm 70’s “Aha” expression of triumph, the offense some experienced to Christ’s message, the reason Mary Magdalene was told not to touch the risen Christ, and how to balance assertiveness with humility based on scriptural guidance.This session offers biblical insights on faith, obedience, and practical Christian living.#Ecclesiastes3 #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #BiblicalTeaching #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianLiving #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. Polycarpus Shoukry explores the biblical foundation and rich symbolism behind the raising of incense during Vespers and Matins in the Coptic Orthodox tradition. He guides viewers through the structure of these services, focusing on the prayer of incense, its historical practice, and deep roots in Scripture, particularly the Old Testament offerings from Numbers 28-29.Fr. Polycarpus explains how these offerings relate to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and the ongoing spiritual practice of offering ourselves as living sacrifices in repentance. He highlights the procession of incense, the intercession of saints, and the connection between the daily burnt offerings and our personal prayers of repentance. The study also clarifies how these practices prepare believers for the Eucharist and foster continual repentance and communion with God.This teaching invites reflection on the meaning and importance of Vespers and Matins as essential parts of daily worship and growth in faith.#CopticOrthodox #RaisingOfIncense #BibleStudy #VespersAndMatins #ChristianWorship #FrPolycarpusShoukry #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 provides a detailed overview of the Old Testament, tracing its narrative from creation through the major periods of Israelite history. He explains key events including the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Exodus led by Moses, the wilderness journey, and the conquest of Canaan. Fr. Polycarpus highlights the establishment of the priesthood and the significance of the Old Testament laws and sacrifices as foundations for understanding the New Testament.He explores the division of the kingdom into Israel (north) and Judah (south), discussing the succession of kings in both kingdoms, their spiritual and political struggles, and the role of prophets such as Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea. The lecture covers the spiritual decline leading to the exile under Assyria and Babylon, and the eventual return and restoration efforts led by figures like Nehemiah.Fr. Polycarpus emphasizes the value of studying the Old Testament as a guide to the New Testament, providing historical context and enhancing comprehension of biblical themes, liturgy, and the mindset of the disciples.#OldTestament #BibleStudy #FrPolycarpusShoukry #IsraeliteHistory #BiblicalProphets #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

Fr. Younan William explores the concept and practical dimensions of leadership, emphasizing its foundational role in any organization, including the church. He reviews several definitions of leadership by notable figures like John Maxwell, highlighting that leadership begins with self-leadership and extends through influence, vision, and hope.Fr. Younan explains the five levels of leadership, from positional authority to personal influence, illustrating how true leadership grows through permission, production, and people development. He stresses that effective leaders balance relationships, results, and empowerment to sustain organizational growth. Using biblical references and modern examples, he shows leadership as a call to serve, develop others, and foster trust and cohesion.The talk examines different leadership styles and the need for flexibility depending on the situation. Fr. Younan also discusses common pitfalls in leadership, such as insecurity, control, and failure to delegate. He encourages leaders to cultivate humility, vision, and a commitment to developing those they lead.#ChristianLeadership #FaithInLeadership #ServantLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #BiblicalLeadership #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 discusses the importance of teaching children the joy of repentance within the family. He explores the purpose of repentance, emphasizing that its true goal is union with God rather than simply discipline, remorse, or confession. Fr. Polycarpus highlights how parents must model repentance and maintain a spiritual life centered on the Holy Spirit to nurture this practice in their children.He addresses real-life parenting situations, such as children witnessing conflicts and the role of apology and forgiveness, stressing that repentance should lead to unity and ongoing growth rather than punishment alone. Fr. Polycarpus also explains the significance of cultivating a household culture of repentance and confession, connecting it to church life and encouraging families to integrate these habits through prayer and forgiveness.This talk offers practical insights into raising children in a faith-filled environment where repentance is lived and taught as a central spiritual discipline.#JoyOfRepentance #ChristianParenting #SpiritualGrowth #FamilyFaith #ForgivenessInChrist #ParentingWithFaith #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 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.#ChristianIntegrity #FaithInAction #FrPolycarpusShoukry #BiblicalTeaching #ChooseHonesty #ChristLikeLiving #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 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.#OrthodoxChristianity #SacramentOfConfession #SpiritualHealing #ChristianSalvation #ForgivenessInChrist #FaithAndRepentance #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 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.#Philemon #ChristianForgiveness #StPaul #ChristianBrotherhood #FaithInTrials #BiblicalCommentary #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