St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

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.#BookOfTobit #ArchangelRaphael #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGuidance #TobiasAndSarah #TrustInGod #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 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.#BookOfTobit #ChristianFellowship #FaithAndMercy #SpiritualJourney #ArchangelRaphael #ChristTheBridegroom #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 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.#BookOfTobit #ArchangelRaphael #ChristianFaith #SpiritualHealing #BiblicalStudy #FaithAndProvidence #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 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.#BookOfTobit #OrthodoxChristianity #FaithAndProvidence #ArchangelRaphael #ChristianPerseverance #SpiritualWorship #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 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.#BookOfTobit #FaithInTrials #AngelRaphael #ChristianFellowship #SpiritualPeace #GodsHealingPower #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 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.#Tobit #ChristianFaith #PrayerAndTrust #BiblicalTeaching #GodsJustice #SpiritualWisdom #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 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.#BookOfTobit #OrthodoxBible #Deuterocanonical #FaithInSuffering #Septuagint #ChristianFellowship #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. James explores the theme "The End of a Thing Is Better than its Beginning," reflecting on spiritual growth, perseverance, and God’s justice. He contrasts humble beginnings, like that of St. Mary, with the rewarding outcomes of faith and patience. Drawing from Scripture including Ecclesiastes, Psalms, and the New Testament, Fr. James explains that though life’s start may appear frail or unpromising, God is present from beginning to end.Fr. James highlights how endurance leads to salvation and how God’s promises, including justice and fulfillment, come in God’s timing, not ours. He discusses the importance of accountability, spiritual maturity, and bearing fruit over time. The talk emphasizes how we reap what we sow and encourages patience and faith as essential for seeing the true outcome of our lives and efforts according to God’s plan.#ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #GodsTiming #FaithAndPatience #EnduranceInChrist #GodsJustice #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 discusses the impact of media on children and the crucial role of parental influence. He reviews research showing how excessive screen time and exposure to inappropriate content affect children's cognitive, emotional, and social development, including issues like delayed language skills and behavioral changes. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of parental mediation, especially active mediation—engaging with children about what they watch to help them think critically and align their understanding with Christian values.The talk addresses concerns about popular media, including Disney movies, and how cultural shifts influence children’s perceptions of gender and morality. Practical advice is offered for parents, such as limiting screen time for young children, choosing educational content, and fostering open communication to guide children’s media consumption responsibly. Fr. Matthias also highlights resources and strategies to support families in raising children grounded in faith amid a changing media landscape.#ChristianParenting #MediaAndFaith #ParentalInfluence #FaithBasedParenting #ProtectingChildren #ChristianValues #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 the study of Ecclesiastes chapters 11 and 12 by exploring the themes of vanity, wisdom, and the reality of life’s fleeting nature. He discusses King Solomon’s reflections on generosity, the unpredictability of life, and the importance of trusting God’s plan rather than over-calculating our actions. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of aging, the loss of physical faculties, and the need to remember our Creator before difficult days come. He emphasizes the call to live a balanced life, embracing youthful energy while preparing for inevitable hardships and ultimately focusing on eternal life with God. The talk highlights the practical and spiritual lessons from Ecclesiastes, encouraging listeners to fear God, keep His commandments, and rely on God’s mercy and judgment. This session wraps up the book’s teachings and invites participants to prepare for the next study.#Ecclesiastes #ChristianFellowship #FaithWisdom #TrustInGod #PrepareForEternity #BiblicalTeaching #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