St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Ecclesiastes [Part 4] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of the Book of Ecclesiastes, focusing on the themes of oppression, vanity, and the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits found in chapter 4. He explores King Solomon’s reflections on injustice under the sun, the emptiness of wealth and skill without eternal value, and the contrast between meaningful suffering for believers and aimless suffering for non-believers.Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of moderation in work, warns against envy, and highlights the value of relationships over material success. He discusses the pitfalls of rash speech before God, the danger of sinful desires and fantasies, and the need for prudent vows grounded in wisdom. The talk also addresses corruption in authority and the ultimate accountability before God.Throughout, Fr. Matthias encourages detachment from earthly desires and seeking contentment in God’s eternal kingdom.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

Ecclesiastes [Part 3] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of the Book of Ecclesiastes, focusing on the theme of life’s seasons as described by King Solomon. He explains how life encompasses various physical, emotional, financial, relational, and spiritual stages, each with its own challenges and lessons. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of adapting to change and understanding that no season—whether sorrowful or joyful—lasts forever.He reflects on the human condition, highlighting the pursuit of eternal life over temporary worldly gains. Fr. Matthias addresses the reality of injustice and suffering in the world, affirming that ultimate justice comes from God. He also contrasts the mortal nature of humans with animals, underscoring the spiritual dimension unique to humanity.Drawing from Scripture and theological insights, Fr. Matthias invites listeners to live with a focus on eternal values, to forgive, and to embrace God’s work in every season of life.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

Ecclesiastes 2 | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his series on the Book of Ecclesiastes, focusing on chapter 2 and the theme of the human pursuit of pleasure and accomplishment. He explores how King Solomon sought fulfillment through entertainment, wealth, wisdom, and labor, yet found these efforts ultimately "vanity" and meaningless apart from God. Fr. Matthias discusses the proper balance between work, rest, and enjoyment, emphasizing that attachment to worldly success and material possessions can distract from spiritual growth and salvation.Drawing from Scripture and the lives of saints like St. Anthony and Job, Fr. Matthias highlights the transient nature of earthly achievements, urging viewers to reflect on their motivations and the eternal significance of their actions. He challenges believers to focus on building a relationship with God, understanding that true reward lies beyond this life. This teaching encourages self-examination during the fast and offers guidance on living as stewards rather than owners of God's gifts.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

Ecclesiastes 1 | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a new Bible study series on the Book of Ecclesiastes, focusing on King Solomon's reflections on life, wisdom, and labor. He explains Solomon’s divine wisdom, prosperity, and eventual turn from God due to worldly distractions. Fr. Matthias highlights the theme of vanity in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing that life without God is futile despite worldly achievements.He explores the biblical understanding of labor post-Fall, the endless cycle of human toil, and the fleeting nature of earthly accomplishments. The teaching contrasts worldly wisdom, which increases sorrow, with Godly wisdom that grants true joy. Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to prioritize eternal values over temporary worldly gains and to serve God amid life’s burdens, using Solomon’s experience to underscore the importance of heavenly focus in daily living.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

Life of Contentment [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his discussion on the life of contentment, exploring key factors that impact whether a person experiences true satisfaction and peace. He addresses obstacles such as a lack of thanksgiving, unhealthy comparisons, unrealistic expectations, materialism, desire for control, and spiritual emptiness. Fr. Matthias explains how faith, patience, and trust in God's will play vital roles in cultivating contentment, even amid challenges and unmet desires. He also highlights the importance of living with purpose beyond earthly achievements and possessions, emphasizing that fulfillment comes from aligning with God’s plan and eternal goals. Fr. Matthias offers reflections on sacrifice, balance, and discerning God’s will in daily decisions. This message encourages viewers to seek contentment through gratitude, spiritual growth, and trust in God's guidance rather than worldly gains.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

The Cost of Wandering: Is It Worth It? | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the parable of the Prodigal Son to address the consequences of straying from God. He explains that although God's mercy is infinite, the cost of wandering away includes emotional pain, spiritual numbness, and long-lasting damage to one’s life and relationships. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that sin leads to isolation and a hardening of the heart, making return difficult and often accompanied by struggle and shame.He highlights that not everyone has the opportunity to repent and return, warning against postponing repentance. Using biblical references, Fr. Matthias encourages vigilance against temptation and urges believers to stay close to God’s commandments to avoid irreversible harm. The sermon calls for commitment to a life aligned with God, recognizing that the cost of wandering is often greater than anticipated.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

Characteristics of the Diabolic War | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the nature and tactics of the diabolic war, focusing on how the devil tempts and attacks believers. He explains three main strategies the devil uses: compromising our will through desires, harmful influences, and postponing repentance; confusing our minds by misusing scripture, promoting false ideologies, and fostering negative thoughts; and depriving us of God’s grace by separating us from the church, neglecting spiritual disciplines, and encouraging idolatry.Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of vigilance, spiritual discipline, and maintaining a strong connection with God to resist these attacks. Drawing from scripture and personal experience, he emphasizes the need to fast, pray, and remain grounded in faith to overcome temptation and stay close to God’s grace throughout the spiritual battle.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

”Do Not Worry About Tomorrow” | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the message from the Gospel of St. Matthew about not worrying about tomorrow and focusing on laying up treasures in Heaven. He distinguishes between worrying and caring for the future, emphasizing the importance of planning with faith rather than being paralyzed by anxiety. Fr. Matthias highlights trusting God over trying to control every outcome and living a balanced life that includes spiritual, social, and personal care.He addresses accepting our limitations with peace, using St. Paul’s example of grace in weakness, and encourages confidence in God’s faithfulness instead of fear of the unknown. Fr. Matthias also discusses the importance of spiritual readiness through repentance, urging believers not to delay addressing their sins but to actively work on salvation in the present. This message is especially relevant during the Great Fast as a call to practical, faith-filled preparation for the future.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

”Love thy Neighbor”:The Evil of Slander | The Harvest (Eric Tadros)

Eric Tadros addresses the widespread issue of slander in society and its implications in Christian life. He explains the definition of slander as speaking negatively about others behind their backs, regardless of the truth, and emphasizes how it displeases God and harms spiritual unity.Eric explores biblical teachings that link slander with a judgmental spirit and hypocrisy, illustrating how it contrasts with the commandment to love thy neighbor. He highlights the need for self-examination, humility, and avoiding judgment without full knowledge. Eric shares stories from church fathers and Scripture to demonstrate the Christian response of covering others' sins, seeking their good, and focusing on personal repentance.He urges viewers to practice silence, look for virtue in others, and adopt a perspective that sees everyone as a neighbor to foster love, mercy, and unity in the body of Christ.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

Recognizing Our Insufficiency | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Gospel account of the feeding of the 5,000, focusing on the theme of recognizing our insufficiency and relying on God’s provision. Through this passage, Fr. Matthias explains how Christ reveals the disciples’ inability to solve problems on their own, emphasizing that human effort alone falls short. He highlights the example of the young boy who offered five loaves and two fish, illustrating that even small acts of faith and effort are valuable when given to God.Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of surrendering control to Christ, who multiplies our offerings and provides abundantly beyond our expectations. He connects this lesson to everyday challenges, encouraging believers to trust God in their weaknesses and difficulties. This trust leads to spiritual growth and the glorification of God’s power in our 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