St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Bassem Iskander explores the life of Joseph from the book of Genesis, focusing on his journey from a favored, prideful son to a figure of faithfulness used by God to save many lives. Bassem outlines the key events in Genesis, highlights the transformation in Joseph’s character through trials such as betrayal, false accusations, imprisonment, and abandonment, and emphasizes God's providence working through human actions and sufferings.He explains how Joseph mirrors Christ in his life experiences, including rejection, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Bassem also reflects on Joseph’s humility and submission to authority despite his high status and how Joseph’s story calls believers to remain faithful during times of wilderness.The message encourages trusting God's plan even when circumstances are difficult and being sincere in faithfulness in all areas of life, allowing God to turn struggles into purpose.#Joseph #Faithfulness #BiblicalStudies #Genesis #ChristianFaith #GodsProvidence#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 explores the Harmony of the Gospels focusing on the betrayal and arrest of Jesus Christ. He examines the accounts of Judas' betrayal, Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Peter's impulsive act of defending Jesus with a sword, highlighting Jesus' response and interpretation of these events as fulfillment of Scripture. Fr. Matthias also covers the trials before the Jewish authorities, emphasizing the false testimonies against Jesus, His declaration of being the Messiah and Son of God, and the religious leaders’ reactions.The discussion includes Peter's denial of Jesus, his realization of weakness, and the significance of self-awareness and reliance on God in the Christian life. Key Gospel details from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are compared to offer a comprehensive understanding of these critical moments leading to the crucifixion.#BetrayalOfJesus #PeterDenial #BiblicalTrials #JesusArrest #GospelHarmony #HolyWeekEvents#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 evangelism by exploring how Christ trained His disciples to share the Gospel and fulfill the Great Commission. He discusses the importance of teamwork in evangelism, the role of preparation and reliance on God’s providence, and the necessity of engaging every city and community without fear or prejudice.Fr. Matthias emphasizes that evangelism is a cooperative work with the Holy Spirit and highlights practical instructions Jesus gave to the apostles, such as traveling light, avoiding distractions, and meeting the needs of people both spiritually and physically. He also addresses the reality of rejection in evangelism while encouraging persistence and faith in God’s plan.Drawing from Scripture and historical examples, Fr. Matthias challenges listeners to embrace their role in the mission of the church, recognizing that the harvest is great but the laborers are few. He encourages sharing faith authentically and proactively, trusting God to work through the effort.#Evangelism #GreatCommission #ChristianMission #FaithSharing #ChurchGrowth#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 discussion, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the nature of the devil based on the teachings of Pope Shenouda III in the book *Diabolic Wars*. Fr. Matthias addresses why Christians often feel surprised by spiritual attacks, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and comparing oneself to God's standards rather than worldly measures. He explains how spiritual growth comes with ongoing struggle and increased attacks from the enemy, highlighting the necessity of perseverance and discipline.Fr. Matthias also delves into the devil’s psychological understanding of human weaknesses and the importance of knowing oneself to resist temptation. He shares insights on the role of the father of confession in guiding individuals through personalized spiritual battles, as well as the danger of sin disguised as virtue. The talk concludes with practical advice on maintaining spiritual alertness without falling into fear and how to respond to intensified attacks when beginning new spiritual disciplines.#SpiritualWarfare #PopeShenoudaIII #ChristianSpirituality #Temptation #FatherOfConfession #DiabolicWars#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. Tobia Manoli explores the meaning and practice of prayer in this sermon, emphasizing prayer as a relationship with God rather than a mere ritual or a pursuit of immediate miracles. He explains how true prayer leads to lasting grace and spiritual growth, rather than instant solutions or signs. Fr. Tobia addresses common misconceptions about prayer, including the expectation of visible miracles and the problem of empty repetition without heartfelt connection.Using biblical examples and personal stories, Fr. Tobia highlights the importance of endurance, wisdom, and faith through trials, showing that God’s answers often come as strength and spiritual maturity rather than miraculous fixes. He encourages seeking the Holy Spirit as the ultimate fulfillment of prayer, offering peace, patience, and guidance that outlast temporary struggles.This message challenges believers to deepen their faith beyond miracles and experience the transformative power of continual prayer.#ChristianPrayer #FaithAndPrayer #HolySpirit #SpiritualGrowth #OrthodoxFaith #EnduranceInFaith#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 episode of Living Incense, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the teachings of the Desert Fathers on the inner spiritual life. He discusses why true spirituality naturally leads to humility rather than superiority by likening it to washing away visible and hidden sins gradually. Fr. Matthias explains the difference between humility and low self-esteem, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one’s true self and relying on faith in God to avoid despair.He also highlights the challenge of stillness and solitude, drawing from monastic experiences to show how being alone with God fosters spiritual growth. The talk addresses spiritual hunger and the discipline required for prayer, even when it feels dry or difficult.Fr. Matthias connects loving God with loving one’s neighbor and examines Christian love as a willing self-sacrifice, not coercion or victimhood. Finally, he reflects on the call to become “dead” to both praise and criticism through self-awareness and faith, following Christ’s example.#DesertFathers #SpiritualHumility #ChristianPrayer #InnerLife #FrMatthiasShehad #MonasticWisdom#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 sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the role of temptation in the Christian spiritual journey by reflecting on the Lord Christ’s temptation in the wilderness. Fr. Matthias explains how temptation reveals the passions and desires hidden within us, showing areas of weakness and brokenness that we need to address through repentance and confession. He distinguishes between the pure nature of Christ, who desired only what is good, and human beings whose desires can lead to sin.Fr. Matthias discusses how temptations can serve a purpose by helping us identify and confront the passions that distort our vision and control us. He highlights the importance of humility in spiritual warfare, emphasizing reliance on God’s grace rather than self-effort. The sermon also touches on how understanding our own weaknesses fosters mercy toward others. Finally, Fr. Matthias reflects on transforming passions to serve righteous purposes, encouraging perseverance in spiritual struggle.#ChristianSpirituality #TemptationAndFaith #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualWarfare #PassionsAndSin #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 talk, Michael Sedrak explores the Rite and contemplations of the Feast of Pentecost, highlighting its significance as one of the seven major feasts of the Lord. He explains Pentecost’s roots in Jewish tradition, connecting it to the Feast of Weeks and Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. Michael discusses the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, describing how this event marks the birth of the Church and the unification of diverse peoples through the gift of tongues.He contrasts the fear at the original Pentecost with the joyful union experienced in the New Testament and reflects on how the Holy Spirit continues to work within believers today. Michael emphasizes the call to live led by the Spirit, obey commandments out of love, and be agents of evangelism in the world. The talk closes with prayers for the Holy Spirit to empower and sanctify the Church and its members.#FeastOfPentecost #HolySpirit #CopticOrthodox #ActsChapter2 #ChristianFaith #ChurchHistory#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 episode, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores teachings from the Desert Fathers on self-awareness and spiritual growth. Fr. Matthias discusses why worldly pursuits often fail to satisfy the heart, using King Solomon’s reflections in Ecclesiastes to illustrate the emptiness of earthly pleasures. He emphasizes the importance of keeping God at the center of all relationships and activities to maintain balance and avoid attachment to created things.Fr. Matthias explains the distinction between temptation and sin, highlighting that temptation is inevitable but falling into sin is a choice. He delves into the ongoing struggle of faith, underscoring the need for continual repentance and reliance on God’s mercy rather than personal perfection. Drawing from St. Paul’s example, he reflects on how weakness and temptation strengthen faith and guard against pride.This conversation also looks at the role of obedience, experience, and inner reflection in developing spiritual maturity and addresses the difficulty many face in embracing silence and confronting troubling thoughts.#DesertFathers #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTemptation #FaithStruggle #SelfAwareness #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 sermon, Fr. Theophilus Mikhail explains the significance of the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers. He emphasizes that God's promises, including the presence of the Holy Spirit, never change and remain constant throughout time. Fr. Theophilus describes how the Holy Spirit convicts us gently of sin, judgment, and encourages righteousness, offering a wake-up call rather than blame. He warns against falling into despair like Judas by ignoring the Spirit’s guidance and stresses the importance of escaping temptations quickly, similar to fleeing from a snake. The Holy Spirit also inspires virtues such as love and wisdom, helping lead believers toward God’s kingdom. Fr. Theophilus encourages regular prayer asking God to fill us and our children with the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in life.#HolySpirit #ChristianFaith #FrTheophilusMikhail #Pentecost #SpiritualGuidance #FaithInGod#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