St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fleeing Evil | Sermon (Fr. Younan William of@saintmaryhouston)

In this sermon, Fr. Younan William reflects on the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt as an example of fleeing from evil rather than confronting it. He discusses four specific evils Christians are called to avoid: immorality, bad company, anger and revenge, and foolish disputes. Fr. Younan emphasizes the importance of running away from temptation because human strength alone cannot overcome it and exposure weakens the will over time.He highlights virtues needed to flee evil effectively, including discernment to recognize danger early, humility to admit personal weakness, courage to act decisively, and honesty to identify sin clearly. Using biblical examples like Joseph and St. Paul’s teachings, Fr. Younan calls believers to imitate the Holy Family by avoiding situations that lead to sin and relying on God’s guidance to maintain spiritual integrity.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

Promises Fulfilled | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the fulfillment of God’s promises through the Incarnation of Christ, referencing prophecies from the Old Testament including the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem and His lineage from Abraham and King David. Fr. Matthias highlights how these fulfilled promises demonstrate God’s faithfulness.He discusses key promises God continues to keep for believers today, such as answering prayers according to His will, granting peace beyond understanding, and offering hope amid suffering. Fr. Matthias also emphasizes the assurance of Christ’s second coming, the resurrection of the dead, eternal life, and final victory over evil as revealed in scripture.Through scripture passages from Matthew, 1 John, Isaiah, 1 Thessalonians, and Revelation, Fr. Matthias encourages perseverance in faith and hope in God’s ultimate plan for salvation and eternal joy with Him.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

Revelation and the End of the World [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores key prophecies found in chapters 12, 13, and 14 of the Book of Revelation, the last and only prophetic book of the New Testament. He explains the imagery of the woman clothed with the sun as representing the Church, St. Mary, and the faithful soul, and discusses the dragon as a symbol of Satan and his persecution of the Church. Fr. Matthias outlines how the dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, represents continuous spiritual warfare and the deceit of many earthly authorities. He also covers the birth of the male child symbolizing Christ’s rule, the Church’s refuge in the wilderness during tribulation, and the role of Enoch and Elijah as God’s two witnesses.Fr. Matthias addresses common interpretations of the Millennium, the Saints’ reflection of Christ’s light, and contrasts Orthodox beliefs on the Rapture with other Christian views, emphasizing the single second coming of Christ. The teaching concludes with prayer and reflection on the endurance of faith through trials against the accuser, Satan.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

Numbering Our Days | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical call to "number our days" and gain a heart of wisdom by recognizing the brevity and purpose of life. He reflects on how time, given by God, should be used intentionally and aligned with eternal values rather than worldly distractions. Drawing from scripture, Fr. Matthias emphasizes seeking God’s kingdom first, trusting in His timing and plan, and prioritizing spiritual growth over material desires.He discusses practical ways to redeem the time by balancing work, rest, and prayer, and encourages evaluating what truly holds value in life—storing treasures in heaven instead of on earth. Fr. Matthias concludes by urging believers to finish well, steadfast in faith and repentance, ready to embrace God’s promises. This message challenges viewers to live with purpose, faith, and trust in God’s guidance throughout their 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

Prepare the Way | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the role of St. John the Baptist as the forerunner who prepares the way for the coming of the Lord. He explains why it is important to prepare people's hearts and how this preparation enables them to receive Christ’s message.Fr. Matthias outlines six ways to prepare the way for the Lord: preaching repentance and leading by example, serving others with kindness, praying for those around us, teaching and mentoring believers, building meaningful relationships, and boldly proclaiming God’s truth. He offers biblical examples including Moses, Ruth, and Elijah to illustrate these practices.The message challenges listeners to reflect on their own role in sharing the Gospel and invites them to actively participate in drawing others closer to Christ through love, service, patience, and courage.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

Making Godly Decisions | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how to make Godly decisions by seeking and discerning God’s guidance. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, obedience, and trusting God’s plan even when the outcome is unclear or unfavorable. Using biblical examples like Abraham and Gideon, Fr. Matthias explains that human understanding is limited and our decisions impact not only our lives but others as well.He addresses how God reveals His will through scripture, godly counsel, circumstances, and spiritual discernment, cautioning against relying solely on signs or emotions. Fr. Matthias highlights that a consistent spiritual life is essential to hear and obey God’s voice. Ultimately, he teaches that God works all things for good for those who love Him and that trusting and obeying God leads to peace and eternal glory.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

”Have You Seen the One I Love”: Contemplation on Song of Solomon 1:5 | The Harvest (Eric Tadros)

Eric Tadros explores the spiritual meaning behind the verse "I am black and beautiful" from Song of Solomon 1:5, drawing from the teachings of Pope Shenouda. He discusses the contrast between the soul’s inherent beauty, created in the image of God, and the external darkness caused by sin. Eric highlights how repentance restores this beauty through a continuous process of confession and renewal.The talk emphasizes the importance of hope, struggle, and self-denial in the Christian life, showing how hardships and spiritual disciplines reveal deeper unity with Christ. Eric also reflects on biblical examples and church history to illustrate how God clothes sinners with His divine beauty, transforming even the darkest situations.By contemplating the “black and beautiful,” Eric encourages viewing oneself and others through God's eyes, recognizing the value in trials, repentance, and rebuke as paths to growth and holiness.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 Theotokos in the Feasts of the Church [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his series on the feasts of the Church honoring the Theotokos, focusing on key celebrations related to St. Mary. He explains the significance of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin’s body, detailing the tradition of the all-night vigil and the reunion of her soul and body before ascending to heaven. Fr. Matthias also highlights other feasts including the commemoration of the first church dedicated to St. Mary in Philippi, the consecration of her church in the Maharat Monastery, and the modern Apparition of St. Mary at the Church of Zun Zun in Cairo, a miracle witnessed by thousands.Throughout the talk, Fr. Matthias reflects on the nature of miracles, faith, and human response to God’s signs. He connects these feasts to scripture, theology, and historical tradition, emphasizing the ongoing role of St. Mary in the life of the Church and the spiritual encouragement these feasts provide to believers.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 Theotokos in the Feasts of the Church [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a series exploring the role of the Theotokos in the feasts of the Church. He discusses various celebrations that honor St. Mary throughout the liturgical year, including her Annunciation, Nativity, and Entrance into the Temple. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of these feasts, the involvement of Archangel Gabriel, and the dedication of Mary to God’s service from a young age.He also covers feasts tied to the Lord that highlight St. Mary’s role, such as the Annunciation of Christ, the Flight into Egypt, and the Wedding at Cana. The talk addresses theological aspects regarding St. Mary’s dormition, her death, and the assumption of her body into heaven, emphasizing the connection to the incarnation and salvation.This first part provides a foundational understanding of the Virgin Mary’s participation in key moments of salvation history as celebrated by the Church.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 Life of St. Mark the Evangelist [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his detailed exploration of the life of St. Mark the Evangelist, focusing on his martyrdom in Egypt and his role in establishing Christianity there. He describes the opposition St. Mark faced from pagan worshippers, his arrest, and the vision he received from an angel while imprisoned. Fr. Matthias outlines the miracles performed by St. Mark, including healing and protection from wild animals, and explains the significance of the lion symbol associated with him.He traces the history of St. Mark’s relics, including the theft of his body by Venetian merchants and the safekeeping of his head in Egypt. Fr. Matthias also highlights St. Mark’s contributions to Christian liturgy, the foundation of the theological school in Alexandria, and the early development of monasticism. The talk concludes with an overview of the Gospel of Mark’s audience, purpose, and theological emphasis, as well as the legacy of St. Mark in the Coptic Orthodox Church.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