St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

The Transforming Power of God’s Word | Sermon (Fr. Titus Necola of@stabanoubdallas)

Fr. Titus Necola explores the transformative impact of God's Word on the believer’s heart, using the Parable of the Sower as a framework. He explains how the Word acts as a double-edged sword, revealing inner truth and exposing spiritual brokenness. Fr. Titus emphasizes personal responsibility in cultivating the heart’s condition, illustrating how daily choices shape our spiritual soil.He describes the Word of God as a light guiding moral decisions, contrasting worldly relativism with biblical truth as the ultimate standard. Fr. Titus addresses the convicting power of Scripture, challenging pride and self-deception while calling for a faith grounded in objective truth. The message highlights the necessity of embracing God’s Word to experience genuine healing, illumination, and freedom from worldly attachments. This sermon encourages a deeper reflection on how Scripture shapes both our character and walk with God.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

Raising the Dead from Sin | Sermon (Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry of @StMarkHTX)

Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry discusses the theme of spiritual resurrection, using three biblical accounts of raising the dead to illustrate different states of sin and hopelessness. He explains how hidden, private sins resemble the daughter of Jairus, while publicly known sins are like the dead child taken from the house, and deeply entrenched, habitual sins are compared to Lazarus, who had been dead for four days.Fr. Polycarpus emphasizes that no matter the severity or visibility of sin, there is hope for everyone. He encourages listeners to open their hearts to God’s voice, which calls us to "arise" from spiritual death. The church’s role is highlighted as a supportive community that intercedes and brings healing rather than judgment.Drawing from Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers, he reassures that God’s voice can transform any soul, bringing life from spiritual death and reminding us that our Lord is the hope of the hopeless.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

Christ: The Friend of Outcasts | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how Christ consistently reached out to society’s outcasts—those rejected due to sin, illness, or social status. He discusses biblical examples including Levi the tax collector, the Samaritan woman, lepers, the adulterous woman, the Canaanite woman, and even St. Paul after his conversion, illustrating how Jesus offered mercy, acceptance, and hope to those marginalized.Fr. Matthias also shares the story of St. Moses the Strong, emphasizing transformation through patience and compassion within the Church community. The message calls believers to reflect on their own judgments, encouraging an environment where all people—especially the rejected—are welcomed and loved as God intends.This talk highlights themes of mercy, acceptance, spiritual growth, and the Church’s role as a refuge for all.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

”From Now on You Will Catch Men” | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Jesus calling the fishermen to become His disciples, highlighting what made these ordinary men stand out. Fr. Matthias discusses key qualities that brought individuals special attention from Christ, including great love, extreme need, unwavering faith, boldness without fear of ridicule, patience, and persistence in prayer.Through examples from Scripture, such as the friends of the paralytic, widows in mourning and sickness, Zacchaeus the tax collector, and blind Bartimaeus, Fr. Matthias illustrates how faith and perseverance open the way to receiving God’s mercy and healing. He encourages believers to maintain faith even in difficult situations, trusting that God responds in His own time, whether through changing circumstances or transforming the heart.This message invites reflection on how we approach prayer and trust in God’s plan for healing and blessing.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

Overcoming Paralysis in Our Lives | Homily (His Grace Bishop Gregory)

His Grace Bishop Gregory explores how encountering Christ’s authority can help overcome paralysis in our lives, whether from past trauma, present difficulties, or the bondage of sin. Using the story of the paralytic man carried by four friends, Bishop Gregory highlights the role of the Church as the “house of the comforter,” where healing and transformation take place through faith and humility. He shares examples from the Gospels and spiritual writings like The Way of the Pilgrim that demonstrate how consistent reading and meditating on Scripture can break the chains of addiction and sin. Bishop Gregory encourages believers to approach God with humility and obedience, trusting in His power to heal and change lives. This homily challenges viewers to deepen their faith and reliance on Christ as the source of strength and hope in every struggle.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 Sinful Woman: Maintaining Focus | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the sinful woman who washed Christ’s feet with her tears at Simon the Pharisee’s house, highlighting her ability to maintain focus despite judgment and distractions. He reflects on how individuals in Scripture, like Zacchaeus, St. Stephen, Mary, and St. Paul, demonstrate unwavering focus on Christ amid challenges and temptations.Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of prioritizing a relationship with God over worldly concerns and busyness, using examples of distraction such as Simon the Pharisee and Martha. Through practical anecdotes, he challenges viewers to examine where their attention lies in daily life and encourages a singular focus on Christ for spiritual growth and forgiveness.This sermon calls believers to recognize distractions and refocus their lives on God’s presence, maintaining faithfulness in all circumstances.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

True vs False Repentance | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the difference between true and false repentance through biblical examples. He reflects on the story of Zacchaeus as a model of genuine repentance—where words are matched by meaningful actions. Fr. Matthias contrasts this with King Saul’s false repentance, characterized by excuses, reluctant confession, minimizing consequences, and lack of lasting change. He explains how Saul’s repentance was more about appearances than sincere transformation.Fr. Matthias then highlights King David’s approach to repentance, which involved immediate acknowledgment of sin, acceptance of consequences without bitterness, and genuine hope for God’s mercy. David’s humility and forgiveness of others demonstrate the heart of true repentance.This teaching emphasizes repentance as an ongoing, sincere turning to God, inviting viewers to examine their own repentance in light of scripture.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 Significance of Little Things | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the spiritual importance of small actions and decisions in this sermon. Drawing from biblical examples like Adam and Eve, Esau, and the Widow’s mite, Fr. Matthias highlights how seemingly minor acts of obedience or sin can have lasting consequences. He discusses how everyday choices, whether they are small sins or acts of faith, shape our spiritual lives and relationship with God.Fr. Matthias emphasizes that God values faithfulness in little things as much as in greater matters, illustrating this through stories of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath, Daniel’s dietary faithfulness, and the boy with five loaves and two fish. The talk also covers everyday habits such as prayer, service, and kindness, showing how these small acts contribute to personal growth and the church community. This message encourages believers to recognize the significance of their small, daily faith expressions in God’s eyes.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

”Take Heed that No One Deceives You” | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of self-deception, drawing on the ministry of St. John the Baptist and the challenges faced by the Pharisees who believed themselves righteous yet lived in hypocrisy. Fr. Matthias explains how the heart can be deceitful and how individuals often create false realities to avoid painful truths about themselves, their goals, and their relationship with God.He discusses common misconceptions such as unrealistic expectations, misunderstanding God’s presence in suffering, and the difference between professed beliefs and daily actions. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of sober self-examination, recognizing limitations, and aligning one’s life with God’s truth rather than personal illusions.By reflecting on biblical teachings, including warnings against hypocrisy and the call to live righteously, Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to seek clarity and avoid the traps of self-deception in their spiritual journey.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

Times to Observe | Sermon (Fr. Younan William of @saintmaryhouston)

Fr. Younan William explores crucial spiritual times every believer should observe to guide their faith journey and impact their salvation. He begins by discussing the time of visitation, when God’s grace calls us to respond, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting on these moments.Fr. Younan then explains the time to flee from temptation and foolish disputes, highlighting the need for discernment. He stresses the urgency of the time to repent while we are still alive, as well as the time of open doors, when opportunities for growth and blessing are available.Further, Fr. Younan outlines the time to store spiritual strength early in life, the time to witness to others about faith, and the time of trouble, which tests and deepens our relationship with God. His message calls for vigilance in observing these seven times to live faithfully and be prepared for life’s challenges.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