St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

”When You See the ’Abomination of Desolation’” | Homily (His Eminence @MetropolitanYoussef_SUSCopts)

His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef explores the meaning of the "Abomination of Desolation" as mentioned in Mark 13, addressing its historical, prophetic, and spiritual significance. He explains the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD when the Roman commander entered the Holy of Holies, fulfilling Daniel’s prophecy. Metropolitan Youssef connects this event to future prophetic signs involving the Antichrist and the end of the world.He also highlights the spiritual aspect, urging believers to recognize how materialism, pleasure, and pride can become false gods within their hearts, leading to spiritual desolation. Metropolitan Youssef offers practical guidance on how to overcome these by seeking God's grace in the church, maintaining a life of constant prayer, and faithfully using one's talents in service to God.The homily concludes with a call to vigilance and readiness for the coming of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of watching and praying to avoid falling into temptation.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

Evaluating and Exposing a Lie | Sermon (Fr. James Gendi @saintmaryhouston )

In this sermon, Fr. James Gendi discusses how to evaluate and expose lies, especially in the age of technology where misinformation spreads quickly. He explains the nature of lies as distortions that confuse or delude the truth, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between the sin of lying and the individual who lies. Fr. James guides listeners to measure claims against known truth, assess their reasonability, recognize personal biases behind falsehoods, and be cautious of lies that challenge or contradict God’s word. He highlights the necessity of taking false thoughts captive, not sharing lies, and responding with truth to combat deception. Through biblical examples, Fr. James encourages discerning truth from lies while maintaining compassion toward those who propagate falsehoods. He calls for wisdom and courage to uphold God’s truth amid the widespread circulation of misleading information.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

”I Have Not Come to Call the Righteous” | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the calling of Levi, also known as Matthew the Evangelist, emphasizing Christ’s invitation to sinners rather than the righteous. He explains that the church is a place for those seeking repentance and transformation, not for self-justification. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of repentance as the core of the Christian life, stressing that God looks at our willingness to change rather than our moral achievements.The sermon also addresses spiritual healing through the sacraments, describing the church as a hospital where God performs necessary, sometimes painful, spiritual surgery. Fr. Matthias stresses the need to partake regularly in the sacraments to experience true change.He calls believers to respond to Christ’s invitation by leaving behind old ways, hosting God in their homes, and committing to a new life. Using biblical examples, Fr. Matthias explains that transformation requires continuous effort and humility, as old habits may still appeal but must be overcome to fully follow 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

Bearing the Consequences | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers to illustrate the principle of consequences in the spiritual life. He explains how persistent sin leads to inevitable consequences, even when forgiveness is granted. Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples showing that every decision carries consequences, some immediate and others long-lasting, affecting not only the individual but also those around them.He emphasizes the importance of recognizing consequences early, teaching this principle to children, and considering the effects of decisions before acting. Drawing from Scripture, Fr. Matthias discusses how sin can bring sorrow, bondage, and impact communities or nations, especially when committed by those in authority. This message serves as a call for repentance and mindfulness of our spiritual journey and choices.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

Literal vs Spiritual Promises | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the difference between literal and spiritual promises of Christ, focusing on the story of Lazarus’s resurrection. He explains how Jesus’s promises often have a spiritual meaning beyond immediate physical manifestations, using examples like the forgiveness of sins, the sacraments, and enduring trials. Fr. Matthias discusses how Christ’s power is evident in both spiritual renewal and physical miracles, emphasizing that many promises relate to spiritual transformation rather than instant worldly changes.He highlights that believers still face suffering, temptation, and loss but receive God’s strength and guidance to persevere. Fr. Matthias encourages understanding God’s promises through a spiritual lens, reminding viewers that true resurrection and victory come through faith and the eternal life God offers. This message invites reflection on how the spiritual life shapes the Christian journey beyond literal expectations.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

Finding Complete Fulfillment in Christ | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the biblical account of Jesus feeding the five thousand, highlighting how Christ fulfills both spiritual and physical needs. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of personal communication with God, illustrating how Jesus listened attentively to His disciples and spent private time with them, showing care and building relationships.Fr. Matthias explains that Jesus welcomed the uninvited multitudes, healed the sick, and spoke about the kingdom of God, demonstrating God’s concern for eternal salvation above all else. He challenges believers to prioritize the kingdom of God in their lives. The sermon underscores how Jesus involves His disciples in ministry by asking them to feed the crowd, encouraging faith beyond human limitations. Fr. Matthias reminds listeners that Christ meets our needs for relationship, purpose, and care, portraying God’s ongoing mercy and presence 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

Humility of Children | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of humility and simplicity in the Christian life by reflecting on Jesus' teaching about becoming like little children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He explains that while children naturally exhibit trust, humility, forgiveness, and simplicity, adults are called to embrace these qualities with maturity and discernment.Fr. Matthias highlights the need to balance childlike faith with responsibility, obedience, and the pursuit of spiritual growth. He warns against imitating negative traits of children, such as impatience, self-centeredness, and gullibility, emphasizing the importance of being grounded in truth and accepting accountability.Through scriptural references, Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to cultivate innocence and trust toward God while growing in understanding and self-control, demonstrating how childlike humility relates to salvation and spiritual maturity.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

Examining Our Motives | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the importance of examining our motives in spiritual life and service to God. He discusses how God values the reasons behind our actions more than the external spiritual gifts or successes we might receive. Fr. Matthias highlights the difference between good and wrong motives, emphasizing that true joy and reward come from having our names written in heaven rather than seeking earthly recognition, blessings, or authority.Using biblical examples, including the apostles, the Pharisees, and the story of the prodigal son, Fr. Matthias explains how right motives sustain perseverance in faith and service, even without human praise. He outlines good motives for serving God such as gratitude, the pursuit of eternal life, the value of souls, and responsibility as stewards of God’s work. This message encourages a sincere and faithful approach to our spiritual journey and calling.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

”Forgive, and You Will Be Forgiven” | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of forgiveness based on the parable of the unforgiving servant, emphasizing the importance of forgiving others to receive God’s forgiveness. He explains the immense spiritual debt humanity owes to God, which no good works can repay, and highlights God’s mercy in forgiving that debt completely. Fr. Matthias contrasts this divine forgiveness with the servant’s refusal to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him, illustrating the call to extend mercy to others as we have received from God.He also addresses the challenge of forgiving those who harm us without apology or remorse, urging believers to forgive even when reconciliation is not possible. Fr. Matthias reminds viewers that judgment belongs to God and encourages seeking God’s grace to develop a heart capable of forgiving enemies, following Christ’s example on the cross where He prayed for His persecutors.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

”Make the Tree Good and Its Fruit Good” | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Christ’s teaching on being known by one’s fruit, emphasizing the importance of inner goodness reflected in outward actions. He addresses how believers can maintain their spiritual integrity and bear good fruit while living in a world filled with opposing values and practices. Fr. Matthias highlights the mission of Christians to engage with the world through evangelism, moral example, teaching truth, service, and prayer, without conforming to worldly standards. Drawing on Scripture and St. Athanasius of Alexandria’s guidance, he explains how Christians should live purposeful lives anchored in God’s Word to remain unblemished by worldly influences. This message offers practical insight into balancing spiritual purity with active participation in the world, encouraging believers to shine as salt and light while guarding against spiritual compromise.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