St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

The Work of the Holy Spirit | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the significance of the Holy Spirit’s arrival on Pentecost, marking the foundation of the Church and the apostles’ ministry. He explains the Holy Spirit’s role as a helper who supports believers in living according to God’s commandments, enabling them to experience true peace and hope.Fr. Matthias discusses how the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, prompting repentance and guiding believers toward forgiveness. He highlights the Spirit’s guidance into all truth, revealing God’s plan and future prophecies while providing authority in decision-making. The Holy Spirit also glorifies Christ by revealing His works and teachings, allowing believers to recognize God’s presence.Finally, Fr. Matthias emphasizes the Holy Spirit as the source of spiritual renewal, transforming believers into Christ’s likeness through ongoing sanctification. This teaching underlines the necessity of the Holy Spirit for faithful Christian living and ministry.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

Out of Sight, Out of Mind | Sermon (Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry @StMarkHTX)

In this sermon, Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry explores the meaning of the phrase "out of sight, out of mind" in relation to faith and the presence of Christ. He reflects on how the disciples struggled when Jesus was physically absent after the resurrection and ascension, emphasizing the challenge of believing without physical evidence.Fr. Polycarpus highlights the gift of the Holy Spirit as a way to carry Christ within us beyond physical presence. He encourages nurturing a daily relationship with God through prayer, singing Psalms and hymns, and feeding the Spirit to avoid quenching it. Drawing from scripture, he calls believers to hold fast to what is good and test everything that impacts their faith.The message challenges viewers to examine whether their belief depends on what they see or rests firmly within their hearts, even when Christ feels "out of sight."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 Way of Peace | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of Jesus’ declaration, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," focusing on how Christ is the way of peace. He explains that true peace is found only in a relationship with Jesus, not in material possessions or earthly relationships. Fr. Matthias identifies three main enemies of peace: fear, division, and confusion. He discusses how fear of pain, loss, and the unknown disrupts peace, and emphasizes the need for faith in God's guidance. Division includes spiritual separation from God, internal conflict between desires and contentment, and social discord, all of which erode peace. Confusion arises when the mind is swayed by false philosophies rather than anchored in Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias highlights the church’s role in strengthening faith and providing a refuge from the world’s challenges. This message calls believers to seek peace through faith, repentance, and steadfast trust in 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

1st Peter 4-5 [Crucifying Passions & Suffering as the Church] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his study of 1st Peter chapters 4 and 5 by exploring the call to Christian discipleship through suffering and the transformation it brings from sin to holiness. He explains how suffering for Christ refocuses believers away from worldly desires toward God’s will, emphasizing the difference between suffering for sin and suffering as a witness to faith. Fr. Matthias highlights the responsibilities of priests as shepherds serving willingly and humbly, and encourages believers to submit to spiritual authority for their salvation.The message addresses the reality of trials and persecution in the Christian life, urging endurance, love, hospitality, and mutual submission within the church. Fr. Matthias also reflects on the hope of future glory with Christ, the importance of vigilance against the devil, and God’s ultimate grace in perfecting and strengthening believers through suffering.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

Meditation in Prayer [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the exploration of meditation in prayer, referencing teachings from Father Matthew the Poor’s book, *Orthodox Prayer Life*. He explains the distinctions between vocal prayer, meditation on scripture, and contemplation of God’s presence. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of reading scripture slowly and aloud to deepen engagement and understanding, emphasizing how meditation helps internalize God’s word, which then naturally flows in prayer and daily life.He discusses different approaches to scripture—historical, allegorical, legal, and relational—revealing how meditation renews the mind, shapes spiritual perspective, and strengthens faith. Fr. Matthias also addresses spontaneous prayer, showing how a foundation in scripture ensures it aligns with God’s will. Throughout, he stresses prayer as a transformative practice that connects believers with God beyond mere words. The talk concludes with reflections on maintaining awareness of God's presence throughout daily life as an essential aspect of prayer.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

1st Peter 3 [Submit to Your Husbands & Honor Your Wives] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1 Peter chapter 3, focusing on the roles of wives and husbands within Christian marriage, grounded in submission and mutual respect as modeled by Christ and the Church. He discusses the meaning of submission for wives, emphasizing protection of marital harmony and spiritual influence over husbands, even when they fall short in faith. Fr. Matthias explains how husbands are called to honor and gently care for their wives as co-heirs of God’s grace, highlighting the spiritual equality between spouses.The teaching addresses challenges such as conflict, emotional struggles, and misconceptions about marriage, clarifying that Christian marriage centers on sacrificial love and mutual sanctification, not personal happiness or entitlement. He contrasts outward appearance with inward virtue, encouraging a gentle and quiet spirit as precious in God's sight.Finally, Fr. Matthias ties suffering and perseverance in marriage and faith to the larger Christian call to live with hope, defend the faith meekly, and emulate Christ’s sacrifice for salvation.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

Fulfillment in the Lord Christ | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the story of the Samaritan woman to explore the true fulfillment found in the Lord Christ. He contrasts earthly desires and endless pursuits, drawing on King Solomon’s insights from Ecclesiastes about the futility of worldly satisfaction. Fr. Matthias explains how striving for material or emotional fulfillment leads to restlessness, boredom, selfishness, and dissatisfaction.He then describes the spiritual satisfaction that Christ offers, including contentment, peace, the ability to give selflessly, strength to resist temptation, and acceptance of earthly loss without despair. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Christ, continual repentance, authentic participation in spiritual practices, and maintaining focus on the Lord in all aspects of life.Through this teaching, Fr. Matthias invites believers to seek fulfillment not in temporary pleasures but in the living water that Christ provides, promising eternal satisfaction and peace.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

Meditation in Prayer [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores prayer through the teachings of Father Matthew the Poor’s book *Orthodox Prayer Life*, focusing on the spiritual practice of meditation. Fr. Matthias explains prayer as a conversation with God that goes beyond vocal prayer to include meditation and contemplation, emphasizing meditation as silent reflection on Scripture and God’s creation.He discusses the motivations behind prayer, such as connecting with God, overcoming sin, and personal transformation. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of perseverance in prayer despite emotional ups and downs, describing prayer as a struggle that requires commitment and sacrifice.Drawing from Scripture and church tradition, he differentiates between vocal prayer, meditation on God's word, and contemplation. Fr. Matthias stresses how meditation shapes one’s inner life by immersing all thoughts in the Bible, leading to real change through study, self-examination, and application of divine truths in daily 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

The Joy of the Resurrection | The Harvest (Eric Tadros)

Eric Tadros explores the source and preservation of joy in the Christian life, emphasizing that true joy stems from the presence of God. He examines the contrast between spiritual dryness and genuine joy, highlighting repentance, confession, and a sincere relationship with God as key to maintaining this joy.Eric reflects on biblical examples like the disciples’ transformation after the Resurrection and the prodigal son’s return, illustrating how joy flourishes through repentance and faithfulness. He explains the role of obedience, humility, gratitude, and prioritizing God in daily life as essential to experiencing lasting joy.The talk reminds believers to keep their focus on the Resurrection amidst suffering, encouraging spiritual growth through faithfulness and trust in God’s abiding presence. Eric calls for nurturing a joyful spirit grounded in God rather than worldly distractions, connecting to the hope and victory found in Christ’s Resurrection.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

Resurrection of the Dead | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the meaning and significance of the Resurrection of the Dead in this sermon. He explains the story of Thomas’s initial doubt and the Lord’s appearance that confirmed the Resurrection. Fr. Matthias contrasts the hope found in Christ’s Resurrection with the Old Testament understanding of death as final and without redemption.He outlines three stages of death for the believer: the death in baptism symbolizing the old self’s burial, the ongoing spiritual death to sin through a life of holiness, and the physical death that leads to eternal life. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that Christ’s Resurrection transformed death from a fearful end into a passage to eternal life and victory over sin and Satan.The message highlights the promise of the Resurrection for all believers, the purpose of spiritual struggles, and the hope of reunion with loved ones. Fr. Matthias encourages the faithful to view death as a gateway to eternal life 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