St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Leviticus 18-19 [Laws of Sexual Morality & Ceremonial Laws] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of Leviticus, focusing on chapters 18 and 19, which address laws of sexual morality and ceremonial statutes. He explores God’s instructions to the Israelites to distinguish their practices from surrounding nations, especially regarding prohibited familial sexual relationships, adultery, and idolatry. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual and physical reasons behind these laws, including the consequences of sin and the importance of holiness.He also covers statutes related to social justice, such as fairness in judgment, caring for the poor and stranger, and ethical business practices. The teaching highlights the biblical foundation for loving one’s neighbor and not holding grudges. Fr. Matthias discusses the reasons behind prohibitions on mixing seeds, animals, and fabrics, as well as warnings against practices like divination and tattooing linked to pagan rites.The talk provides historical context for these commandments and connects them to both Old and New Testament teachings on morality 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

Leviticus 15-17 [The Day of Atonement & Significance of Blood] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Leviticus chapters 15 to 17, focusing on the laws of bodily discharges, the Day of Atonement, and the significance of blood in atonement rituals. He examines distinctions between natural and disease-related discharges, highlighting the role of sin offerings and ritual washing. Fr. Matthias explains the detailed procedures of the Day of Atonement, including the high priest’s entrance into the Holy of Holies, the use of two goats—one sacrificed and one sent into the wilderness as a scapegoat—and symbolic connections to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.The teaching also addresses the prohibition against offering sacrifices or consuming blood outside designated practices, emphasizing the importance of the Tabernacle as the central place of worship. Fr. Matthias concludes by discussing how some Levitical laws relate to hygiene, symbolism, and moral principles, clarifying which laws Christians continue to observe.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

Leviticus 12-14 [The Rituals of Childbirth and Leprosy] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Leviticus chapters 12 to 14, focusing on the rituals surrounding childbirth and the laws of leprosy. He examines the Old Testament’s ceremonial concepts of cleanliness, explaining how childbirth was associated with ritual impurity due to original sin, and discusses the significance of circumcision and purification offerings. Fr. Matthias also clarifies the various conditions described as “leprosy” in Scripture, including skin diseases and mold in garments or houses, and the priest’s role in diagnosis, quarantine, and purification rites. He connects these Old Testament practices to New Testament teachings, emphasizing their symbolic meanings related to sin, repentance, and restoration within the community. The study highlights how these laws served both spiritual and practical purposes, portraying God’s patience and mercy toward sinners, and offering insight into the continuity between Old Testament rituals and Christian sacramental 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

Lessons from the Life of Hosea [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this teaching, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the life and mission of the prophet Hosea, focusing on his unique role as a prophet who was commanded by God to marry a harlot as a living symbol of Israel’s unfaithfulness. Fr. Matthias explains the cycle of the Israelites’ fleeting faithfulness and highlights the importance of building a faith founded on commitment rather than emotions.He discusses the challenges of true faithfulness, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Job, King David, and the three youths in the fiery furnace, emphasizing that spiritual maturity is revealed through perseverance in trials and consistent virtue rather than transient feelings. Fr. Matthias also addresses the alignment of mind, will, and heart in discerning God’s will, encouraging disciplined spiritual growth through repentance and steadfastness.This message invites reflection on the nature of faith, the trials that test it, and how believers can grow deeper in their relationship 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

Biblical Manuscripts [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his examination of biblical manuscripts, focusing on the origins, materials, and various ancient versions of the Scriptures. He reviews manuscript types such as papyrus, vellum, and palimpsests, and explains different handwriting styles including uncials and minuscules. Fr. Matthias highlights key Old Testament sources like the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Masoretic Text, and the Septuagint, discussing their historical contexts and influence on Bible translations. He explores differences in canonical books between these texts and the significance of the Septuagint in the Orthodox tradition.He also covers important early Bible manuscripts, including the Codex Vaticanus, Codex Alexandrinus, and Codex Sinaiticus, as well as the Syriac Peshitta and the Latin Vulgate by St. Jerome. Fr. Matthias provides insights into the development of the Coptic Bible, its dialects, and the challenges faced during historical transitions. This overview connects ancient biblical texts with the formation of the Bible used in the Church today.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

Biblical Manuscripts [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the history and transmission of biblical manuscripts, focusing on how the Bible was preserved and delivered to us today. He explains that no original biblical manuscripts exist, but numerous copies, including thousands of New Testament manuscripts, provide a high degree of confidence in their faithfulness to the originals.Fr. Matthias describes the materials used for early manuscripts, such as papyrus and vellum, and the transition from scrolls to the codex form. He explains different handwriting styles like uncial and minuscule scripts and the purpose of lectionaries for church readings.The discussion includes the oldest Old Testament manuscripts, highlighting the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Masoretic Text, and their impact on modern Bible translations. Fr. Matthias also touches on the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, which early Christians used to understand the Scriptures.This session provides foundational knowledge on biblical texts, manuscript types, and early scriptural transmission.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

Disappointments | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of disappointment in the context of the Christian life and spiritual fasting. He reflects on Christ's teaching from the Sermon on the Mount about not storing up treasures on earth, explaining how earthly desires often lead to dissatisfaction because the world is corrupted by sin and impermanence. Fr. Matthias discusses various reasons for disappointment, including unmet expectations, lack of control over others, limited resources, and unanswered prayers.He emphasizes the importance of placing hope and treasure in heaven, where fulfillment is eternal and secure. Trusting in God’s will, cultivating contentment, and seeking spiritual priorities over worldly gains are presented as ways to overcome earthly disappointment. Fr. Matthias invites listeners to focus on spiritual growth during fasting, reminding them that true satisfaction comes from God alone.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

Spirituality of Fasting | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the spirituality of fasting beyond mere dietary changes. He emphasizes that fasting is meant to cultivate self-mastery, helping believers control their desires and passions rather than simply abstaining from certain foods. Fr. Matthias explains that fasting supports spiritual growth by fostering repentance, virtue, and detachment from worldly attachments, allowing a deeper focus on the kingdom of God.He highlights common misconceptions, such as fasting to earn forgiveness or to afflict oneself, underscoring that fasting must be accompanied by prayer, humility, and acts of kindness like helping the poor. Drawing from Scripture and the teachings of Church Fathers, Fr. Matthias stresses that a true fast involves transformation of the whole being—not just the body but also the tongue, eyes, and actions.The sermon concludes with a call to approach fasting with the right spirit, avoiding pride and indulgence, so that the fast becomes a means of breaking sinful habits and growing closer to 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

The Life and Writings of St. Justin Martyr | The Harvest (Eric Tadros)

Eric Tadros explores the life and writings of St. Justin Martyr, an early 2nd-century Christian apologist who converted from pagan philosophy. Eric outlines Justin’s role in defending Christian theology against Roman, Jewish, and pagan accusations such as atheism, cannibalism, and sedition during times of persecution. He highlights Justin's use of reason and philosophy to explain Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of truth and reason alongside faith. Eric also reviews Justin’s descriptions of early Christian sacramental practices, including baptism, liturgy, and the Eucharist, showing continuity with biblical traditions and the development of worship in the apostles’ era.Justin’s writings provide a firsthand window into the early church’s beliefs and practices, affirming the enduring significance of baptism and the real presence of Christ in Holy Communion. This talk offers historical context and theological insights vital for understanding Christian origins.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

Beyond the Crowd: Unveiling God’s Unique Care for Each Soul | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores why Christ gives special attention to certain individuals amid crowds, using biblical examples like Zacchaeus and the paralyzed man. He examines seven reasons for this focused care: great love shown by friends, extreme personal need, strong faith, fearless boldness despite ridicule, long-lasting patience, persistence after disappointment, and courageous vocal requests for healing.Through stories of healing and compassion, Fr. Matthias highlights how Christ sees beyond the masses to address unique struggles and sincere faith. He encourages viewers to develop these qualities in their own spiritual lives to receive God’s mercy and grace. The message emphasizes persistence, faith, and boldness in prayer while trusting in God’s wise and compassionate response to each individual’s heart and need.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