St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Conflict & Oneness: Navigating Conflict | SA&SP Couple’s Meeting (Missy Abouelkheir)

Elisabeth Abouelkheir (Missy) shares practical insights on navigating conflict within marriage, emphasizing that the purpose of marriage is sanctification rather than mere happiness. Drawing from her 32 years of marriage experience, she explains why conflict is inevitable due to individual differences and how it can be productive when handled with respect.Missy discusses Dr. John Gottman’s "Four Horsemen"—criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling—and how these behaviors predict marital outcomes. She offers guidance on creating plans for respectful communication, using I-statements, and managing emotions to prevent escalation. She highlights the importance of vulnerability, appreciation, and taking responsibility while addressing feelings without blame.Through real-life scenarios and audience interaction, Missy underscores the need for couples to build understanding, avoid hurtful patterns, and seek reconciliation. The talk concludes with practical strategies to improve conflict resolution and strengthen marital unity in the Orthodox Christian context.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

Harmony of the Gospels [The Parable of the Prodigal Son] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. He explains the story of a younger son who demands his inheritance early, leaves home, and squanders his wealth in a distant land, symbolizing humanity’s rebellion and separation from God. Fr. Matthias discusses the son’s eventual repentance, his return to the father, and the father’s compassionate and immediate forgiveness, illustrating God’s mercy and the true meaning of freedom.Fr. Matthias also examines the response of the older brother, highlighting themes of grace, entitlement, and forgiveness. He connects the parable’s message to real-life struggles with sin, repentance, and the Christian call to mercy. This teaching emphasizes that repentance is an action, not just a feeling, and that God welcomes all who return with sincere hearts.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

Harmony of the Gospels [The Greatest Commandment] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining Jesus’ response to the Sadducees’ challenge on resurrection and marriage in eternal life. He explains how Christ clarifies that earthly institutions like marriage do not continue in heaven, where believers are like angels, united in a spiritual community beyond exclusive earthly relationships.Fr. Matthias then unpacks the greatest commandments, emphasizing loving God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. He highlights the connection between these commandments and Christian life, focusing on self-sacrificial love expressed through actions rather than emotions alone.Finally, he discusses Jesus’ teaching on the Messiah’s identity, revealing the divine nature of Christ as Lord and Son of David, drawing from Old Testament prophecies. Throughout, Fr. Matthias connects Scripture to practical faith, encouraging deeper understanding of resurrection, love, and Jesus’ mission.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

Harmony of the Gospels [Parable of the Great Supper] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the journey of Christ toward Jerusalem, focusing on the teaching about salvation found in Luke 13. He examines the meaning of entering through the narrow gate, emphasizing the need for daily struggle, repentance, and true discipleship rather than mere proximity to holiness. Fr. Matthias explains Jesus’ parable of the great supper, illustrating how many reject God’s invitation due to worldly distractions and excuses, while salvation is open to all who respond in faith and repentance.He highlights Christ’s warnings about the final judgment, the importance of humility, and the call to serve others without expecting reward. The study also addresses Jesus’ conflict with religious leaders and the prophecy of Jerusalem's desolation. Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to examine their own spiritual path, urging a committed and disciplined pursuit of salvation in the light of Christ’s teaching and example.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 Parable of the Talents | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Talents from the Gospel of Matthew, explaining its significance as a teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven. He unpacks how the master entrusts his servants with talents (money) according to their abilities and the varied responses they have—two servants invest and multiply their talents, while one hides his out of fear and laziness.Fr. Matthias discusses the meaning of these talents as God-given gifts and responsibilities, emphasizing that each person is called to use their unique abilities for service and growth in God’s kingdom. He highlights how faithfulness and diligence in small tasks lead to greater responsibility and joy in serving the Lord. The parable also warns of judgment for those who neglect their gifts. Through this teaching, Fr. Matthias encourages believers to understand stewardship, courage in service, and the importance of using all God’s gifts for His glory and the benefit of others.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

12-31-2017 Measuring Our Spiritual Growth Sermon

Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the spiritual growth of St. John the Baptist as a model for believers to develop their own faith journey. He explores ten practical ways to measure growth in the spiritual life, including cultivating a hunger for God's truth, recognizing sin and embracing repentance, and increasing reliance on the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of desiring to serve God daily, obeying Him regardless of the outcome, and deepening faith rooted in trust rather than understanding. The talk emphasizes valuing eternal treasures over earthly ones, fostering a love for private prayer, seeking God’s will in decision-making, and maintaining an ongoing awareness of God’s presence. Through these measures, believers can assess their progress in virtue and love, growing stronger in spirit as they prepare to live out their faith fully.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

Harmony of the Gospels [The Cursed Fig Tree] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study on the Harmony of the Gospels by exploring key events of Holy Week, starting with Hosanna Sunday. He examines the people's conflicted expectations of the Messiah, the presence of Pharisees, and the significance of “Hosanna” as a plea for salvation. Fr. Matthias highlights how despite Jesus performing many miracles, belief in Him was limited because of hardened hearts and fear of persecution.He then discusses the cleansing of the temple, explaining the issue with money changers exploiting worshippers and Jesus’ righteous anger in restoring the temple’s sanctity. Fr. Matthias unpacks the cursing of the fig tree as a symbol of Israel’s spiritual barrenness, and Jesus’ teaching on faith and forgiveness, emphasizing that forgiving others is key to receiving God’s forgiveness.The talk also addresses practical questions about forgiveness, divorce, and healing from deep personal wounds, underscoring forgiveness as a process vital to Christian discipleship and spiritual health.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

Harmony of the Gospels [Christ Enters Jerusalem] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study on the Harmony of the Gospels by exploring Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week. He explains the significance of Jesus riding both a donkey and a colt, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and symbolizing the unity of Jews and Gentiles under Christ’s kingship.Fr. Matthias discusses the varied reactions of the crowds, the disbelief of the Pharisees, and the disciples’ initial lack of understanding about Jesus’ mission and impending sacrifice. He highlights the spiritual meaning behind Jesus’ words about losing and gaining life, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the foreshadowing of the Temple’s destruction.The talk also addresses the importance of faith, discipleship, and following Christ’s example in service and obedience. Fr. Matthias concludes with reflections on Jesus’ prayer and God’s glorification through the Passion, inviting listeners to deepen their understanding of salvation history.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

Steps for Bringing Thoughts Captive | The Harvest (Eric Tadros)

Eric Tadros holds a practical discussion on bringing thoughts captive by focusing on what to do after identifying distorted or maladaptive thinking. He explains how thoughts shape feelings and behaviors, and how avoidance and other reactions can reinforce anxious, jealous, angry, or fearful patterns.Eric outlines key influences on thought formation, including personality and genetics, upbringing and life experiences, culture, and the spiritual life. He reviews common cognitive distortions such as mind reading, catastrophizing, emotional reasoning, labeling, overgeneralization, and minimizing positives, then contrasts secular counseling approaches with a deeper spiritual framework.Eric presents a progression of watchfulness, acknowledgement, and confession, with practical tools like journaling, and applies reframing and virtue-based “acting opposite” using Scripture and examples from the lives of the apostles to emphasize transformation through lived experience.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 Favor with God | Sermon (Fr. James Gendi of @saintmaryhouston)

Fr. James Gendi explores the meaning of "finding favor with God" through the example of St. Mary and King David. He explains how favor with God is closely tied to grace, humility, and sincere repentance. Drawing from scripture, Fr. James highlights St. Mary's humble acceptance of God's plan and David’s deep, sincere repentance despite his sins. He discusses the importance of responding to praise with humility and shares stories about spiritual gifts and the avoidance of pride. Fr. James emphasizes that believers today are also graced by the Holy Trinity, receiving the Holy Spirit and partaking in Christ’s body and blood. He points out that God’s favor can be attained by cultivating a humble heart like Mary’s or a repentant heart like David’s.The sermon concludes with a call to embrace humility and repentance to share in God’s grace and reflect His image 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