St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this conversation, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the sayings of the Desert Fathers, focusing on silence as a vital spiritual practice. He explains who the Desert Fathers were, their dedication to monastic life in the desert, and how their wisdom applies to modern Christian living with discernment.Fr. Matthias discusses the balance between spiritual ambition and humility, the importance of guidance from a spiritual father, and how to approach others who may be progressing too quickly in their faith. He emphasizes silence not as avoidance but as an opportunity for inner reflection, prayer, and self-examination.The discussion also covers the dangers of inward judgment versus outward humility, the role of confession in cultivating self-awareness, and the challenge of maintaining authenticity amid external pressures like social media. Fr. Matthias highlights silence as a tool to foster deeper communion with God and to guard against pride and distraction.#DesertFathers #ChristianSilence #SpiritualWisdom #MonasticLife #Confession #InnerReflection#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe 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

In this talk, Joe Costandy explores the path to interior freedom through the lens of acceptance, based on Father Jack Phipe’s book *Interior Freedom*. Joe discusses the crucial step of accepting ourselves as we are—our weaknesses, limitations, and past—while balancing the desire for spiritual growth and holiness. He emphasizes that true freedom comes from a relationship with God, allowing us to be both sinners and saints without the crushing burden of unrealistic expectations.Joe highlights the importance of seeing ourselves through God's eyes, embracing grace, and overcoming the internal barriers that block spiritual progress. Acceptance is not resignation or rebellion but consent to reality that opens the door for transformation. He also addresses how self-acceptance affects our ability to love and forgive others, encouraging listeners to trust in God’s ongoing work in us.#InteriorFreedom #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianAcceptance #FaithAndWeakness #GodsGrace #Forgiveness#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe 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

In this sermon, Fr. James Gendi explores the sin of lying, examining its various forms, dangers, and ways to overcome it. He explains that lying is not limited to blatant falsehoods but includes avoiding the truth, omission, fabrication, exaggeration, hypocrisy, and bearing false witness. Fr. James highlights how lying separates us from God, breeds further lies, confuses reality, tarnishes credibility, and hinders repentance. He encourages being precise with words, purifying the inner self, confessing lies specifically, and valuing honesty even in difficult situations. The message emphasizes letting your yes be yes and your no be no, as truth is essential for a genuine relationship with God and others. Fr. James also warns against justifying lies as minor and stresses the importance of repentance and spiritual healing.#SinOfLying #ChristianTeachings #FrJamesGendi #HonestyInFaith #CopticSermon#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe 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

In this Bible study, Joe Costandy explores the allegorical interpretation of Old Testament feasts, focusing on the feast of unleavened bread, the feast of first fruits, and the feast of weeks (Pentecost). Joe explains the three layers of scriptural interpretation: literal, moral, and spiritual, highlighting how the Church Fathers saw Christ foreshadowed in Old Testament events. He unpacks the Passover lamb as a symbol of Christ’s crucifixion and connects the feast of first fruits to the resurrection, while Pentecost represents the coming of the Holy Spirit and the maturity of the Church.Joe also discusses the significance of symbols like unleavened bread as purity and leavened bread as joy, and the spiritual meaning behind practices such as eating the lamb roasted on a fire and wearing sandals. He references key fathers like St. Serill of Alexandria and links biblical texts to liturgical traditions while addressing questions on fasting and feast observances.#OldTestamentFeasts #PassoverSymbolism #ChristianAllegory #PentecostMeaning #BiblicalInterpretation#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe 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

In this episode, Diane shares her journey to the Coptic Orthodox Church, exploring her initial questions about the Bible, saints, and sacraments like baptism and confession. She reflects on how learning about martyrs and early church fathers shaped her understanding and faith. Diane discusses the significance of spiritual discipline beyond emotional experiences and the role of the church in marriage, emphasizing the importance of a personal commitment to Orthodoxy before marriage.Diane and Fr. Matthias Shehad also address challenges for couples blending faith traditions, the process of asking questions, and the need for openness to God's guidance. They highlight how genuine faith and commitment to the church affect relationships and spiritual growth. This testimony offers insights into conversion, sacramental life, and navigating faith within relationships.#CopticOrthodox #ChristianConversion #OrthodoxFaith #ChurchSacraments #FaithJourney #OrthodoxMarriage#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe 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

Fr. Eric Tadros explores the concept of interior freedom based on a Catholic perspective, focusing on the difference between true freedom and worldly illusions of autonomy. He reflects on how freedom is rooted in faith, hope, and love, emphasizing that external circumstances do not determine true freedom. Drawing from Scripture and the lives of the saints, Fr. Eric explains that real freedom comes from submitting to God’s will and consenting to life’s challenges rather than trying to control or avoid them. He highlights how love and freedom are intertwined, and discusses how freedom enables genuine relationships built on trust and self-giving. Through examples like St. Paul and Joseph, Fr. Eric illustrates how embracing hardship with faith leads to spiritual growth and authentic freedom. This talk encourages deep reflection on freedom as a gift from God accessible even amid suffering.#InteriorFreedom #ChristianFreedom #FaithHopeLove #SpiritualGrowth #FreedomInChrist#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe 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

Fr. Makary Boutros reflects on the Gospel of John 14:1-12, emphasizing that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. He explains how Jesus prepares a place for believers, offers peace amid anxiety, and grants freedom through faith. Fr. Makary highlights the importance of making God a priority in love, obedience, and seeking His kingdom while warning against deceptive paths that lead away from truth. He discusses the narrow but certain path to salvation, the role of prayer and spiritual guidance in discerning the true way, and the significance of the Church as the pillar of truth. The life granted by Christ includes physical, spiritual, moral, and eternal dimensions. Fr. Makary concludes by urging viewers to abide in Christ, walk in His way, and restore life continually through repentance and communion.#JesusTheWay #ChristianFaith #GospelReflection #SpiritualGuidance #FaithAndTruth #EternalLife#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe 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

In this SA&SP Couple's Meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses healing through forgiveness and compromise in marriage. He explains how unresolved emotional wounds from childhood and past experiences can affect relationships and create conflict. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that healing involves restoring trust, emotional safety, communication, peace, unity, and love—not just avoiding conflict.He highlights the importance of identifying personal wounds, practicing honest communication, listening actively, embracing vulnerability, and sincere repentance. Fr. Matthias also addresses common harmful behaviors like avoidance, defensiveness, and scorekeeping that hinder healing. Forgiveness is defined as a continuous choice to release bitterness and choose love, essential for lasting unity.Compromise is presented as a key to resolving disagreements by prioritizing peace and unity over being right. Fr. Matthias encourages couples to seek God as the ultimate healer and to be patient through the healing process, keeping Christ at the center of marriage.#MarriageHealing #ForgivenessInMarriage #ChristianMarriage #MarriageCounseling #EmotionalHealing #CompromiseInMarriage#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe 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

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores John 17, focusing on Jesus’ prayer before His crucifixion, highlighting the intimate communication within the Holy Trinity. He explains the concept of eternal life as a relationship with God rather than a physical place, clarifying common misunderstandings about salvation and glorification. The talk emphasizes the mission of believers as light in the world, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the importance of prayer and vigilance to resist temptation.Fr. Matthias also reflects on the agony of Christ in Gethsemane, unpacking the deep emotional and spiritual distress Jesus experienced as He took on the sins of humanity. He connects this moment to the call for Christians to “watch and pray,” encouraging spiritual preparedness amid trials. The discussion includes the challenge of maintaining faithfulness and the significance of unity among believers as Christ desires.#John17 #GethsemanePrayer #ChristianFaith #EternalLife #SpiritualWarfare #HolyWeek#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe 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

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the practice and purpose of evangelism in the Orthodox Church, emphasizing that evangelism goes beyond simply inviting others to church—it involves walking with them on their spiritual journey. He highlights the importance of presenting the fullness of the Orthodox faith, including its challenges and disciplines, with enthusiasm and truth.Fr. Matthias discusses the church’s responsibility to serve three groups: active members, non-active members (lost sheep), and non-believers, outlining how the church nourishes, keeps, searches for, and heals these groups. He stresses that evangelism requires proactively sharing truth without compromising essential doctrines and avoiding cultural assimilation while inviting people to experience the faith.The talk underscores that all believers are called to be evangelists, demonstrating genuine joy and faith that can draw others to Christ, fulfilling the mission to reach the plentiful harvest waiting beyond the church walls.#OrthodoxEvangelism #ChurchMission #FaithJourney #OrthodoxChurch #SpiritualGrowth #EvangelismInOrthodoxy#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe 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