St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Nehemiah 9 [Review of Old TestamentHistory] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines Nehemiah chapters 9 through 11, focusing on the spiritual renewal of the Israelites after the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. Fr. Matthias explains how the people separated themselves for worship, confessed their sins, and recommitted to God’s covenant, highlighting the ongoing cycle of God’s mercy and Israel’s disobedience. He explores the significance of the Law, the history of Israel’s relationship with God, and the role of repentance in restoring faith. The discussion also addresses the challenge of understanding God’s goodness amid suffering and how believers can hate sin by aligning mind, heart, and spirit. Fr. Matthias concludes with reflections on faith, mercy, and the importance of returning to God despite human brokenness. This study offers a thorough review of Old Testament history, covenant renewal, and practical spiritual lessons for believers.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

Church Canons [Part 3] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his series on the Canons of the Church by exploring various church practices and teachings rooted in scripture and tradition. He explains the seven orders of the Church, including bishops, priests, deacons, subdeacons, readers, chanters, and doorkeepers, highlighting their roles as the "seven eyes" of the Church.Fr. Matthias discusses the biblical origins and significance of the Kiss of Peace during the Liturgy as a symbol of reconciliation before communion. He then describes the Prayer of the Hours, outlining the designated times for daily prayer corresponding to key events in Christ’s passion and resurrection.The talk also outlines the origins of major feasts and fasts in the Church calendar, including Nativity, Epiphany, Great Lent, Holy Week, Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost. Fr. Matthias clarifies the practice of fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays and the joyful nature of Sundays and most Saturdays. He touches on the commemoration of saints, angels, and the evolution of feast celebrations.This comprehensive overview connects church canons to their theological and historical foundations within Coptic Orthodox tradition.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

Church Canons [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his detailed exploration of the Church Canons, focusing on well-known rules regarding behavior and worship within the church. He explains canons related to the prohibition of speaking during prayer, emphasizing reverence during liturgies for both laity and clergy. Fr. Matthias discusses the significance of prostrations, distinguishing between those used for repentance and those related to worship, and explains why prostrations are not permitted on feast days like the Resurrection and the holy 50 days.He also covers the structure of the church building as modeled after the Old Testament Tabernacle, clarifying the differences in terminology and the importance of reverence for the sanctuary and altar. The talk highlights the consecration of altar vessels and the sacred nature of the Eucharist. Throughout, Fr. Matthias illustrates how these canons guide the church’s balance between repentance and joy in the Christian 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 Path of Apostasy [Biblical Warning & Causes of Personal Apostasy] | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of apostasy, focusing on biblical warnings and causes of personal falling away from faith. He examines Jesus’ teachings on discipleship, emphasizing the need to count the cost of following Christ and the risks of starting strong but failing to finish the spiritual journey. Fr. Matthias addresses key reasons believers may stray, including love of the world, losing sight of spiritual goals, longing for past lives of sin or comfort, spiritual bankruptcy, distractions from wrongful attachments, and adopting a Christianity without the cross.Drawing from scripture and examples like Lot’s wife and Judas Iscariot, Fr. Matthias highlights how small compromises and misunderstandings can gradually lead to apostasy. This message aims to help Christians recognize dangers on their spiritual path and encourages perseverance in faith despite challenges. The series will continue next week with signs of apostasy and how to guard against it.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

Parable of the Sower: Good Ground [Part 2] | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his teaching on the Parable of the Sower, focusing on the qualities of the good ground, especially patience. Fr. Matthias explains the necessity of patience in spiritual growth, emphasizing that transformation is a process driven by the Holy Spirit, not by human effort alone. He highlights the importance of waiting for God's will, trusting His timing, and persisting in prayer even when answers are delayed.Fr. Matthias also discusses waiting for God's justice and rewards, encouraging believers to maintain an eternal perspective amid life’s challenges and injustices. He reminds viewers that spiritual fruitfulness requires endurance and steadfast faith, looking forward to the ultimate promise of eternal life with Christ. This message invites reflection on perseverance, trust, and submission to God’s plan as essential parts of 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

Nehemiah 7-8 [Genealogies & Ezra’s Expository Preaching] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the study of the book of Nehemiah, focusing on chapters 7 and 8. He reviews Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls and managing social challenges, emphasizing the goal of restoring not only the city but the spiritual life of the people. Fr. Matthias examines the detailed genealogies recorded to identify the families who returned from captivity and highlights the importance of census and order in reestablishing Israel.Turning to Ezra’s role, Fr. Matthias explains the public reading and explanation of the Law to the people, many of whom were unfamiliar with their heritage and God’s commandments. He reflects on the people’s reverence and response, their mourning for sin, and the call to rejoice in God’s restoration. The video explores the Feast of Tabernacles as a remembrance of God’s provision during the wilderness journey, marking a transition from physical rebuilding to spiritual renewal in Israel.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

Parable of the Sower: Good Ground [Part 1] | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Sower, focusing on the “good ground” from Luke chapter 8. He explains that to bear fruit, one must hear the word of God with a noble heart, keep it, and bear fruit with patience. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of eagerness to listen, simplicity in accepting God’s word, and humility in submitting to His commandments. He also discusses how understanding the word, self-examination, and allowing the word to cleanse and govern the soul help believers live out the faith. Fr. Matthias connects these teachings to practical steps for spiritual growth, encouraging persistence in applying God’s word for lasting fruitfulness. This is part one of a two-part series on the parable.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

Nehemiah 5-6 [Opposition in the Rebuilding] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Nehemiah chapters 5 and 6, highlighting the challenges faced during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. He discusses the internal crisis of economic oppression among the Jewish people, including usury, famine, and the selling of family members into slavery. Fr. Matthias explains how Nehemiah confronts injustice by calling a public assembly, demanding restitution, and refusing to exploit his position for personal gain.The study also covers the external opposition from neighboring enemies, their attempts to intimidate and spread false accusations, and how Nehemiah wisely resists distractions to keep the work progressing. Fr. Matthias emphasizes Nehemiah’s leadership qualities—discernment, respect, and steadfastness—and draws spiritual lessons on prioritizing God’s work and caring for community needs amid adversity.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 Promised Rest | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the spiritual journey of the Israelites as a model for the human soul’s struggle towards the promised rest, which represents eternal life and heaven. He explains how the period of hardship in the wilderness mirrors our own spiritual challenges, and why God allows suffering for our ultimate purification and salvation. Fr. Matthias highlights God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises, even when they unfold through unconventional methods or suffering.He emphasizes the importance of faith, patience, and obedience during trials, drawing from biblical stories such as Joshua’s conquest of Jericho and Job’s endurance. The talk also discusses how God’s promises motivate believers to live in purity and hope, trusting that joy and rest will come after hardship. Fr. Matthias encourages perseverance in the narrow path that leads to eternal life and comfort in God’s presence through all struggles.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

Church Canons [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the concept of church canons, clarifying that canons are formal guidelines adopted by the church to regulate spiritual and communal life. He distinguishes canons from secular laws by emphasizing their flexibility and pastoral application, as bishops may choose when and how to enforce them based on current circumstances.Fr. Matthias discusses the origins of canons—from apostolic teachings, early church councils, and holy tradition—and their role in addressing issues like fasting, communion, clergy authority, and ethical behavior. He highlights the importance of understanding historical context, grammatical meaning, and logical consistency when interpreting canons.The talk also covers the hierarchy of authority in canon law, the difference between dogmatic canons and disciplinary ones, and the concept of economia, the church’s pastoral discretion in applying canons for salvation. This overview lays a foundation for deeper study of specific canons in future talks.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