St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

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.#BiblicalManuscripts #DeadSeaScrolls #Septuagint #CodexVaticanus #BibleHistory #OrthodoxChristianity #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, 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.#BiblicalManuscripts #BibleHistory #NewTestament #DeadSeaScrolls #Septuagint #ScriptureTransmission #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. 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.#ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #OvercomingDisappointment #TrustInGod #SermonOnTheMount #FaithAndFasting #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. 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.#ChristianFasting #SpiritualGrowth #FrMatthiasShehad #FaithAndFasting #ChristianDiscipline #KingdomOfGod #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

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.#StJustinMartyr #ChristianApologetics #EarlyChurchHistory #ChristianFaith #Sacraments #ChurchFathers #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 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.#GodsCare #ChristianFaith #HealingInChrist #FaithAndPersistence #BoldnessInPrayer #ChristCompassion #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. Matthias Shehad explores some of the difficult teachings of Jesus Christ, focusing on key moments like the institution of the Eucharist, the concept of being born again, the Lord’s crucifixion, and the call to humility and self-denial. He explains why many disciples struggled with these teachings and how they often require spiritual understanding rather than a literal interpretation.Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of approaching these teachings with the right understanding, faith, and willingness to practice even before fully comprehending them. He emphasizes the role of the Word of God in revealing deeper spiritual meanings and encourages cultivating a spiritual mindset to perceive God’s ways beyond human logic.This message addresses common challenges in accepting biblical truths and calls believers to trust in God’s plan, live by faith, and grow in spiritual insight.#DifficultTeachings #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #JesusTeachings #BiblicalUnderstanding #ChristianSermon #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 continuation of Lessons from the Life of Job, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how trials reveal spiritual wisdom and deepen faith. He discusses the role of suffering in breaking pride, cultivating humility, and fostering submission to God’s will, even when His plans differ from our desires. Fr. Matthias explains how trials invite repentance, highlight the limits of human understanding, and show that comforting others can sometimes unintentionally burden rather than help. Drawing on biblical examples like King David, Joseph, and the Book of Tobit, he emphasizes that God’s purpose in suffering is ultimately for His glory and our growth. The talk concludes with reflections on trusting God’s provision, seeking His kingdom first, and finding peace in surrender, following Christ’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. Fr. Matthias encourages believers to maintain faith through hardship, knowing that after the storm, comfort and a clearer vision of God awaits.#LifeOfJob #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #TrustInGod #FaithThroughTrials #GodsPurpose #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 common questions about alleged contradictions and discrepancies in the Holy Scriptures, focusing on how to approach and understand these challenges. He discusses the importance of context, background Christian beliefs, and the variety of literary genres present in the Bible such as poetry, prophecy, and parables, which affect interpretation.Fr. Matthias addresses examples often cited as contradictions, including differing numbers, the sequence of events, and varied descriptions in the Gospels. He explains how cultural context, translation nuances, and differences in literary style clarify these issues.The talk emphasizes that the Bible’s inspiration by the Holy Spirit ensures its infallibility, despite minor copyist errors or translation differences. Fr. Matthias encourages faithful and discerning reading, trusting that apparent discrepancies can be explained within the broader scriptural and theological context.#HolyScriptures #BibleStudy #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianFaith #ScriptureInspiration #BibleInterpretation #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 two major schools of biblical interpretation: the School of Antioch, which emphasizes a literal and historical understanding of scripture, and the School of Alexandria, to which the Coptic Church belongs, known for its allegorical and symbolic readings. He explains how biblical events, such as the brazen serpent, Jonah in the fish, the Passover unleavened bread, and figures like Adam, Sarah, and Hagar, hold deeper spiritual meanings beyond their literal accounts. Fr. Matthias illustrates how church fathers like St. Ambrose and Origen applied allegory to reveal hidden mysteries in scripture, enriching our understanding of salvation history, Christ’s work, and Christian life. He also discusses the importance of studying the writings of the early church fathers and introduces resources like the Katina Bible app for exploring diverse interpretations. This teaching offers a foundation for engaging with scripture through both history and spiritual meditation.#BiblicalInterpretation #HolyScriptures #ChurchFathers #CopticOrthodox #SpiritualMeditation #SalvationHistory #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