St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the flight of the Holy Family from Israel to Egypt, highlighting key spiritual lessons from their journey. He emphasizes the importance of immediate obedience to God’s will, even in uncertain and challenging circumstances.Fr. Matthias discusses the power of faith during trials and the humility demonstrated by Jesus and His family in their vulnerability as refugees. He also addresses the reality of persecution for righteousness and how enduring suffering can contribute to the spread of God’s word, using the Holy Family’s impact in Egypt as an example.Finally, Fr. Matthias reflects on the ultimate victory of God over evil through perseverance. This message encourages believers to trust in God’s plan, embrace suffering with faith, and remain steadfast in their spiritual walk.#HolyFamilyJourney #FaithInTrials #ChristianSermon #ObedienceToGod #SpiritualLessons #TrustInGodsPlan #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 persecution throughout the history of the Church, beginning with the early challenges faced by the Holy Family. He explains how persecution has evolved, from physical threats to more subtle social pressures, and how believers today face different forms of trials.Fr. Matthias emphasizes six key responses to persecution: not being surprised by trials, not being terrified, avoiding distraction, maintaining faith without doubt, resisting defeat by overcoming evil with good, and staying united to prevent division.He highlights the importance of spiritual vigilance, relying on God’s protection, and keeping focus on eternal life rather than earthly fears. Fr. Matthias encourages endurance and faithfulness, reminding believers that suffering for Christ is part of the Christian journey and calls for steadfastness in the face of adversity.#PersecutionOfTheChurch #ChristianFaith #EnduranceInChrist #FaithUnderFire #SermonOnPersecution #StrengthInFaith #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, the speaker explores six reasons why New Year’s resolutions often fail and how to set goals that lead to lasting change. He explains that unrealistic goals and timelines can cause early discouragement, while goals made impulsively under strong emotions lack long-term feasibility. The importance of creating a clear, specific, and actionable plan is emphasized, drawing on the SMART goal framework—goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.The sermon highlights that achieving a goal is easier than maintaining it, urging consistent effort and incremental progress. Finally, the speaker stresses the need for divine support through prayer and spiritual guidance, reminding viewers that meaningful transformation requires partnership with God. This message encourages setting practical and spiritually aligned goals to foster genuine and sustained personal growth.#ChristianGoals #FaithAndGrowth #NewYearsResolutions #SpiritualGrowth #GoalSettingWithGod #SermonOnChange #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 begins the study of the First Epistle of St. John, exploring its context, authorship, and key themes. He explains how St. John emphasizes the reality of Christ’s incarnation as true God and true man, countering early heresies like Gnosticism that denied the goodness of the physical world and Christ’s humanity.Fr. Matthias highlights the epistle’s four main purposes: promoting joy, avoiding sin, warning against deceivers, and affirming eternal life. He discusses fellowship as a spiritual communion between believers and God, integral to salvation. The talk examines the contrast between walking in light versus darkness and emphasizes the need for sincere Christian living that aligns with God’s commandments, warning against a lukewarm faith.The teaching covers Christ's role as advocate and propitiation, the necessity of repentance, and the example Christ sets for believers to follow. Fr. Matthias also addresses perseverance in the spiritual life and the challenges of true Christian commitment.#1John #ChristIsLight #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #FrMatthiasShehad #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 pride as it appears in the Gospel of St. Luke and other biblical texts. He explains how pride leads people to forget God, focusing instead on their own achievements and assuming their success will last forever. Fr. Matthias highlights that pride causes ongoing conflict with others, as prideful individuals resist compromise and often manipulate those around them. He also discusses how pride prevents people from admitting their faults, even when faced with consequences or correction. Drawing from scripture, Fr. Matthias calls listeners to recognize the dangers of pride, seek humility, and rely on God’s guidance. This message connects biblical teachings with everyday struggles against pride and encourages spiritual reflection and growth.#ChristianSermon #OvercomingPride #HumilityInChrist #BiblicalTeachings #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualGrowth #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, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his teaching on the book of Nehemiah, focusing on chapters 10 to 13 which cover the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall and the reforms led by Nehemiah. He explains the Covenant renewal where the people pledge to follow God's law, including commitments to avoid intermarriage with pagan nations, observe the Sabbath, and support the temple through tithes and offerings.Fr. Matthias details how, despite Nehemiah’s leadership and reforms, the people struggled with obedience once he was absent, highlighting issues like neglect of the temple and violation of the Sabbath. He reflects on the nature of genuine repentance versus mere external conformity, emphasizing human weakness and the need for God’s grace in true transformation.The study also explores the dedication ceremony and the roles of priests, Levites, and singers in temple worship. Fr. Matthias concludes with insights on faithful service, patience, and the persistent challenge of leading others toward spiritual renewal.#NehemiahBibleStudy #BibleStudyWithFrMatthias #ChristianFaith #SpiritualRenewal #OldTestamentLessons #WallDedication #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, 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.#Nehemiah9 #OldTestamentStudy #BibleStudy #FaithRenewal #ChristianTeaching #CovenantRenewal #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 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.#ChurchCanons #CopticOrthodox #LiturgicalTradition #PrayerOfTheHours #ChristianFeasts #FrMatthiasShehad #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 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.#ChurchCanons #ChristianWorship #FrMatthiasShehad #OrthodoxChristianity #SacredLiturgy #EucharistTeaching #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 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.#Apostasy #ChristianFaith #BiblicalWarning #Discipleship #StayFaithful #FaithJourney #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