St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Mistaken Powers | Sermon (Fr. James Gendi of@saintmaryhouston)

Fr. James Gendi explores the theme of true power in this sermon for the third Sunday of the Coptic month of Paope. He reflects on biblical stories highlighting God’s authority over sickness, nature, and evil spirits, emphasizing that real power comes from God and not worldly sources.Fr. James identifies seven mistaken sources of power that people often rely on: knowledge, physical strength, relationships, authority, wealth, talents, and control. Using examples from Scripture, like Solomon, David, and the Virgin Mary, he explains why these forms of power are temporary or deceptive. He highlights that genuine power is found in humility, service, and surrender to God’s will.This message invites viewers to reconsider where they place their trust and how they understand influence and authority in daily life and faith.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

Boundaries in Marriage | SA&SP Couple’s Meeting (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the topic of boundaries in marriage, presenting them as essential protections that help maintain the health and holiness of the relationship. Using analogies like a garden and the parable of wheat and weeds, he explains how neglecting boundaries allows harmful influences to disrupt marriage. Fr. Matthias outlines three types of attacks on marriage: personal spiritual struggles, couple conflicts, and external pressures, emphasizing boundaries as the key defense in each area.He discusses boundaries with oneself, between spouses, with extended family, friends, and the opposite sex, explaining how clear communication and mutual respect safeguard love and prevent manipulation and resentment. Fr. Matthias stresses the importance of spiritual discipline, honest dialogue, and keeping God at the center to create a marriage that is safe and unified. Practical steps for establishing, maintaining, and enforcing boundaries are also covered to help couples build lasting, God-centered marriages.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 Pharisee and the Tax Collector] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the parable of the persistent widow from the Gospel of Luke, highlighting the importance of persistent prayer and faith in God’s timing. He explains how God, unlike the unjust judge, responds to His children’s prayers with compassion and wisdom.Fr. Matthias then discusses the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, contrasting self-righteousness with humility and repentance. He emphasizes that God accepts those who acknowledge their sins and seek His mercy, rather than those who boast of their own righteousness.The talk includes teachings on marriage and divorce, focusing on God’s original design for a lifelong union and the spiritual significance of marriage as a path to salvation. Fr. Matthias addresses questions about humility, spiritual balance, and the challenges of living a faithful Christian life.This study provides a deeper understanding of prayer, repentance, and Christian living rooted in scripture and 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

Harmony of the Gospels [Offences and Faith & Merit] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the relationship between faith, human effort, and God’s grace as taught by Jesus in the Gospels. He discusses the parable of the mustard seed, emphasizing that even a small amount of faith can bring about significant transformation when coupled with obedience. Fr. Matthias explains the balance between trusting God’s power and actively participating in spiritual growth, forgiveness, and service.He examines the story of the ten lepers, illustrating the importance of gratitude and following God's guidance for healing. Fr. Matthias also addresses misconceptions about the Kingdom of God, highlighting its spiritual nature rather than a political or observable realm. Finally, he unpacks Christ’s teachings on humility, the coming judgment, and the need for vigilance in faith, urging believers to live focused on eternal life rather than temporal concerns.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 [Divorce & Rich Man and Lazarus Parable] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining the parables of the Unjust Steward and the Rich Man and Lazarus, as well as teachings on divorce. Fr. Matthias explains the steward’s role and the spiritual lessons about stewardship, urging believers to plan for their eternal future rather than focusing only on worldly possessions. He discusses the consequences of selfishness and neglect of others through the story of the rich man and Lazarus, highlighting the reality of judgment and the importance of genuine repentance.Fr. Matthias also addresses Jesus’ teachings on marriage and divorce, emphasizing the sacredness of the marital union as ordained by God. Throughout the talk, he reflects on faithfulness, the challenges of sin, pride, and the need to follow Christ’s example in fulfilling the law. He encourages careful consideration of how our actions influence others, especially the vulnerable, and calls for sincere commitment to living a life pleasing to God.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

Why the Young Leave the Church & What We Can Do About It | St. Monica Parent Meeting (Joe Costandy)

Joe Costandy explores the reasons why many young people leave the church despite being raised in faithful families. He presents research showing a general decline in Christianity in the U.S., though Orthodox Christianity remains more stable compared to other denominations. Joe discusses common youth complaints such as church feeling irrelevant, issues with authority, and judgmental attitudes on social issues like sexuality.He highlights two major studies that reveal key factors in youth religious retention, emphasizing the critical role of early childhood faith formation, the strong influence of parents’ own faith practices, and the importance of open, ongoing conversations about religion at home. Joe also addresses challenges posed by cultural shifts, social media, and the need to balance parental discipline with understanding.Practical advice includes encouraging parents to start faith conversations early, support youth in articulating their beliefs, and create welcoming environments that foster genuine spiritual growth.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 [Following Christ on Cross & Lost Sheep] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on Christ's final teachings before His crucifixion. He explores the meaning of true discipleship, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing Christ above family and worldly attachments. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual significance of taking up one's cross, highlighting the sacrifices and suffering inherent in following Jesus.He further discusses the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, illustrating God's relentless pursuit of sinners and the joy in heaven over every repentant soul. Fr. Matthias addresses misconceptions about suffering, the purpose of the Old Testament law, and the Pharisees’ misunderstanding of righteousness. He encourages believers to persevere in faith, remain watchful against spiritual warfare, and approach outreach to the lost with discernment and patience. The study includes reflections on forgiveness, mercy, and the realistic challenges of 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

Promise of God’s Presence | The Harvest (Eric Tadros)

Eric Tadros explores the promise of God’s presence and its significance in human and spiritual life. He begins by reflecting on how presence impacts relationships, from infancy to the church community, emphasizing that God’s presence is central to human fulfillment and connection.Eric examines biblical narratives, particularly the story of Adam and Eve’s loss of God’s presence through sin and the Exodus journey, where God reassures His people with signs of guidance and protection. He highlights the incarnation as the ultimate manifestation of God’s desire to dwell with humanity, bringing believers into direct communion with Him.Through the lens of Orthodox Christianity, Eric explains how sacraments engage every sense to deepen the experience of God. He addresses contemporary challenges like isolation and distraction, urging active presence within families and communities. Drawing from scripture and theology, Eric calls Christians to embody God’s presence, becoming living witnesses to His grace in the world.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

Abiding in God | The Harvest (Michael Sidrak)

Michael Sidrak discusses the concept of abiding in God, drawing mainly from His Holiness Pope Shenouda’s teachings. He explains that abiding means maintaining an uninterrupted, heart-to-heart connection with Christ and the Holy Trinity, which requires consistent faith, love, and obedience to God’s commandments. Michael explores biblical examples such as King Solomon, Israel in the wilderness, Samson, and others who began strong in faith but struggled due to distractions, legalism, false ideologies, or divided hearts.He emphasizes the dangers of loving God’s blessings more than God Himself, the impact of ungodly environments, and the importance of purifying one's intentions in service. Michael highlights prayer, scripture, and holy communion as essential means to abide in God, encouraging believers to persevere, choose love over pride, and reject compromise or deception. The talk calls for self-examination, repentance, and reliance on God’s grace to finish faithfully in the spiritual race.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

Speaking Truth C.L.E.A.R.ly | Sermon (Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry of @StMarkHTX)

Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry explores the contrasting ministries of St. John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, focusing on the call to boldly share the truth of repentance and salvation despite rejection or hardship. He explains how truth, when coupled with courage, love, empathy, accuracy, and respect—represented by the acronym C.L.E.A.R.—can effectively reach others and bring healing rather than hurt. Drawing from biblical examples such as King David and the Samaritan woman, Fr. Polycarpus emphasizes the importance of knowing Scripture deeply to communicate the truth faithfully. He also highlights the essential role of prayer in preparing one to share truth with the right heart and spirit. This sermon invites listeners to courageously speak truth as a reflection of Christ, aiming to save and restore souls through honest, compassionate dialogue.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