St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad presents the third part of his series on asceticism, focusing on the spiritual battle against the passions that challenge believers during fasting and throughout life. He explores key passions including gluttony, lust, avarice, anger, despondency, lethargy, and vanity, explaining their impact on the soul and offering the spiritual antidotes of moderation, chastity, generosity, meekness, hope, motivation, and humility.Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in recognizing these passions and the role of the Holy Spirit in overcoming them. He highlights practical steps for growth, such as controlling speech and thoughts, engaging in prayer, and embracing confession. This teaching connects the journey of fasting with the larger goal of drawing closer to God through continual struggle against the desires of the flesh.#Asceticism #SpiritualBattle #ChristianFasting #OvercomingPassions #FrMatthiasShehad #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

In this fellowship meeting, Gerges Gad explores the theme of standing before the Just Judge, focusing on the inevitability of the final judgment and the importance of repentance and confession. Gerges emphasizes the significance of preparing for this day through self-examination, forgiveness, and living a life aligned with God's commandments. Drawing from biblical passages and stories of the Desert Fathers, he highlights the consequences of sin, the mercy available on earth, and the eternal separation from God for those who reject repentance.Gerges reminds listeners that forgiveness and intercession are only available during earthly life, not after death. He encourages embracing mercy, avoiding judgment of others, and seeking reconciliation with God. The talk deeply connects the Great Fast season to spiritual preparation for the resurrection and eternal life, urging viewers to reflect on their deeds and grow closer to God before that decisive day.#JustJudge #FinalJudgment #ChristianRepentance #ForgivenessInChrist #SpiritualPreparation #GreatFastSeason #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 leads a discussion on the importance of setting boundaries for children, emphasizing responsibility, limit-setting, and delayed gratification. He explores how boundaries shape behavior from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, connecting these principles to spiritual growth and Christian life.Eric highlights the challenges parents face in teaching boundaries in a culture dominated by instant gratification and the significance of explaining the reasons behind limits to children. The talk includes practical examples from participants about managing boundaries at home and in marriage, how children respond to limits, and the impact of childhood discipline on adolescent behavior.Throughout the conversation, Eric ties the role of boundaries to faith, encouraging parents to model humility, self-denial, and respect for others' limits, fostering both personal growth and spiritual maturity in their families.#ChristianParenting #FaithAndBoundaries #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianFamily #ParentingWithFaith #ChildDiscipline #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 how Christ reveals God the Father through His words, actions, and divine nature. He explains that knowing Jesus is the way to truly know the Father, as Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. Fr. Matthias highlights key aspects of God's revelation: Christ shows the Father's presence, love, power, judgment, will, and glory.He emphasizes that faith in Jesus leads to understanding God, contrasting spiritual knowledge with worldly wisdom. Fr. Matthias points out that spiritual insight comes through belief and submission rather than scientific proof. Using scriptural references, he illustrates how Christ’s ministry and sacrifice demonstrate the depth of God’s love and the unity between the Father and the Son.This sermon invites viewers to deepen their relationship with God by recognizing Christ as the ultimate revelation of the Father.#ChristRevealsTheFather #KnowingGodThroughJesus #FatherAndSon #ChristianFaith #JesusIsTheWay #DivineRevelation #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 question Jesus posed to the paralyzed man, "Do you want to be made well?" He emphasizes the importance of genuine desire and commitment in pursuing spiritual healing and overcoming sin. Fr. Matthias explains that listening to God's word reveals our identity as His children, leads to wisdom, and requires stillness and obedience.He highlights that true listening begins in the heart with a sincere intention to follow God and involves letting go of the past to embrace a new life in Christ. Fr. Matthias also stresses the significance of practicing faith actively rather than passively and points to the spiritual benefits of fasting and repentance in preparation for the resurrection.This message encourages believers to cultivate openness to God's word, trust His promises, and live wisely with an eternal perspective.#SpiritualHealing #FaithInAction #ChristianWisdom #OvercomingSin #ChristianRepentance #ListeningToGod#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 reflects on the meaning of Hosanna Sunday and the Lord Jesus Christ’s cleansing of the temple. He explains how the house of God is intended as a sacred place for spiritual connection and salvation, not for commerce, power, politics, secular philosophy, or personal gain. Fr. Matthias highlights examples from Scripture where exploitation occurred—such as selling animals for sacrifice at inflated prices, the religious leaders seeking influence, and the misuse of the church as a political platform.He emphasizes that the church’s primary role is to bring people closer to God and nurture their spiritual lives. Using the church for any other purpose diminishes its divine purpose and turns it into a worldly institution. Fr. Matthias encourages believers to honor the church as the house of God, seeking salvation above all else.#HouseOfGod #TempleCleansing #ChristianSermon #SpiritualSalvation #HosannaSunday #FaithAndWorship #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 "righteous escape," focusing on how believers are called to flee from darkness and sin toward the light of God. He highlights five key ways to practice this escape: fleeing to God through prayer, Scripture, liturgy, and spiritual retreat; avoiding evil company that corrupts good habits; removing oneself from sinful environments and discussions; rejecting corrupted doctrine that threatens faith; and escaping the world's system of values that leads to emptiness.Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of seeking refuge in God as the true source of strength and salvation. He warns against the dangers of staying in harmful influences or teachings and encourages embracing God's eternal promises over temporary worldly gains. This message invites believers to live as sons of light, transformed by the resurrection and guided by faith.#RighteousEscape #FaithInGod #ChristianSermon #SpiritualRetreat #FleeFromSin #SonsOfLight #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 escape from a spiritual perspective, examining five types of immoral escapes that hinder our relationship with God and ourselves. He reflects on the story of the Samaritan woman to illustrate how people often run from their sins rather than face them. Fr. Matthias discusses how Adam and Eve, Jonah, and others fled from God, responsibility, self-examination, reality, and truth, highlighting the consequences of these actions.He explains how avoiding self-reflection and clinging to illusions can deepen spiritual struggles. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of confronting these escapes and understanding their impact on faith and life. The sermon concludes with a preview of the next discussion on the righteous escape—fleeing from sin—and encourages listeners to seek God’s guidance in knowing when to flee and when to stand firm.#ChristianSermon #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #OvercomingSin #BiblicalTeachings #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, ARK (Gerges Gad) explores the concept of coaching, particularly in the context of parenting and spiritual growth. He differentiates coaching from instructing, counseling, consulting, and mentoring by focusing on developing potential and enhancing performance through encouragement, guidance, representation, delegation, and appointment.Gerges Gad illustrates biblical examples such as Moses and Joshua, Saint Paul and Timothy, and Jesus with his disciples to show how coaching prepares individuals for greater responsibilities and personal growth. He emphasizes that coaching involves observing, instructing, and inspiring to help others reach their full potential, not just improving current performance.He also highlights the importance of allowing children to make mistakes within a safe environment, the role of coaches in pushing beyond comfort zones, and the long-term benefits of effective coaching for both the coach and those being coached. The message encourages parents to embrace coaching as a way to equip their children for future challenges.#ChristianCoaching #SpiritualGrowth #ParentingWithFaith #BiblicalLeadership #ChristianMentoring #FaithAndCoaching #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 begins an exploration of the book of Joshua, focusing on Joshua assuming leadership after Moses’ death and the story of Rahab hiding the spies in Jericho. He explains the transition from the old covenant under Moses to the new covenant symbolized by Joshua, whose name means "God is salvation," paralleling Christ’s role in salvation.Fr. Matthias details Joshua’s preparation to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, emphasizing faith and obedience to God's law as keys to success. The session highlights Rahab’s faith and her protection of the spies, illustrating God's acceptance of Gentiles and the symbolic significance of her scarlet cord as a representation of Christ’s blood and salvation.The teaching also reviews Israel’s historical and spiritual journey from wilderness wandering to inheritance of the land, while drawing connections between Old Testament events and New Testament fulfillment.#JoshuaBibleStudy #FaithAndLeadership #RahabAndTheSpies #OldTestamentLessons #GodIsSalvation #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