St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the teachings of the Desert Fathers on quietness, distraction, and prayer. He recounts a story of three monks—one a peacemaker, another a caregiver, and the third living in solitude—that illustrates the importance of inner stillness for seeing God clearly. Fr. Matthias discusses the balance between active service and contemplative prayer, emphasizing that true transformation begins with a deep relationship with God.Drawing from the lives of desert saints such as Abba Agathon and Amba Beeman, Fr. Matthias highlights prayer as both spiritual warfare and a tool for heart transformation. He explains how consistent, patient prayer softens the hardest hearts and stresses the difficulty of quieting the mind amid distractions.This talk challenges believers to prioritize prayer and silence as the foundation for meaningful service, encouraging reflection on the eternal rather than worldly concerns.#DesertFathers #ChristianPrayer #SpiritualQuietness #FrMatthiasShehad #InnerStillness #ContemplativePrayer #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 explores 2 Corinthians 7:1-11, focusing on the theme of repentance among the Corinthians. He reflects on Saint Paul’s appeal for believers to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit as a response to God’s promise of fatherhood and our identity as His children. Fr. Matthias explains the distinction between godly sorrow, which leads to repentance and spiritual growth, and worldly sorrow, which leads to despair and death. He addresses the challenges of maintaining sincere repentance despite repeated struggles with sin and emphasizes the goal of Christian life as union with God through holiness.Fr. Matthias also discusses Saint Paul’s pastoral care, his concern for the Corinthians’ spiritual wellbeing, and the balance needed in administering correction out of love. Additional questions about divine anger, emotions, and the sanctification of feelings are answered, providing practical insights on living a life transformed by grace and repentance.#BibleStudy #ChristianRepentance #2Corinthians #SaintPaul #SpiritualGrowth #Holiness #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 continues his series on the Desert Fathers, focusing on spiritual warfare and the transformative power of God's grace. He explores the life of St. Moses the Strong, a former robber who became a monk through God's mercy, illustrating how spiritual victory comes not by our own strength but through divine aid.Fr. Matthias shares stories of early desert monks like St. John the Short to highlight the virtues of obedience and fasting as tools in the spiritual battle against temptation. He explains that spiritual warfare is a real struggle involving invisible enemies and allies, emphasizing the need to call on God’s help rather than relying solely on personal effort.This talk challenges viewers to reflect on their commitment to spiritual growth, inviting them to embrace sacrifice, prayer, and reliance on God as means to overcome sin and draw closer to Him.#DesertFathers #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianFaith #GodsGrace #StMosesTheStrong #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

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the spiritual meaning of the parable of the prodigal son, focusing on why the son chose to journey to a far country and the implications of leaving God's presence. He examines several reasons individuals may distance themselves from God, including rejection of His authority, doubt in His goodness, and a desire to escape rebuke or reminders of their past. Fr. Matthias discusses how leaving God leads to loss of identity, disappointment, and the erosion of what was once precious.He highlights the process of returning to the Father through self-reflection, humility, acknowledgment of faults, and hope for restoration. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the father’s open arms and forgiveness, encouraging believers to recognize God's readiness to accept those who repent and come back to Him. This message serves as a reflection on spiritual wandering, repentance, and the love of God.#ProdigalSon #Repentance #GodsForgiveness #SpiritualJourney #ChristianSermon #FaithRestoration #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 a new series on the Desert Fathers, exploring the origins of monasticism and its connection to spiritual warfare. He explains how early Christian monks, inspired by St. Anthony, sought a life of sacrifice and prayer in the desert after persecution ended under Emperor Constantine.Fr. Matthias highlights the intense spiritual battles faced by these monks, including physical encounters with demons. Using the example of St. Macarius the Great, he shares stories that reveal the devil’s tactics and the value of persistent repentance and confession in overcoming temptation.This session also discusses the role of fasting in cultivating self-control to resist sin and the devil’s influence. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the practical lessons from the Desert Fathers for modern spiritual growth and perseverance in faith.#DesertFathers #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianMonasticism #FrMatthiasShehad #FaithPerseverance #EarlyChristianity #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 discusses the temptations faced by Christ during His 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, highlighting the three main ways the devil tempts humanity: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Fr. Matthias explains how these temptations reveal the devil’s deep understanding of human nature and how he misuses Scripture to deceive and distract believers.Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of asceticism in strengthening the spirit and weakening the devil’s influence. He encourages calling upon God in moments of temptation, practicing patience, and recognizing that sin begins with small compromises. Drawing from biblical examples and teachings, Fr. Matthias reminds viewers that enduring temptation leads to spiritual growth and eternal reward.This message is relevant for those seeking to understand spiritual warfare, the nature of temptation, and the power of endurance on the journey of faith.#SpiritualWarfare #ChristianTemptation #FaithEndurance #FrMatthiasShehad #BiblicalTeaching #OvercomingSin #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 explores 2nd Corinthians 6, focusing on the marks of spiritual ministry as presented by St. Paul. Fr. Matthias discusses St. Paul’s sacrifices, authenticity, and the importance of cooperation between God and believers in the work of salvation. He emphasizes the need for unity with God and warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, highlighting the call to live a transformed life separate from former pagan practices.Fr. Matthias also explains the challenges faced by ministers, including patience in trials, the importance of sincere love, and maintaining a blameless witness so the Gospel is not discredited. He stresses the necessity of active faith, sacrifice, and holding firm to God’s truth in a secular world increasingly opposed to Christian values. The study concludes with pastoral advice on setting boundaries and standing firm in faith amid cultural pressures.#2Corinthians6 #MarksOfMinistry #BibleStudy #FaithInAction #ChristianMinistry #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 Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses a variety of spiritual and practical topics within the Coptic Orthodox Christian faith. He explains the reasons behind the structure of the Great Fast, including the preparation week and its significance. Fr. Matthias discusses the symbolism and meaning of candles and lights in the church, linking them to biblical and theological concepts such as angels, saints, and the presence of God.He provides guidance on finding a suitable accountability partner for spiritual growth, emphasizing mutual encouragement without replacing confession. Fr. Matthias outlines important qualities to consider in courtship, focusing on shared spiritual goals, communication, and conflict resolution.The session also explores the deeper meaning of spiritual relationships in the church, the place of the Prayer of Manasseh in the Orthodox Bible, and the distinct dress of clergy as a sign of their role. Finally, Fr. Matthias explains why Sarah is chosen as a model for wives during the wedding ceremony, highlighting her humility and submission to Abraham as a reflection of biblical teachings on marriage.#CopticOrthodox #ChristianMarriage #SarahInBible #CrowningPrayer #SpiritualGrowth #OrthodoxFaith #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 the difference between worrying and caring through a biblical lens, referencing Matthew 6 and other scriptures. He explains that caring involves thoughtful planning and trusting God’s providence, while worrying leads to anxiety and paralysis. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that caring allows one to live in the present moment with balance, acknowledging personal limitations while relying on God’s grace.He highlights how caring involves active faith, repentance, and focusing on the Kingdom of God, whereas worrying distracts from spiritual growth and leads to fear and despair. By recalling God’s faithfulness in the past, believers can face the future with confidence instead of anxiety. Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to replace worry with care, trusting in God’s mercy during times of uncertainty, and to invest in their relationship with God as the foundation for peace and effective action.#ChristianFaith #TrustInGod #FaithOverFear #BiblicalTeaching #GodsProvidence #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 explores 2nd Corinthians 5, focusing on the theme of reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Fr. Matthias explains Saint Paul’s teachings on the spiritual ministry, the hope of eternal life beyond our mortal bodies, and the importance of walking by faith rather than physical sight. He emphasizes the transformative work of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of future glory and the call for believers to live for Christ, not for themselves.Fr. Matthias also discusses the ministry of reconciliation entrusted to Christians, urging believers to share God’s message with others. He highlights the unity of the body of Christ, the new life in Christ, and the spiritual relationships that surpass physical connections. Reflecting on God’s sacrifice, Fr. Matthias encourages a faithful response to God’s plea for salvation and a life empowered by spiritual sight and love.#BibleStudy #ReconciledToGod #2Corinthians5 #ChristianFaith #HolySpirit #WalkByFaith #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