St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Harmony of the Gospels [Mt11:20-30,Lk7:36-8:3 &Parable of Sower] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels through key passages from Matthew 11:20-30, Luke 7:36-8:3, and the Parable of the Sower. He examines Jesus’ rebuke of the unrepentant cities of Galilee, highlighting the principle of judgment according to what has been revealed. Fr. Matthias discusses the call to come to Christ for rest and the meaning of “taking His yoke,” emphasizing partnership with God in suffering.He explains the story of the sinful woman anointing Jesus’ feet, illustrating forgiveness and love’s response to pardon. Fr. Matthias introduces the first mentions of women disciples like Mary Magdalene and Joanna, who supported Jesus’ ministry.The teaching on the Parable of the Sower reveals different responses to God’s word based on the condition of the heart, urging faithful perseverance and spiritual understanding. This study integrates themes of repentance, faith, and spiritual growth across the Gospels.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 [Ministry: The Sermon on the Mount:Part3] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels by comparing The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew with the shorter version in Luke. He explores the Beatitudes variations and teachings on loving enemies, forgiveness, mercy, and the characteristics of true discipleship. Fr. Matthias highlights lessons from biblical stories like the healing of the Centurion’s servant, emphasizing faith and the authority of Christ.The discussion includes reflections on miracles, spiritual growth, and the importance of daily commitment to God beyond witnessing wonders. Fr. Matthias also examines John the Baptist’s role, his disciples’ questions about Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus’ response revealing his fulfillment of messianic prophecy. Throughout, he underscores the need for faith expressed in action and perseverance amid spiritual challenges. This teaching blends scriptural comparison, spiritual insight, and practical application for Christian living.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 [Ministry: The Sermon on the Mount:Part2] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the teachings of Christ about meekness, forgiveness, and love of enemies as a new perspective beyond Old Testament law. He explains the difference between retaliation and meek endurance, emphasizing mercy and the call to forgive without conditions.Fr. Matthias also examines the importance of secrecy in charitable deeds, prayer, and fasting, highlighting sincerity over public recognition. He unpacks the Lord’s Prayer and its meaning, addressing trust in God’s provision and spiritual priorities over earthly concerns.The session concludes with a discussion on judgment, self-examination, false prophets, and the necessity of living out faith through actions, comparing a life built on Christ to a house founded on rock. This study offers a detailed reflection on living the Christian life according to the standards laid out in Matthew 5-7.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

Habits of the Household | St. Monica Parenting Meeting (Albert Girgis)

Albert Girgis explores practical ways to integrate God’s word into daily family routines based on Justin Early’s book, *Habits of the Household*. Albert discusses ten key habits categorized into forming parents, children, and family, such as waking up, mealtime, discipline, screen time, family devotion, marriage, work, play, conversation, and bedtime. Emphasizing the importance of intentional and consistent spiritual practices, Albert highlights how small daily habits shape both parents and children toward discipleship and love for God.He draws from Deuteronomy 6 to show the biblical foundation for teaching and nurturing faith at home throughout every part of the day. The talk addresses challenges of modern parenting, including managing screen time, disciplining with grace, and fostering meaningful conversations, while encouraging reliance on God’s grace in imperfect circumstances.This discussion offers tools for parents to create a home environment that nurtures spiritual growth, transforms hearts, and strengthens family bonds.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 [Ministry: The Sermon on the Mount:Part1] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a Bible study on the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the first chapters of the Gospel of Matthew. He explains how this passage reveals the principles of the Christian life as a fulfillment and deeper interpretation of Old Testament law under the New Covenant. Fr. Matthias discusses the Beatitudes, highlighting their call to humility, repentance, mercy, purity, peace-making, and perseverance through persecution for righteousness’ sake.He explores how Christ elevates the commandments by addressing internal attitudes like anger and lust, not just external actions, and emphasizes reconciliation as essential for true worship. Fr. Matthias also explains the call to be the salt and light of the world through both active and passive evangelism, urging Christians to live by the spirit of the law with humility and mercy.This teaching challenges believers to pursue sincere repentance, forgiveness, and righteousness through the work of the Holy Spirit in daily 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

Harmony of the Gospels [Sabbath Laws & The 12 Apostles] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines key events from the Gospels focusing on Sabbath laws and the selection of the 12 Apostles. He explores the incident where Jesus’ disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, explaining its alignment with Old Testament law and the deeper purpose of Sabbath observance as serving humanity rather than imposing burdens. Fr. Matthias also discusses the healing of the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath, highlighting Jesus’ teaching that doing good and saving life are lawful even on the Sabbath.The study concludes with an overview of the official appointment and naming of the 12 Apostles, detailing their backgrounds, roles, and the authority given to them by Christ to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the mission of Jesus as servant and teacher whose work extended to both Jews and Gentiles, setting the stage for the spread of the Gospel.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

Disciple Your Children | St. Monica Parenting Meeting (Susan Wisa & Caroline Marcos)

In this St. Monica Parenting Meeting, Susan Wisa and Caroline Marcos discuss how to disciple children through apologetics amid today’s cultural challenges. Susan explains why parents are the first line of defense for their children’s faith and highlights the importance of building a strong foundation in biblical truth rather than addressing every cultural issue separately. She emphasizes encouraging children to ask questions and equipping them to discern and refute cultural lies.Caroline explores the concept of linguistic theft—the redefinition of Christian values like love, truth, and tolerance by modern culture—and how recognizing these changes is essential for defending faith. They also examine postmodernism’s impact on Christianity, particularly Progressive Christianity’s rejection of core doctrines, and how these philosophies affect youth worldview.Together, they offer practical advice for fostering critical thinking, engaging with tough questions, and reinforcing a biblical worldview to prepare children to uphold their faith confidently in a skeptical 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

The Effects of a Fervent Spirit | Homily (His Grace Bishop Gregory)

His Grace Bishop Gregory reflects on the commandment to love God with all heart, soul, mind, and strength as the foundation for inheriting eternal life. He explores how true love for God demands fervent labor and zeal in serving Him, emphasizing that this inner fervency transforms even small acts into offerings pleasing to God.Bishop Gregory explains that this zeal sustains believers through the challenges of following God’s commandments, making what seems burdensome into a source of spiritual joy. He also highlights how a fervent spirit protects against temptation, likening it to a fire that wards off intrusion.By meditating on Scripture and seeking God’s help to “enlarge the heart,” believers can develop this fervent spirit, enabling their spiritual efforts to be accepted by God and leading to joy and perseverance in 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

Factors for ”Ask, and It Will Be Given to You” | Sermon (Fr. Younan William of@saintmaryhouston)

Fr. Younan William explores the meaning behind Jesus’ promise, "Ask, and it will be given to you," by discussing seven key factors that influence why some prayers are answered while others are not. He examines the difference between human and divine understanding of good and evil, the role of future outcomes unknown to us, and the importance of viewing events as part of a bigger picture. Fr. Younan highlights the significance of timing and the alignment of specific requests with God’s ultimate will for salvation. He also considers how the wills of others and God’s broader plan affect answered prayers. Through biblical examples and stories from church history, Fr. Younan emphasizes that prayer invites God’s active intervention in our lives and helps believers grow in understanding, acceptance, and trust in God’s care.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

”The Incorruptible Beauty” | Sermon (Fr. Titus Necola of @stabanoubdallas)

In this sermon, Fr. Titus Necola reflects on the spiritual meaning of true beauty as taught by St. Peter in the First Epistle. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating the incorruptible beauty of the heart—a gentle and quiet spirit—rather than focusing on outward appearance. Fr. Titus highlights the example of St. Mary and the call to live with the end of life in mind, preparing for the second coming with a heart aligned to God.He contrasts worldly standards of beauty with the simplicity and wholeness found in Christ, encouraging listeners to pursue harmony between their inner life and outer conduct. Using saints like St. James the Persian, Fr. Titus illustrates how faith and inner spiritual strength surpass external trials. The message invites believers to honor their inner person, becoming fully united in Christ, and shining as lights 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