St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the encounter between Christ and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, emphasizing the transformative power of divine grace. He discusses six signs that indicate God’s grace is at work in a person’s life: a sense of shame and recognition of sin, engaging personally with Christ, confessing sins without fear, actively seeking God, forsaking former distractions, and zealously sharing one’s faith with others.Fr. Matthias highlights how the Samaritan woman’s interaction with Jesus led to a permanent change, inspiring her to proclaim Him as the Christ. He connects this story to the Christian journey of repentance, especially during the Great Fast, encouraging believers to embrace grace, acknowledge their sins, and seek a deeper relationship with God. This message invites viewers to reflect on their own spiritual transformation and commitment to faith.#ChristianFaith #DivineGrace #Repentance #ChristEncounter #SpiritualTransformation #GreatFast #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 trial of Christ before His crucifixion, focusing on the key figures involved: Jesus, the Pharisees, and Pontius Pilate. He examines the Pharisees’ motivation rooted in self-righteousness and outward religiosity, highlighting their false accusations and refusal to recognize Christ’s innocence. Fr. Matthias explains Pilate’s fear-driven self-preservation, his political concerns about Jesus’ kingship, and his struggle to balance justice with maintaining power. Jesus’ response reveals His kingdom is not of this world and emphasizes His mission to bear witness to the truth, offering Pilate an invitation to salvation.This sermon draws lessons on human nature, spiritual blindness, and the contrast between Christ’s self-sacrificial love and the others’ varying motives. It challenges listeners to understand the significance of Christ’s trial and embrace the transformative power of His love and forgiveness.#GoodFriday #TrialOfChrist #JesusSermon #ChristianFaith #ChristCrucifixion #ForgivenessInChrist #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 balance between love and dogma in the Christian life, focusing on Christ’s cleansing of the temple. He explains how Jesus’ actions reveal a love that opposes sin and demands holiness, challenging believers to stand firm in their faith while showing genuine care for others’ salvation.Fr. Matthias addresses common imbalances: legalism, judgmental attitudes, excessive acceptance, and fear of rejection. He highlights the importance of both mercy and rebuke, emphasizing that true love sometimes requires confronting sin to guide others toward repentance. Using biblical examples, including Christ’s interaction with sinners and St. Paul’s admonitions, he encourages Christians to responsibly uphold church teachings without compromising love or truth.This message calls believers to embrace the challenging aspects of faith by living and sharing the Gospel with courage, clarity, and compassion.#HolyWeek #ToughLove #ChristianFaith #ChristCleansesTheTemple #MercyAndTruth #FaithAndHoliness #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 signs of the end times based on Christ’s teachings from the Gospel of Matthew and Mark. He explains the various physical and spiritual fulfillments of these prophecies, including deception by false Christs, wars, famines, natural disasters, and widespread lawlessness. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the spiritual war within each person, the trials and persecutions believers face, and the importance of endurance and faith.He also discusses the abomination of desolation both as a historical event and as a personal spiritual defilement, urging viewers to consider what they must sacrifice for their faith. The second coming of Christ is described in its literal and spiritual dimensions, underscoring the call to “watch and pray” as preparation for the unknown timing of these events. The message calls for vigilance, prayer, and steadfastness in faith amidst present-day challenges.#EndTimes #HolyWeek #SecondComing #FaithAndEndurance #WatchAndPray #ChristianTeaching #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 meaning of true faith in his sermon on Hosanna Sunday, reflecting on the crowd’s reaction to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. He contrasts the outward signs of faith, such as spreading garments and waving palm branches, with the deeper, inner signs that define genuine belief. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of sharing in Christ’s suffering, following Him even when alone, persevering through trials, cleansing oneself from sin, obeying God’s commandments, pursuing virtue, and maintaining thankfulness. He challenges listeners to examine whether their faith is consistent and heartfelt or merely outward expression. The sermon calls for a faith that endures beyond moments of joy, rooted in genuine love and commitment to Christ’s path, encouraging believers to embody this lasting faith in everyday life.#HosannaSunday #FaithInJesus #ChristianSermon #EnduringFaith #FollowingChrist #TrueFaith #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 explains how fasting is meant to be offered to God alone, emphasizing sincerity over public display. He highlights the importance of fasting with a repentant heart, following the Church’s guidelines, and embracing joy rather than gloominess. Fr. Matthias connects fasting to spiritual growth, self-discipline, and breaking the bonds of sin, stressing that it is more than dietary changes—it is a sacrifice of the will. He also describes fasting as a means of supplication, seeking God’s mercy, and a way to prepare for important decisions by growing closer to God's guidance. Throughout the talk, Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to fast thoughtfully and with intention, trusting that fasting leads to deeper communion with God and lasting spiritual renewal. This sermon offers practical insights for anyone preparing to fast or seeking to understand its spiritual purpose.#ChristianFasting #SpiritualGrowth #FastingForGod #FaithAndDiscipline #Repentance #ChristianSermon #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 story of the man born blind from John 9 to illustrate three levels of knowing God. He begins by explaining the man’s initial faith, recognizing Jesus only by name without deeper understanding or worship. Fr. Matthias then outlines the second level, where faith grows to see Jesus as a prophet and miracle worker, focusing on what God can give rather than a personal relationship. Finally, he describes the third level of faith, where the man acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God, embracing worship, sacrifice, and a life of repentance.Fr. Matthias emphasizes the progression from mere acknowledgment to a transformative, experiential faith that impacts how believers live, worship, and relate to God. He encourages self-examination to identify one’s current level and to move toward a deeper, more committed relationship with Christ. This message offers insight into biblical faith, spiritual growth, and the meaning of true discipleship.#KnowingGod #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianSermon #John9 #Discipleship #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 story of the man born blind and the reactions of different people around him, focusing especially on the man’s parents. Despite witnessing their son’s miraculous healing by Jesus, they hesitated to openly acknowledge it due to fear of the Jewish authorities. Fr. Matthias discusses why miracles alone do not necessarily change hearts, examining examples such as Simon the sorcerer, the healed lepers, and the rich young ruler. He highlights that true transformation involves embracing sacrifice, overcoming fear of loss and inconvenience, and a willingness to step into the unknown.The sermon challenges believers to consider what holds them back from fully accepting Christ and living according to God’s truth. Fr. Matthias calls for a heart that seeks God genuinely, not simply relying on miracles or external signs, but living faithfully according to the knowledge already received.#ManBornBlind #FaithJourney #ChristianSermon #MiraclesAndFaith #OvercomingFear #TrueTransformation #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’s sermon on Pentecost explores the significance of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. He explains how the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live according to God's commandments, such as loving enemies and showing kindness. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual birth, illumination, and guiding believers into all truth.He discusses the Holy Spirit’s assistance in prayer, the bearing of spiritual fruit like love and patience, and the distribution of spiritual gifts for service in the body of Christ. The sermon also addresses how the Holy Spirit convicts individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment, encouraging repentance.Fr. Matthias provides guidance on discerning the true voice of the Holy Spirit, cautioning against selfish motives and false claims. The message calls believers to wait eagerly, listen attentively, and partner with the Holy Spirit throughout their spiritual journey.#HolySpirit #Pentecost #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGifts #FaithJourney #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 reasons why people, including Christians, may struggle with doubt in God’s existence despite the evidence found in scripture and the resurrection. He discusses how unfamiliarity with the Word of God, experiencing suffering, temptation, and persecution can challenge faith. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of trusting God’s character and power, even when His ways and timing differ from human understanding.He explains how sin and separation from God can deepen doubt and highlights the limitations of seeking scientific proof for spiritual truths. Fr. Matthias contrasts the demands of faith as a relationship with God, rather than a quest for observable evidence, pointing to St. Thomas’ story as an example of overcoming doubt through divine encounter.This message encourages believers to immerse themselves in scripture, trust God’s greater purposes, and recognize that faith transcends human logic and empirical proof.#FaithOverDoubt #TrustInGod #ChristianFaith #OvercomingDoubt #ScriptureAndFaith #StThomas #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