St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the Gospel account of the paralyzed man lowered through the roof and uses it to teach about spiritual paralysis and healing. Fr. Matthias highlights how Christ first forgives the man’s sins before healing his body, showing that spiritual healing is more essential than physical restoration.Fr. Matthias examines different forms of spiritual paralysis, including indifference toward God, laziness in spiritual life, lack of growth, spiritual blindness, stubbornness of heart, and instability in faith. He explains how these conditions prevent believers from responding to God, growing in virtue, and living according to the Gospel.Fr. Matthias concludes by emphasizing that Christ alone has the power to heal spiritual paralysis through repentance, forgiveness, obedience, prayer, and a living relationship with God, calling believers to seek inner healing so they may rise and walk in newness of life.#SpiritualHealing #ParalysisOfTheSpirit #FaithRenewal #ForgivenessInChrist #ChristianGrowth #HealingThroughChrist #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 profound benefits of Christ’s resurrection as described in Scripture. He emphasizes that the resurrection is not just an annual event but a daily source of spiritual renewal and strength. Fr. Matthias highlights key benefits including the assurance of Jesus’ deity, the promise of a heavenly inheritance, and the power to overcome sin through the Holy Spirit.He explains how the resurrection brings enduring joy that cannot be taken away, provides perseverance to continue the Christian journey, and instills a desire for unity with God. Fr. Matthias also addresses how the resurrection breaks the barrier caused by sin, restores our original relationship with God, and offers security beyond earthly possessions by overcoming the fear of death.The message calls believers to live out the resurrection daily, allowing its power to transform their lives through faith and participation in the sacraments.#ResurrectionBenefits #ChristIsRisen #FaithRenewal #VictoryOverSin #ChristianSermon #PowerOfResurrection #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 Lazarus’s resurrection to highlight the challenges believers face in understanding and accepting the teachings of Christ. He discusses common stumbling blocks such as the mystery of Communion, the significance of baptism as spiritual rebirth, and the difficulty of embracing Christ’s crucifixion. Fr. Matthias also addresses struggles with moral teachings like divorce and the challenge wealth poses to entering God’s kingdom.He emphasizes that overcoming these stumbling blocks requires faith, practical participation in the Christian life, and spiritual discernment. Rather than relying solely on intellectual understanding, believers are encouraged to experience the faith through prayer, sacraments, and obedience, allowing God’s work in their lives to reveal deeper truth. This message calls for spiritual growth and perseverance in following Christ’s commandments despite their difficulty.#ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #LazarusResurrection #FaithInChrist #OvercomingStumblingBlocks #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 reasons why many did not believe in Jesus Christ during the Theophany, despite witnessing miraculous signs such as the Spirit descending like a dove and hearing God's voice proclaiming Jesus as His Son. He explains how the Pharisees' lack of spiritual perception, their focus on worldly matters, and their preconceived notions about God prevented them from recognizing the significance of Christ’s baptism. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of having faith in the power of the sacraments and approaching God with an open and humble heart. He invites viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and motivations, encouraging a deeper understanding of salvation through baptism and a commitment to spiritual growth rooted in the truth of God's Word.#Theophany #FaithInChrist #ChristianSermon #SpiritualGrowth #Baptism #GodsWord #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. James Gendi discusses the Feast of the Transfiguration, explaining its significance as a revelation of Christ’s divine glory and his fulfillment of salvation through the upcoming passion. He highlights the appearances of Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, and illustrates how the event prepares the disciples for Christ’s crucifixion by affirming his divine nature.Fr. James explores how the Transfiguration points to our personal transformation, emphasizing the need for prayerful withdrawal, godly living, and the choice of companions who guide us toward holiness. He connects this feast to the resurrection, ascension, and second coming of Christ, illustrating the gradual unveiling of divine glory.The homily encourages reflection on embodying Christ’s light, caring for the body in preparation for resurrection, and fostering spiritual friendships that support faith and repentance.#FeastOfTheTransfiguration #DivineGlory #ChristianTransformation #FrJamesGendi #SpiritualGrowth #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

Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the story of Anna the Prophetess, who dedicated her life to serving God through fasting, prayer, and perseverance in the temple. He explains the significance of Christ’s circumcision as the fulfillment of the Old Testament law and its connection to baptism in the New Testament. Fr. Matthias highlights Anna’s example for those who are single, widowed, or experiencing loneliness, encouraging them to use their time in service to the church, maintain self-discipline, and deepen their relationship with God through prayer.He emphasizes the importance of perseverance despite struggles and the reward of spiritual closeness to God. Anna’s life shows the value of thanksgiving, sharing faith with others, and focusing on redemption and eternal life. Fr. Matthias urges viewers to see loneliness as an opportunity to grow in intimacy with God and prepare for the eternal inheritance.#AnnaTheProphetess #ChristianPerseverance #FaithAndPrayer #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianSermon #BiblicalReflection #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 concept of the faith cycle, explaining how God develops our faith through life's challenges. Drawing from Scripture, he discusses key moments such as John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus and two biblical case studies: the healing of the paralytic and the calling of the disciples. Fr. Matthias highlights five stages in the faith cycle: encountering a problem, making an act of faith, receiving a spiritual blessing, obtaining a physical blessing, and experiencing long-term spiritual growth. He emphasizes that faith involves trusting God beyond visible evidence and that trials serve to deepen our relationship with Him. The talk encourages believers to respond to difficulties with faith, understanding that God’s purpose is not just to solve problems but to transform lives and strengthen faith in God’s presence and power.#FaithCycle #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #TrustInGod #BiblicalTeaching #FaithThroughTrials #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 paralytic man brought to Christ by four friends, highlighting how their faith led to healing and forgiveness. He discusses the challenge and responsibility of evangelizing to people who are suffering, emphasizing the importance of understanding their worldview and addressing their specific needs.Fr. Matthias explains how suffering can become an opportunity for people to seek Christ, especially when they face problems beyond their control. He contrasts the Christian worldview, which offers hope, purpose, and eternal life, with the atheist perspective marked by hopelessness and meaninglessness.The message includes practical advice on how to evangelize effectively: listening carefully, respecting others’ beliefs and suffering, building genuine relationships, and living a joyful faith that reflects the hope found in Christ. Fr. Matthias encourages Christians to offer the light of Christ to those in darkness, meeting them compassionately where they are.#Evangelism #FaithInSuffering #ChristianHope #HealingThroughChrist #SharingTheGospel #CompassionateMinistry #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 calling of the fishermen to become disciples of Christ, focusing on their willingness to obey Jesus’ command despite their own expertise and fatigue. He emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God’s guidance, even when His directions seem illogical or difficult. Fr. Matthias discusses key aspects of Christian life necessary to “see God,” including purity of heart, sincerity, forgiveness, humility, surrender of will, and love for enemies.Drawing from Scripture, Fr. Matthias explains that true purity involves both inner transformation and outward actions. He highlights the role of faith before proof, the need to resist worldly distractions, and the power of forgiveness and mercy. The talk concludes with a call to live in the world without allowing it to corrupt the heart, encouraging believers to pursue a life of purity to experience God’s presence clearly.#ChristianFaith #Discipleship #TrustInGod #PurityOfHeart #Forgiveness #LivingForChrist #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 story of the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet in the house of Simon the Pharisee. He contrasts Simon’s self-righteousness with the woman’s recognition of her need for forgiveness and healing. Fr. Matthias explains how Jesus came to bring light into the darkness of human sin, yet many reject this light due to spiritual blindness.The talk explores different ways people remain darkened, such as addiction to the flesh, worship of self-will, selfishness, emotionalism, denial of spiritual realities, materialism, and unhealthy responses to pain. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of submission to God’s authority, discernment, and seeking true comfort in God rather than worldly things. He concludes by urging listeners to admit their blindness, accept Christ as the light, and grow in faith to become children of God.#ChristianSermon #ForgivenessInChrist #LightInDarkness #FaithAndHealing #JesusSaves #SpiritualDiscernment #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