St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the reasons why Christ asks questions throughout Scripture, emphasizing that Christ’s questions are meant to teach and guide rather than to seek information. He explains how Jesus uses questions to test faith, lead to repentance, and bring people back to the right path, illustrated through biblical stories including Elijah and Jonah. Fr. Matthias also highlights how Christ asks questions to correct, reconcile, and deepen understanding of who God is. He discusses the humility found in God’s questions, such as those in the Book of Job, which reveal human limitations. Finally, Fr. Matthias reflects on how Christ makes private acts of faith public to inspire belief, exemplified by the healing of the woman with the bleeding. This sermon invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with God, the role of faith, and the transformative power of Christ’s questions.#JesusQuestions #FaithJourney #ChristianSermon #BiblicalTeaching #ChristInScripture #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

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the unique faith of Saint Mary during the annunciation, focusing on the questions she notably did not ask. He contrasts her complete trust and surrender to God’s plan with the doubts and demands others expressed throughout Scripture. Fr. Matthias highlights how Mary accepted God's call without hesitation, refusing to question the mechanics, her role, or personal gain.He emphasizes the importance of obedient service, showing that God invites active participation in His plan, yet reveals it one step at a time. Fr. Matthias points out that believers today often inquire about outcomes or compare their service to others, while Mary’s example encourages focusing on faithfulness without needing full understanding.This sermon calls listeners to trust God’s timing, accept their unique calling, and serve selflessly, mirroring Mary’s humility and dedication within God’s larger plan of salvation.#FaithLikeMary #TrustInGod #ObedientService #GodsPlan #ChristianSermon #SaintMary #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. Maurice Ibrahim leads a live discussion addressing practical questions about spiritual growth and daily Christian living. He begins with Christmas carols, then answers common concerns such as how to improve focus during prayer, develop active listening skills, and understand appropriate roles in church service.Fr. Maurice explains the importance of routine in spiritual cannons, the value of active listening for effective communication, and the need to maintain boundaries in ministry roles. He discusses maintaining spiritual priorities alongside service, dealing with despair and passiveness by embracing repentance and joy in Christ, and preparing personally for the end of life rather than solely focusing on eschatological events.The talk also covers spiritual approaches to low self-esteem and how to participate in confession meaningfully. Fr. Maurice highlights discipleship, the significance of humility in confession, and the role of deepening one’s personal relationship with God in sustaining spiritual life and service.#ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #FaithQandA #PrayerFocus #Discipleship #Confession #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 Genesis chapters 42 to 44, continuing the story of Joseph’s brothers coming to Egypt during a severe famine. He examines Joseph's rise to power, his encounter with his brothers, and the unfolding tests Joseph sets to reveal their character and repentance. Fr. Matthias highlights Joseph as a type of Christ, illustrating themes of forgiveness, mercy, and divine providence despite human wrongdoing.The discussion covers the brothers’ guilt over selling Joseph into slavery, their struggles with fear and repentance, and the family dynamics involving Benjamin and Simeon. Fr. Matthias explains how God's plan, though mysterious and painful, leads to restoration and salvation for Jacob’s family.This study emphasizes faith in God’s unfolding plan beyond immediate understanding, encouraging trust in divine guidance amid trials and suffering. The narrative anticipates Joseph’s eventual emotional reunion with his family and the broader salvation of Israel.#Genesis42 #BibleStudy #JosephStory #ChristianFaith #DivineProvidence #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

In this Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses various spiritual and practical questions from the perspective of the Coptic Orthodox Church. He clarifies the meaning of emotional maturity, explaining how balanced reactions to both positive and negative situations reflect spiritual growth. Fr. Matthias explores the significance of the Coptic month of Kak, highlighting its unique hymns and extended midnight praises in preparation for the Nativity feast.He explains the different types of holy oils used in sacraments such as confirmation and the anointing of the sick, detailing their biblical origins and church traditions. Fr. Matthias also discusses the church’s position on COVID-19 vaccines, the allowance of seafood during certain fasts, and the nature of superstition versus real spiritual warfare.Finally, Fr. Matthias offers guidance on obedience to spiritual counsel and how to overcome the temptation to judge others, emphasizing God’s mercy and the importance of humility in the Christian life. This session concludes with a prayer for peace and spiritual growth.#CopticOrthodox #SpiritualGrowth #FrMatthiasShehad #NativityFeast #HolyOils #ChristianFaith #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, Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the concept of a spiritual canon, describing it as a personalized rule of prayer, fasting, and spiritual practice tailored by a father of confession to help individuals grow in their spiritual life. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of consistency in spiritual disciplines and the role of the spiritual canon in avoiding neglect due to fluctuating motivation.He addresses parental concerns about whether children’s weaknesses reflect their own, stressing the balance between parental responsibility and recognizing each child’s unique personality and free will.Fr. Matthias also defines spiritual maturity, outlining traits such as stability in faith, humility, self-knowledge, and discernment, and explains how learning, self-examination, and spiritual practice contribute to growth.Other topics include the handling of prayer requests after Liturgy, the meaning of covetousness as an inner desire to possess what belongs to others, and the call to lead a quiet life by minding one’s own business. Finally, he clarifies how one can hate sin while still struggling with temptation, emphasizing the ongoing effort to resist and separate from sin.#SpiritualCanon #ChristianQandA #SpiritualGrowth #FrMatthiasShehad #OrthodoxFaith #PrayerAndFasting #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 questions on biblical repentance through Nehemiah’s example, explaining how collective sin and restoration relate to personal suffering. He discusses the purpose of fasting, emphasizing self-control and spiritual focus over strict dietary rules, while encouraging personalized guidance from one’s confessor.Fr. Matthias explains how to handle distractions during prayer, the meaning of “meet and right” in the liturgy, and the roles of deaconesses in the early Church, highlighting figures like Phoebe. He clarifies the Orthodox understanding of Mary’s holiness versus the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.The talk explores the differences between Orthodox and Protestant communion beliefs, stressing apostolic succession, and explains the theological term “hypostatic union” as the union of Christ’s divine and human natures. The session concludes with a prayer for guidance and gratitude.#OrthodoxFaith #BiblicalRepentance #ChristianPrayer #HypostaticUnion #OrthodoxVsProtestant #SpiritualGuidance #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 explores the symbolism behind the interior design and structure of the church, explaining its connection to the Old Testament Tabernacle and why churches face east. He clarifies the meaning of the sanctuary, Nave, iconostasis, and narx, as well as the significance of church doors and shapes.Fr. Matthias discusses the Orthodox view on the Eucharist, contrasting it with Catholic and Protestant theological terms like transubstantiation and consubstantiation, emphasizing mystery over philosophical explanation.He addresses liturgical practices such as why "Lord have mercy" is repeated three times after certain litanies and the tradition of kissing hands in prayer. Additionally, Fr. Matthias offers guidance on consuming news thoughtfully and managing failure without losing hope, highlighting perseverance, humility, and spiritual growth.The session concludes with prayer asking for strength, peace, and guidance through the intercessions of the saints.#OrthodoxChristianity #ChurchSymbolism #FrMatthiasShehad #LiturgicalTraditions #ChristianQandA #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 Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores key Christian teachings and scriptural interpretations. He begins by explaining the intercession of saints, highlighting biblical examples where righteous individuals, whether alive or in heaven, pray on behalf of others. Fr. Matthias discusses the difference between asking living Christians and saints from other traditions for prayer, emphasizing the importance of righteousness.He clarifies St. Paul’s message on preaching Christ from different motives, affirming that the spread of the gospel remains paramount despite human imperfections. Fr. Matthias also explains why Jesus was born from the tribe of Judah, citing Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s lineage. The gradual healing of the blind man in Mark’s gospel is connected to spiritual growth and understanding. The omission of Deborah in Hebrews 11 is presented as a matter of brevity rather than exclusion. Fr. Matthias outlines the doctrine of divinization as union with God through sanctification, restoring humanity’s likeness to God.Lastly, he examines the story of Tobias from the Book of Tobit, explaining the demon’s role and the spiritual meaning behind marriage and purity. This session provides detailed biblical insights into faith, prayer, and Christian life.#ChristianTeaching #SaintsIntercession #BiblicalInterpretation #Divinization #SpiritualGrowth #FaithAndPrayer #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 teaches about righteous couples in Scripture and how God works through marriages marked by faith, obedience, and holiness. Fr. Matthias begins with Zacharias and Elizabeth, explaining how patience, trust in God, and perseverance in righteousness shaped their life together despite long years of unmet desires .Fr. Matthias then examines other biblical couples, including Abraham and Sarah, Elkanah and Hannah, Priscilla and Aquila, and David and Abigail, highlighting themes of submission to God’s will, mutual support, compassion, service, and wise counsel within marriage.Fr. Matthias concludes by showing how Christ-centered relationships grow through shared faith, repentance, service, and spiritual struggle, calling couples to live in peace, harmony, and cooperation with God so that their marriage becomes a path toward salvation and a witness of righteousness.#RighteousCouples #ChristianMarriage #FaithInMarriage #BiblicalCouples #GodlyMarriage #MarriageSermon #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