St Mark Sermons

In this talk, Father Simon shares reflections on the beauty of choosing a life grounded in faith. He explores how the small decisions we make every day deeply influence our spiritual path and our connection with God. By addressing the reality of death and the hope of eternity, he invites everyone to find true purpose and lasting peace in their relationship with the divine. It is a genuine message...

Reflecting on Jesus raising the widows son at Nain, Fr Yacoub reveals Christs compassion for those who are grieving and suffering.

Reflecting on Jesus raising the widows son at Nain, the sermon reveals Christs compassion for those who are grieving and suffering.

In this lecture, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his comparative religions series by exploring the origins, beliefs, and practices of Islam. He examines Islam’s monotheistic foundation, rooted in the revelations received by Prophet Muhammad, and discusses key concepts such as Allah, the Quran, Hadith, and the Five Pillars of Islam. Fr. Matthias outlines the differences between Sunni, Shia, and Sufi...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the study of the Book of Numbers, focusing on chapters 9-12. He explains the significance of the Passover and the institution of the Second Passover for those who were ritually unclean or on a journey during the first. Fr. Matthias highlights the role of the cloud over the tabernacle as God's guide for the Israelites’ travels and discusses the use of silver trumpets f...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores chapters 5-8 of the book of Numbers, focusing on themes of ritual purity, restitution, and consecration within the Israelite community. He explains the laws regarding removal of the unclean from the camp, the ritual of the jealous wife, and the vow of the Nazarite, highlighting the commitment and practices required for separation unto the Lord. The discussion includes...

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a study of the Old Testament book of Numbers, positioning it within the Torah and Israel’s history during their wilderness wanderings. He explains the significance of the census of Israel’s tribes, focusing on the arrangements, roles, and numbers of the tribes, especially the Levites, who serve in the tabernacle rather than going to war. Fr. Matthias details the divine i...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of the veiled Christ, emphasizing that God’s presence is often hidden but never absent in our lives and the church. He explains the biblical symbolism of God’s mysterious presence through clouds, smoke, and darkness, illustrating how faith requires trust beyond clear proof. Drawing from scripture and church tradition, Fr. Matthias highlights the tension bet...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how God fully knows us—our strengths, weaknesses, past, present, and future. Drawing from biblical examples like St. Peter and the healing of the man born blind, Fr. Matthias explains that God's commands, promises, and plans are based on His perfect understanding of who we are. He emphasizes that our struggles and growth are part of God’s purpose in shaping us for the...

In this teaching, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of Christ’s veiled presence in the liturgical life and why faith is essential for encountering Him in the church. He explains how Christ remains present yet hidden, inviting believers to discover Him through prayer, worship, and the mysteries of the sacraments. Fr. Matthias discusses Christ’s four manifestations in the church: the veiled C...

Fr. Younan William explores the calling of St. Peter to ministry, focusing on key qualities that enabled him to serve effectively. He highlights St. Peter’s willingness to serve despite difficult circumstances, showing readiness even when tired or discouraged. Fr. Younan discusses the importance of being teachable, learning beyond one’s personal experience, and obeying God’s instructions even when...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralytic brought to Jesus by his friends, emphasizing how God sometimes gives us what we need rather than what we want. He highlights that God prioritizes spiritual healing, such as forgiveness of sins, over physical needs. Fr. Matthias explains that our prayers often reflect our limited perspective, while God's plans are broader and s...

In this lecture, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Islamic beliefs regarding morality, worship, and salvation, contrasting them with Orthodox Christianity. He outlines Islam’s strict moral code and its integration with Sharia law, emphasizing social as well as individual responsibilities. Fr. Matthias explains the five pillars of Islam—faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage—and their role in a...

In this conclusion to his comparative religions series, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Buddhism, tracing its origins from atheistic elements within Hinduism. He explains key Buddhist concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, the Middle Way, and the Eightfold Path, describing how Buddhism views suffering, desire, and salvation through the attainment of nirvana. Fr. Matthias distinguishes major Buddhist...

In this lecture, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines Hinduism as part of his comparative religions series. He traces Hinduism’s origins to the Aryan people and explains its unique structure as a pluralistic tradition with no single founder or fixed creed. Fr. Matthias explores key Hindu concepts such as reincarnation, karma, and the pursuit of moksha—liberation from the cycle of suffering through various...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his series on comparative religions by examining the beliefs and practices of the Mormon Church. He explains Mormon teachings on salvation, the nature of God as multiple separate beings, and the concept of exaltation where humans can become gods. Fr. Matthias contrasts Mormon views on the fall of Adam, original sin, and the role of Christ’s atonement with historic Chr...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his comparative religions series by examining the beliefs and origins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church. He outlines foundational teachings introduced by Joseph Smith Jr., including the Book of Mormon, Doctrines and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, explaining their departure from biblical Christianity. Fr....

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the Gospel passage where Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed over five thousand people, emphasizing the instruction to "gather up the fragments that remain." Fr. Matthias explains how this act reveals God's attention to even the smallest details and His awareness of every individual. He explores how God knows each person intimately—by n...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the mercy of God as revealed through Scripture, particularly in the prophecy of Zechariah about the coming of Christ. He explains that mercy means God withholds the punishment we deserve for our sins, offering forgiveness and another chance to return to Him. Fr. Matthias explores several ways God shows mercy: by not dealing with us according to our d...

Fr. Simon reflects on the story of the man healed by Christ from being blind, mute, and demon-possessed. He uses this narrative to encourage us to examine our own lives, asking what forces might be controlling us or blocking us from seeing God's light. By drawing on the teachings of St. James, he explains how we can actively participate in our own spiritual healing, ultimately aiming to live with...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the characteristics of a giver through the example of St. John the Baptist and other biblical figures. He explains how John’s humility and purpose-driven life exemplify true giving—rejoicing as Christ’s ministry grows while his own role diminishes. Fr. Matthias highlights that a giver is motivated by a purpose beyond themselves, aware of their divine calling, and gives...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical account of Jesus feeding the multitude and the crowd’s reaction, emphasizing that faith should not be based solely on signs or miracles. He explains that true faith involves personal submission to God’s will, a genuine desire for holiness, a willingness to sacrifice, and the readiness to endure suffering for Christ. Fr. Matthias highlights...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Galatians 5:19-6:18, focusing on the fruits of the Spirit and the conclusion of St. Paul's letter. Fr. Matthias contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, emphasizing the spiritual warfare believers face between the desires of the flesh and the guidance of the Spirit. He explains the freedom found in Christ from the law, particu...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Galatians 4:13-5:26, focusing on the contrast between the two covenants and the fruits of the Spirit. He explains Saint Paul’s response to the Judaizers, who insisted that Christians must observe the Mosaic law, including circumcision, for salvation. Fr. Matthias highlights how Paul emphasizes freedom in Christ, the adoption as children of God, and...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralytic man lowered through the roof to reach Jesus, highlighting the example of active faith demonstrated by his friends. He explains that faith requires persistence, setting the right goals, and taking responsibility in personal spiritual growth, church service, and community outreach. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of faith paired with act...