St Mark Sermons

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Daniel chapter 14, known as "Bel and the Dragon," examining two intertwined stories that challenge the worship of false gods during the Babylonian exile. He highlights Daniel’s boldness in refusing to worship the idol Bel, exposing the deceit of its priests who secretly consumed the offerings. Fr. Matthias discusses King Cyrus’s pragmatic approach to faith, contrasting...

In this sermon, Fr Mark explains that there are only two kingdoms—the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan—and every heart has room for only one king. We are challenged to let Christ reign fully in their hearts today, allowing His Kingdom to transform their lives now as they prepare for eternal life.

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the role of St. John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ, emphasizing his unique ministry in preparing the way for Jesus. He explores what it means to be an ambassador of Christ, drawing from Scripture to highlight key qualities such as teaching the truth courageously, living with integrity, humility, and faith. Fr. Matthias explains that ambassadors must model th...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the question of the end times and the signs of Christ’s coming as recorded in Scripture. He explains why Christ does not reveal the exact timing of the end or all the trials believers will face, emphasizing that God reveals His plan gradually because we cannot bear the full truth all at once. Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples such as Moses, Joseph, and Gideon t...

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of "marketing the narrow path" in Christianity, focusing on how to honestly present the Orthodox faith to others. He discusses the challenges of explaining the demanding lifestyle of the narrow path—marked by sacrifice, self-denial, and spiritual discipline—and contrasts it with the wide path of self-indulgence. Fr. Matthias addresses common q...

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 li...

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 li...

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 li...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the relationship between God and humanity as fellow workers in the divine plan. He reflects on the feeding of the five thousand, emphasizing how Christ involved the Apostles in the miracle, showing that faith and human effort cooperate with God's work. Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples like Noah building the ark, Moses carrying the Ten Commandme...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the meaning behind the Orthodox crowning ceremony, highlighting why the bride and groom do not exchange personal vows. He emphasizes that marriage vows come from God, who defines the commitment and love spouses owe each other. Drawing from John 13, Fr. Matthias describes marriage as a model of Christ’s love, which requires ongoing effort beyond the wedding day. Fr. Mat...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his series on evangelism by exploring how Christ trained His disciples to share the Gospel and fulfill the Great Commission. He discusses the importance of teamwork in evangelism, the role of preparation and reliance on God’s providence, and the necessity of engaging every city and community without fear or prejudice. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that evangelism is a coope...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, highlighting the contrast between the Jewish leaders’ accusations and Pilate’s political concerns. He explains Jesus’ affirmation of being the King of the Jews and the significance of His kingdom not being of this world. Fr. Matthias also discusses Judas’ remorse after betraying Jesus, the nature of true repentance, and the con...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Harmony of the Gospels focusing on the betrayal and arrest of Jesus Christ. He examines the accounts of Judas' betrayal, Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Peter's impulsive act of defending Jesus with a sword, highlighting Jesus' response and interpretation of these events as fulfillment of Scripture. Fr. Matthias also covers the t...

Who? What? Where? When? Why? The answers might surprise you

In this fellowship meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines James chapter 5, addressing the challenges faced by the rich who fall into temptation through their wealth and luxury. He explores the distinction between being wealthy and loving money, emphasizing the transient nature of earthly riches and the importance of focusing on heavenly treasures. Fr. Matthias highlights patience amid trials, using...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores James 4:10-17, focusing on themes of humility, judgment, and reliance on God's will. He examines the source of conflicts rooted in selfish desires and contrasts worldly strength with the true power found in humility and self-restraint modeled by Christ. Fr. Matthias unpacks the Christian paradox of finding joy through repentance and suffering rather than worldly pleasu...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of the book of James, focusing on chapter 4, exploring the source of conflicts and internal struggles that lead to external division. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming the inner battle of desires and pride to attain peace. Using parables and stories from the Desert Fathers, Fr. Matthias explains how unresolved inner anger and lust lead to turmoil, w...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of the Epistle of James, focusing on chapter 3. He explains the responsibility and stricter judgment teachers receive due to their influence and the dangers of pride. Fr. Matthias discusses taming the tongue, highlighting its power to direct one’s life positively or negatively, and addresses sins of the tongue such as boasting, lying, and cursing. Drawing fr...

Fr. Matthias explores the themes of faith and works in James 2:13-26, emphasizing the relationship between genuine faith, love, and action. He discusses the dangers of partiality within the church and highlights how true faith is demonstrated through works, including repentance and mercy. Fr. Matthias contrasts the difference between spiritual gifts and virtues, explaining sanctification as a life...

Fr. Matthias explores St. James 1:22 through 2:13, focusing on the practical application of faith and the importance of aligning actions with belief. He emphasizes the need to be doers of the word, not merely hearers, illustrating the transformative role of the Holy Spirit and the process of repentance in spiritual growth. The talk addresses the challenge of hypocrisy, the sin of favoritism within...

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the challenges we face when we put on masks to hide our true selves from others, ourselves, and even God. He uses the parable of a vineyard owner who covers his dying orchard with plastic plants to illustrate how pretending creates barriers in relationships. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that hiding our sins and weaknesses causes stress, low self-esteem, and pr...

Figures from the Old Testament who prefigured the life, sacrifice, and divinity of Jesus Christ, acting as prophetic "types" that find their ultimate fulfillment in Him.

We should redirect the internal reasoning we have within ourselves towards God and involve Him in all things with faith. He wants us to constantly reason with Him. "Come now, let us reason together"

The Living Word Bible Study goes through Chapter 4 of Galatians with Abouna Luke, focusing on how Christ has transformed believers from slaves under the law into adopted sons and heirs of God. Abouna Luke explains the freedom found in Christ, the intimate relationship believers now have with God as Father, the importance of spiritual growth, and the call to live according to grace rather than retu...

The Living Word Bible Study goes through Chapter 3 of Galatians with Abouna Yacoub, focusing on St. Paul’s defense of the Gospel against those who taught that salvation required adherence to the Jewish law. Abouna Yacoub explains that believers are justified through faith in Jesus Christ rather than the works of the law, highlighting Christ’s saving sacrifice, the promise given to Abraham, and the...