St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this episode, Fr. Matthias explores the relationship between faith, science, and truth. He discusses why the Bible is not a science textbook, how Christians should approach scientific discoveries, and why God cannot be studied as a scientific object. Watch to learn how faith and science work together in the pursuit of truth. #faith #science #orthodox #coptic #christianity #spirituality Subscrib...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores why Christians are called to love their enemies, a command often seen as challenging and counterintuitive. He explains that loving enemies sets Christians apart from the world, demonstrating a higher standard of love that reflects God's character. Fr. Matthias highlights that enemies can reveal hidden flaws like pride and impatience, prompting self-examination and spir...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels focusing on the Crucifixion aftermath and burial of Jesus Christ. He examines the darkness that covered the land during the crucifixion and its significance, including nature’s mourning and the tearing of the temple veil, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Fr. Matthias discusses messianic pro...

Fr. Tobia Manoli explores the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, emphasizing its unique mention in all four Gospels and its lessons for Christian life. He highlights the significance of order and organization—“make them sit down in groups of fifty”—as the foundation for experiencing God's blessings. Fr. Tobia connects this to spiritual growth, discipleship, and practical living, showing...

Fr. Tobia Manoli discusses the spiritual significance of the heart as the source of our words and actions. He explains that cursing, swearing, and gossiping stem from what fills our hearts and highlights how these habits harm our spiritual life and community. Fr. Tobia explores the psychological and spiritual reasons behind these behaviors, including anger, habit, environment, lack of reverence fo...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical account of Barabbas’s release in place of Jesus during His trial before Pontius Pilate, highlighting the political and social dynamics involved. He examines the meaning behind Barabbas’s name, Pilate’s wavering judgment, and the crowd’s role influenced by envy and mob mentality. Fr. Matthias then discusses the details surrounding Jesus's crucifixion, conne...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the principles of evangelism through the story of Philip and Nathaniel in John chapter 1. He highlights the significance of encountering Christ personally before sharing the faith with others, emphasizing that effective evangelism stems from a genuine relationship with God. Philip’s invitation to Nathaniel, “Come and see,” illustrates the importance of accompanying oth...

In this episode, Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses Pope Shenouda III’s insights from the book *The Diabolic Wars* on how Satan attacks Christians. Fr. Matthias explains the subtle strategies of the devil, such as sowing pride, despair, and vain glory, and highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and guidance from the father of confession. He emphasizes that pride is a hidden sin that can ari...

In this sermon, Bassem Iskander reflects on the healing of the paralyzed man brought to Jesus by his four friends, emphasizing that Christ’s primary mission is the forgiveness and healing of the soul. Bassem challenges listeners to examine where their true treasure, heart, and focus lie—whether with worldly concerns or with Christ. He explores why sin and earthly pleasures often distract believers...

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses how married couples can face life’s challenges as a united team. He emphasizes that in marriage, each partner’s struggles become shared burdens, requiring mutual support rather than opposition. Drawing from Scripture, Fr. Matthias encourages couples to view challenges as joint battles, maintaining respect, empathy, and communication. He covers practical topics such as...

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...

Bassem Iskander explores the life of Joseph from the book of Genesis, focusing on his journey from a favored, prideful son to a figure of faithfulness used by God to save many lives. Bassem outlines the key events in Genesis, highlights the transformation in Joseph’s character through trials such as betrayal, false accusations, imprisonment, and abandonment, and emphasizes God's providence working...

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...

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...

In this discussion, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the nature of the devil based on the teachings of Pope Shenouda III in the book *Diabolic Wars*. Fr. Matthias addresses why Christians often feel surprised by spiritual attacks, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and comparing oneself to God's standards rather than worldly measures. He explains how spiritual growth comes with ongoing strug...

Fr. Tobia Manoli explores the meaning and practice of prayer in this sermon, emphasizing prayer as a relationship with God rather than a mere ritual or a pursuit of immediate miracles. He explains how true prayer leads to lasting grace and spiritual growth, rather than instant solutions or signs. Fr. Tobia addresses common misconceptions about prayer, including the expectation of visible miracles...

In this episode of Living Incense, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the teachings of the Desert Fathers on the inner spiritual life. He discusses why true spirituality naturally leads to humility rather than superiority by likening it to washing away visible and hidden sins gradually. Fr. Matthias explains the difference between humility and low self-esteem, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the role of temptation in the Christian spiritual journey by reflecting on the Lord Christ’s temptation in the wilderness. Fr. Matthias explains how temptation reveals the passions and desires hidden within us, showing areas of weakness and brokenness that we need to address through repentance and confession. He distinguishes between the pure nature of...

In this talk, Michael Sedrak explores the Rite and contemplations of the Feast of Pentecost, highlighting its significance as one of the seven major feasts of the Lord. He explains Pentecost’s roots in Jewish tradition, connecting it to the Feast of Weeks and Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. Michael discusses the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, describing how this event marks th...

In this episode, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores teachings from the Desert Fathers on self-awareness and spiritual growth. Fr. Matthias discusses why worldly pursuits often fail to satisfy the heart, using King Solomon’s reflections in Ecclesiastes to illustrate the emptiness of earthly pleasures. He emphasizes the importance of keeping God at the center of all relationships and activities to maintai...

In this sermon, Fr. Theophilus Mikhail explains the significance of the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers. He emphasizes that God's promises, including the presence of the Holy Spirit, never change and remain constant throughout time. Fr. Theophilus describes how the Holy Spirit convicts us gently of sin, judgment, and encourages righteousness, offering a wake-up call rather than blame. He war...

In this conversation, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the sayings of the Desert Fathers, focusing on silence as a vital spiritual practice. He explains who the Desert Fathers were, their dedication to monastic life in the desert, and how their wisdom applies to modern Christian living with discernment. Fr. Matthias discusses the balance between spiritual ambition and humility, the importance of guida...

In this talk, Joe Costandy explores the path to interior freedom through the lens of acceptance, based on Father Jack Phipe’s book *Interior Freedom*. Joe discusses the crucial step of accepting ourselves as we are—our weaknesses, limitations, and past—while balancing the desire for spiritual growth and holiness. He emphasizes that true freedom comes from a relationship with God, allowing us to be...

In this sermon, Fr. James Gendi explores the sin of lying, examining its various forms, dangers, and ways to overcome it. He explains that lying is not limited to blatant falsehoods but includes avoiding the truth, omission, fabrication, exaggeration, hypocrisy, and bearing false witness. Fr. James highlights how lying separates us from God, breeds further lies, confuses reality, tarnishes credibi...

In this Bible study, Joe Costandy explores the allegorical interpretation of Old Testament feasts, focusing on the feast of unleavened bread, the feast of first fruits, and the feast of weeks (Pentecost). Joe explains the three layers of scriptural interpretation: literal, moral, and spiritual, highlighting how the Church Fathers saw Christ foreshadowed in Old Testament events. He unpacks the Pass...