St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on Jesus’ warning about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees and its spiritual implications. He explains the symbolism of leaven as sin and how exposure to corrupting influences affects believers. Fr. Matthias then examines Peter’s profession of faith, discussing the meaning of “the rock” on which the Churc...

Fr. James explores the theme "The End of a Thing Is Better than its Beginning," reflecting on spiritual growth, perseverance, and God’s justice. He contrasts humble beginnings, like that of St. Mary, with the rewarding outcomes of faith and patience. Drawing from Scripture including Ecclesiastes, Psalms, and the New Testament, Fr. James explains that though life’s start may appear frail or unpromi...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the transition in Jesus’ ministry as He sets His face toward Jerusalem, marking a new phase leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. He discusses Jesus’ journey from Galilee to Judea, including interactions with His disciples, the rejection by Samaritans, and teachings during the Feast of Tabernacles. Fr. Matthias examines key Gospel passages highlighting the cost...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the study of the harmony of the Gospels by exploring Jesus' ministry during the Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah, and his journey toward Jerusalem. He explains the historical background of the feast, highlighting its origins in the time of the Maccabees and its significance as a celebration of the temple’s rededication. Fr. Matthias discusses Jesus’ declara...

Albert Girgis explores practical ways to integrate God’s word into daily family routines based on Justin Early’s book, *Habits of the Household*. Albert discusses ten key habits categorized into forming parents, children, and family, such as waking up, mealtime, discipline, screen time, family devotion, marriage, work, play, conversation, and bedtime. Emphasizing the importance of intentional and...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of Ecclesiastes chapters 5 and 6, focusing on themes of wisdom, vanity, and the human condition under the sun. He discusses the importance of approaching worship with the right motives, distinguishing between those who come to hear and apply God's word and those offering the "sacrifice of fools" by coming for improper reasons. Fr. Matthias examines the...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Philippians chapter 2, highlighting Saint Paul's call for unity, humility, and self-sacrifice modeled after Christ. He explains how true comfort comes from Christ alone, not from worldly circumstances or others, emphasizing the importance of relying on God amid trials. Fr. Matthias discusses the role of love, fellowship, and mutual care within the Christian community,...

Abe Ghattas discusses family dynamics and roles, focusing on the importance of a united and sacramental family as an icon of the Holy Trinity. He emphasizes that strong relationships between spouses create a foundation for nurturing children and highlights the stepwise progression of care—from self to spouse, children, and others—drawing from scripture, the lives of saints, and psychology. Abe exp...

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses how the enemy targets the family unit, emphasizing that attacks often come through subtle, long-term patterns rather than obvious conflicts. He explains how division, selfishness, poor communication, unfaithfulness, financial stress, busyness, rebellious children, fear, comparison, distorted definitions of family, and lack of spiritual leadership all undermine family...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how God prepares us for salvation through the support and interactions with others. Using biblical examples such as Mary and Elizabeth, Ruth and Naomi, David and Jonathan, and Joseph, he highlights the importance of community, mutual encouragement, and forgiveness in the Christian journey. He emphasizes that salvation is not an isolated process but one strengthened by...

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the essential role of parents in raising children within the Christian faith. He emphasizes that the primary responsibility for a child’s spiritual education lies in the home rather than the church building alone. Drawing from Scripture and the experience of Metropolitan Yousef, Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of daily parental involvement, spiritual modeling,...

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his study on Philippians 4 by exploring St. Paul’s message about the mindset believers should have, especially during suffering. Drawing from St. Paul’s imprisonment, Fr. Matthias explains how joy stems not from worldly success but from a deep relationship with God and faith in His presence. He highlights the call to stand fast in the Lord as citizens of heaven living...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels through the stories of infants brought to Jesus and the encounter with the rich young ruler. He explains how Jesus welcomes children as examples of the humility and faith needed to enter the kingdom of God, emphasizing childlike trust and innocence as spiritual qualities. Fr. Matthias then examines the rich young ruler’s question on inheritin...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining two key biblical events: the death of John the Baptist and the feeding of the 5,000. He explains John the Baptist’s boldness in rebuking Herod and details the circumstances leading to his imprisonment and execution, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Fr. Matthias then delves into the feeding of the 5,000, highlightin...

Kristin Assaad discusses parenting challenges and strategies in the digital age, focusing on screen time, internet access, and smartphone usage for children. Drawing from her experience as a prosecutor and mother, Kristin addresses physical, mental, and spiritual risks associated with digital devices, including exposure to inappropriate content, addiction, and impacts on attention and self-esteem....

H.E. Metropolitan Youssef explores the theme of repentance through three biblical examples: the prodigal son, the Samaritan woman, and the paralytic man. He explains how each figure represents different attitudes toward sin—those who stray but repent after suffering consequences, those who repeat sin out of ignorance, and those who knowingly continue in sin despite understanding God's commandments...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels by comparing The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew with the shorter version in Luke. He explores the Beatitudes variations and teachings on loving enemies, forgiveness, mercy, and the characteristics of true discipleship. Fr. Matthias highlights lessons from biblical stories like the healing of the Centurion’s servant, emphas...

Marie Hanna shares practical guidance on fostering healthy sibling relationships by addressing common challenges like rivalry, comparison, and labeling. She uses the "new wife analogy" to explain the feelings of the first child when a sibling arrives and emphasizes the importance of validating children’s emotions rather than dismissing them. Marie discusses how parents can avoid comparisons and tr...

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a Bible study on the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the first chapters of the Gospel of Matthew. He explains how this passage reveals the principles of the Christian life as a fulfillment and deeper interpretation of Old Testament law under the New Covenant. Fr. Matthias discusses the Beatitudes, highlighting their call to humility, repentance, mercy, purity, peace-mak...

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the communication differences between men and women in marriage, emphasizing how these distinctions impact understanding and conflict resolution. He explains the metaphor of men being like "waffles," compartmentalizing tasks, while women are like "spaghetti," processing life in interconnected ways. Fr. Matthias discusses how men focus on problem-solving a...

Michael Sedrak explores the concept of living a life of hope rooted in faith in God, drawing on teachings from His Holiness Pope Shenouda’s book "Life of Hope." He explains that Christian hope involves trusting that God is already at work in our lives and that His deliverance will come at the right time. Michael highlights key aspects of hope, including the promise of eternal life, God’s mercy and...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring the themes of joy and perseverance in Saint Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual training through consistent practice of faith rather than seeking new teachings. Fr. Matthias explains Paul’s warning against Judaizers who insisted on physical circumcision, contrasting it with the true righteousness...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the journey of Christ toward Jerusalem, focusing on the teaching about salvation found in Luke 13. He examines the meaning of entering through the narrow gate, emphasizing the need for daily struggle, repentance, and true discipleship rather than mere proximity to holiness. Fr. Matthias explains Jesus’ parable of the great supper, illustrating how...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Jesus’ teachings on covetousness, worry, and watchfulness as the Lord journeys toward Jerusalem. Fr. Matthias explains the difference between planning and worry, emphasizing Christ’s call to trust God for our needs rather than fixating on material possessions. Using examples from nature and parables, he highlights the importance of seeking the king...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the sending of the twelve disciples as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He discusses Jesus’ instructions to preach to the lost sheep of Israel, emphasizing the combination of spiritual teaching with physical acts like healing the sick and casting out demons. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of the disciples traveling light,...