St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this Living Incense series on Discipleship, we explore what it truly means to follow Christ daily: to be formed by His teachings, shaped by His Church, and transformed through obedience, prayer, and sacramental life. Drawing from Scripture, the life of the early Church, and the lived experience of Orthodox Christianity, these episodes address both the foundations and the struggles of authentic...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of humanity’s original design and the consequences of the Fall. He explains how God created humans with five essential needs—physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, and purposeful—and how these needs were fully met in the Garden of Eden. After the Fall, these needs remain but the world no longer satisfies them, leading to suffering, fear, shame, an...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the relationship between creation, the fall, and the birth of Christ in this talk delivered during the Nativity season. He explains that God originally created humanity and the world in a perfect state, fulfilling every physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, and purposeful need. Using the analogy of a broken toy, Fr. Matthias illustrates how human free will led to...

Eric Tadros explores the foundations of an Orthodox Christian home by drawing parallels between the Church and the family as a "little church" or miniature kingdom ordained by God. He emphasizes that the spiritual life is not separate from daily life but transcends all aspects of it, calling parents and children to live consistently within the rhythm of the Church. Eric discusses the importance of...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning behind the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt, connecting it with the call for Christians to flee the spirit of failure. He examines how failure can manifest not only through obvious temptation but also as a lifelong pattern of negative thoughts and behaviors that hinder spiritual growth and personal success. Fr. Matthias identifies six causes of the spirit of f...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the study of the harmony of the Gospels by exploring the birth and early childhood of Christ. This session covers the Annunciation to the Shepherds, emphasizing their role as the first evangelists who spread the news of Jesus’ birth and salvation to all people. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual significance of Christ’s circumcision and His presentation in the temple...

In this Living Incense series on Discipleship, we explore what it truly means to follow Christ daily: to be formed by His teachings, shaped by His Church, and transformed through obedience, prayer, and sacramental life. Drawing from Scripture, the life of the early Church, and the lived experience of Orthodox Christianity, these episodes address both the foundations and the struggles of authentic...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels by examining the genealogies of Christ recorded in Matthew and Luke. He explains how Matthew traces Jesus’ lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph, emphasizing Christ as the Jewish Messiah, while Luke connects Jesus to Adam and God, highlighting His role as Savior for all humanity. Fr. Matthias explores the difference...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels by exploring the birth of St. John the Baptist and the genealogy of Christ. He examines the visit of St. Mary to Elizabeth, highlighting the recognition of Christ’s presence even before His birth. Fr. Matthias discusses the significance of the Magnificat, St. John’s miraculous birth, and the prophecy of Zacharias about bot...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels by exploring the annunciations of the births of St. John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. He explains the priestly division of Abijah and the role of Zacharias and Elizabeth, highlighting the miraculous conception of John and his consecration from birth. Fr. Matthias then examines the annunciation to the Virgin Mary, clarifyi...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining the narratives before and after the birth of Christ. He begins by explaining St. Luke’s purpose in writing his Gospel to Theophilus, emphasizing accuracy and eyewitness testimony. Fr. Matthias then contrasts this with St. John’s Gospel, highlighting the divine nature of Christ as the eternal Logos involved in...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony and wisdom behind the existence of the four Gospels. He begins by explaining the meaning of "gospel" as the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ and discusses why there are four distinct accounts rather than a single narrative. Fr. Matthias examines the historical context and audience of each Gospel—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—...

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a series on the Harmony of the Gospels, exploring the chronological presentation of the four evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—and their unique perspectives. He explains the symbolism of the four creatures associated with the gospels and links them to the distinct themes each evangelist emphasizes, such as Christ’s humanity, divinity, sacrifice, and authority. Fr...

In a world shaped by rapid technological change, how do we remain faithful to Christ without withdrawing from the world He sent us to love? In this episode of Living Incense, we reflect on the relationship between Orthodox faith and modern technology—including topics such as artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, IVF, and emerging digital innovations. These tools influence how we think, decide,...

In a world shaped by rapid technological change, how do we remain faithful to Christ without withdrawing from the world He sent us to love? In this episode of Living Incense, we reflect on the relationship between Orthodox faith and modern technology—including topics such as artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, IVF, and emerging digital innovations. These tools influence how we think, decide,...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of "The Acceptable Year of the Lord," reflecting on how each new year offers a chance for spiritual renewal and transformation. He draws from scripture, including Isaiah 61, Psalms, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Romans, to discuss true repentance, self-examination, and understanding the consequences of our choices. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of mourning...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how God prepares us for salvation through His Word, focusing on the prophetic role of Zacharias and the calling each believer receives to live purposefully. He reflects on the importance of recognizing personal vocation beyond formal roles, emphasizing living a Christian life as a witness in a challenging world. Fr. Matthias discusses the themes of divine judgment, usi...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how Christians are called to endure suffering and wrongdoing for the sake of Christ. He discusses the biblical teaching on responding to offenses with patience, humility, and love rather than retaliation or bitterness. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the distinction between accepting wrong and allowing abuse, outlining practical steps for resolving conflicts through direct com...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how Christians are called to respond to difficult people with patience, love, and mercy, recognizing their behavior often stems from past trauma or brokenness. He emphasizes meekness as strength under control, highlighting biblical examples like King David’s restraint and Joseph’s forgiveness to illustrate transforming relationships through humility and spiritual growt...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his series on dealing with difficult people by exploring the Christian approach to interacting with challenging personalities such as critics, controllers, victims, narcissists, and complainers. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and recognizing the image of God in every individual, even those who behave negatively due to personal brokenness or trauma. Fr....

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the challenges of dealing with difficult people, examining why certain individuals behave in challenging ways and how our own weaknesses contribute to these dynamics. He discusses different types of difficult personalities including critics, controllers, victims, passive-aggressive individuals, narcissists, and complainers, highlighting their behaviors and underlying m...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the fear of death by examining its spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical dimensions. He explains that death is not the end of life but a separation of the body from the immortal spirit. Fr. Matthias discusses how sin introduced various forms of death, including spiritual separation from God and corruption of emotions and intellect. He highlights the role of...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how God prepares us for salvation by correcting our mistakes, using biblical examples to illustrate this process. Starting with Zecharias, whose doubt led to a period of silence, he explains how correction fosters deeper faith. Fr. Matthias highlights Moses’ transformation through his struggles with anger and leadership, Jonah’s disobedience and eventual obedience, and...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of death, examining its origins, nature, and effects from a Christian perspective. He discusses how death entered the world through the choice of Adam and Eve, contrasting God’s original design for eternal life with the broken state of creation caused by sin. Fr. Matthias explains the separation of body and spirit at death, the role of free will, and the co...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the rich young ruler to reveal ten ways people place unhealthy trust in wealth, highlighting how attachments to money can hinder spiritual growth and salvation. He discusses different types of wealthy individuals, including the enslaved rich who are controlled by money, the foolish rich who ignore eternity, the wasteful rich who misuse God’s blessings, and...