St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of detachment as the cost of discipleship in this sermon. He explains that Jesus’ call to “hate” family and even one’s own life means prioritizing love for God above all else, requiring a detachment from worldly attachments that hinder following Christ. Using biblical examples like Abraham, the disciples, Levi, Zacchaeus, the rich young ruler, and Lot’s wif...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the parable of the sower in this sermon, explaining how God initiates salvation by sowing His word in every person’s heart without discrimination. He emphasizes that individuals respond differently, represented by four types of soil: resistant hearts that reject God’s word, shallow hearts that embrace it briefly but fall away under trial, divided hearts torn between wo...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the varied human responses to Christ’s miracles, focusing on the feeding of the multitude. He examines how external and internal influences—such as cultural values, media addiction, upbringing, emotions, insecurities, pride, and beloved sins—shape our perception of God, ourselves, and the world. Fr. Matthias discusses how these factors create altered realities, sufferi...

In this final part of "The Marketing of Evil" series, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the origins and modern interpretation of the separation of church and state in the United States. He examines key legal cases that removed Christian symbols and prayer from public institutions, explaining how the establishment clause of the First Amendment has been applied over time. Fr. Matthias traces the historic...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical theme of the "Hand of God" and its various roles in the lives of believers. He begins by recounting the story of Christ raising the widow’s son, illustrating God's power to create, sustain, and resurrect. Fr. Matthias highlights how the hand of God works through creation, spiritual transformation, teaching, healing, exposing sin, executing...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his examination of "The Marketing of Evil," focusing on how the sexual revolution drastically transformed American society’s view on sexuality. He explores the widespread influence of Alfred Kinsey's controversial research, revealing how Kinsey's flawed and unethical methods shaped attitudes toward sex, homosexuality, and even child sexuality. Fr. Matthias discusses t...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the turning points of grace in our spiritual journey through biblical examples. He discusses how moments such as experiencing unexpected blessings, receiving God’s grace, and confronting personal faults lead to transformation and renewal. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of meditating on Scripture, accepting rebuke, and recognizing the connection...

In this lecture, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of the book *The Marketing of Evil*, focusing on the institution of marriage and its changing role in society. He examines how cultural shifts and government policies, such as no-fault divorce laws, have altered the understanding and stability of marriage, emphasizing the negative impact on families and children. Fr. Matthias discusses...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralytic man healed by Christ, emphasizing the spiritual meaning behind the command to "Rise, take up your bed, and walk." He explains that the bed symbolizes the sins and struggles that paralyze our spiritual growth, and how Christ calls us to a transformative new life beyond mere belief. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of leav...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Gospel story of the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair in the house of Simon the Pharisee. He highlights how true love for God springs from a deep awareness of sin and gratitude for forgiveness. Fr. Matthias contrasts the woman’s humble repentance and love with the Pharisee’s self-righteousness and lack of mercy. He explains...

In this continuation of his series on "The Marketing of Evil," Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how societal shifts away from godly principles are intentionally engineered. Drawing from the book *After the Ball*, Fr. Matthias explains the three-stage process used to normalize homosexuality in culture: desensitization, jamming, and conversion. He discusses how media representation, legal battles, and e...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the story of Zakayas, the chief tax collector who repented after Christ visited his house. Fr. Matthias explores the biblical teaching on how to respond when wronged, drawing from St. Paul’s counsel to sometimes accept wrong for the sake of peace and unity. He distinguishes between tolerating wrong and accepting abuse, emphasizing the importance of d...

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a series on "The Marketing of Evil," exploring how society has been systematically influenced to accept as virtuous what previous generations regarded as immoral. Drawing from the book *Marketing of Evil*, he outlines a deliberate strategy used to reshape public perception, especially focusing on the normalization and celebration of homosexuality. Fr. Matthias explains t...

In this concluding part of the "Life of Faith" series, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the test of faith as described by H.H. Pope Shenouda. He discusses how true faith is revealed through love, especially loving those who are difficult to love or who oppose us, reflecting Christ’s example on the cross. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that faith is shown not just through belief but through works, obedience,...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the question of “What Will Be the Sign of Your Coming” in this sermon delivered on the last Sunday of the Coptic year. He discusses how Jesus revealed to His disciples about the end times but kept details hidden, emphasizing that only God the Father knows the exact timing. Fr. Matthias explains that God withholds full knowledge to protect us from fear and to develop ou...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical warning that "the love of many will grow cold," focusing on its causes, manifestations, and remedies. He outlines factors such as lawlessness, distraction by worldly concerns, isolation from God and others, and stinginess as key contributors to spiritual coldness. Fr. Matthias discusses how coldness affects relationships, prayer life, and e...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the calling of Levi (Matthew) and the criticism Jesus faced from Pharisees for associating with tax collectors and sinners. He examines how Christ responded to attacks with silence, patience, and restraint, offering a model for dealing with false accusations and criticism. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of resisting retaliation, recognizing honorable suffering...

In this lecture, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring "Life of Faith" by H.H. Pope Shenouda, focusing on factors that weaken faith. He discusses the limits of human reason in comprehending the divine, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in God's mysteries beyond intellectual grasp. Fr. Matthias addresses the dangers of mixing faith with human logic, associating with doubters, fear, and...

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores factors that weaken faith in the Christian life, emphasizing that faith involves daily decisions and commitment rather than mere knowledge. He discusses how satanic deception, sinful desires, self-exaltation, and misplaced attachments challenge believers’ perseverance. Using biblical examples like Judas, the prodigal son, and the Pharisees, Fr. Matthias e...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his "Life of Faith" series, exploring Chapter 7, which focuses on the life of submission and trusting God through trials and uncertainty. Drawing from scripture and the teachings of H.H. Pope Shenouda III, Fr. Matthias discusses the role of faith in suffering, emphasizing joy in trials as a reflection of believing in God's purpose and provision. He examines biblical e...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the parable of the wicked vine dressers, illustrating Israel’s history of rebellion against God’s persistent calls through prophets and ultimately His Son. He emphasizes that God entrusts us with His vineyard—our lives, talents, and relationships—to bear spiritual fruit for His kingdom, not for selfish gain. Fr. Matthias highlights God's repeated patience despite human...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Lazarus’ resurrection to explain the Christian understanding of death and eternal life. He distinguishes between two kinds of death: the death to avoid, which includes the carnal mind, worldly sorrow, sin, and hatred; and the death to embrace, consisting of baptismal death, spiritual renewal by the Holy Spirit, and mortification of sinful d...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the study of H.H. Pope Shenouda III’s book "Life of Faith," exploring the chapter on simplicity of faith. He explains how faith involves accepting God’s truth without relying solely on worldly logic, which can lead to skepticism. Fr. Matthias discusses the nature of miracles, angels, and the need to trust God’s workings beyond human understanding. He highlights the im...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of the "Divine Equation," illustrating how God's perspective and power differ from human limitations. He reflects on biblical examples such as the feeding of the five thousand, David and Goliath, Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, and Elisha's prophecy during famine, emphasizing how faith in God's ability changes outcomes. Fr. Matthias c...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical teaching on offenses, focusing on the responsibility believers have to protect the innocence of children and others seeking purity of heart. Fr. Matthias highlights the role of parents and the church community in nurturing faith by teaching God’s commandments, emphasizing God’s love, and guiding children in spiritual growth and salvation. H...