St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this first part of "The Five Levels of Leadership," Fr. Matthias Shehad explores leadership as influence, emphasizing that true leadership goes beyond positional authority. Drawing from John Maxwell’s leadership principles, Fr. Matthias explains how leadership begins with identifying problems and taking initiative, then grows through motivating and inspiring others to share a vision. He contras...

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the discussion on the five levels of leadership, focusing on the second and third levels: permission and production. Fr. Matthias explains how leadership goes beyond positional authority to building trust and genuine relationships that motivate cooperation and open communication. He emphasizes the importance of valuing people over tasks to foster loyalty...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the fourth and fifth levels of leadership, focusing on people development and personhood. He explains how effective leaders invest in mentoring others, empowering them with responsibility and authority rather than simply demanding results. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of delegation, long-term vision, and overcoming insecurities that can hinder growth within t...

In this talk, Fr. Titus Necola explores the profound encounter between Jesus Christ and St. Philip from the Gospel of John, emphasizing the different levels of knowing God—intellectual, experiential, and communal. Fr. Titus challenges listeners to move beyond merely knowing God at the level of the mind and to seek a deeper, unceasing communion with Him through everyday life. Drawing on biblical st...

In this contemplation on Song of Solomon 3:1-4, Eric Tadros explores the spiritual journey expressed in the yearning for God amidst darkness and spiritual struggle. Eric unpacks the symbolism of night and bed as representing sin and laziness, emphasizing that even in these states, the soul’s desire for God remains. He discusses how this seeking often arises unexpectedly, highlighting our responsib...

In this sermon, Fr. Younan William reflects on the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt as an example of fleeing from evil rather than confronting it. He discusses four specific evils Christians are called to avoid: immorality, bad company, anger and revenge, and foolish disputes. Fr. Younan emphasizes the importance of running away from temptation because human strength alone cannot overcome it and...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the fulfillment of God’s promises through the Incarnation of Christ, referencing prophecies from the Old Testament including the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem and His lineage from Abraham and King David. Fr. Matthias highlights how these fulfilled promises demonstrate God’s faithfulness. He discusses key promises God continues to keep for believers today...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the role of St. John the Baptist as the forerunner who prepares the way for the coming of the Lord. He explains why it is important to prepare people's hearts and how this preparation enables them to receive Christ’s message. Fr. Matthias outlines six ways to prepare the way for the Lord: preaching repentance and leading by example, serving others with...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical call to "number our days" and gain a heart of wisdom by recognizing the brevity and purpose of life. He reflects on how time, given by God, should be used intentionally and aligned with eternal values rather than worldly distractions. Drawing from scripture, Fr. Matthias emphasizes seeking God’s kingdom first, trusting in His timing and plan, and prioritiz...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his detailed exploration of the life of St. Mark the Evangelist, focusing on his martyrdom in Egypt and his role in establishing Christianity there. He describes the opposition St. Mark faced from pagan worshippers, his arrest, and the vision he received from an angel while imprisoned. Fr. Matthias outlines the miracles performed by St. Mark, including healing and pro...

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a series exploring the role of the Theotokos in the feasts of the Church. He discusses various celebrations that honor St. Mary throughout the liturgical year, including her Annunciation, Nativity, and Entrance into the Temple. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of these feasts, the involvement of Archangel Gabriel, and the dedication of Mary to God’s service from a...

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his series on the feasts of the Church honoring the Theotokos, focusing on key celebrations related to St. Mary. He explains the significance of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin’s body, detailing the tradition of the all-night vigil and the reunion of her soul and body before ascending to heaven. Fr. Matthias also highlights other feasts including the commemoration o...

Eric Tadros explores the spiritual meaning behind the verse "I am black and beautiful" from Song of Solomon 1:5, drawing from the teachings of Pope Shenouda. He discusses the contrast between the soul’s inherent beauty, created in the image of God, and the external darkness caused by sin. Eric highlights how repentance restores this beauty through a continuous process of confession and renewal. Th...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how to make Godly decisions by seeking and discerning God’s guidance. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, obedience, and trusting God’s plan even when the outcome is unclear or unfavorable. Using biblical examples like Abraham and Gideon, Fr. Matthias explains that human understanding is limited and our decisions impact not only our lives but others as well. He add...

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores key prophecies found in chapters 12, 13, and 14 of the Book of Revelation, the last and only prophetic book of the New Testament. He explains the imagery of the woman clothed with the sun as representing the Church, St. Mary, and the faithful soul, and discusses the dragon as a symbol of Satan and his persecution of the Church. Fr. Matthias outlines how t...

Eric Tadros explores the life of St. Joseph the Carpenter, highlighting his role as the guardian and protector of the Holy Family. Eric emphasizes Joseph’s obedience, faithfulness, and humility, drawing from scriptural references in Matthew and Luke. He explains Joseph’s self-restraint, gentleness, and silence, showing how these virtues reflect his submission to God’s will and his protection of Ma...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the life and ministry of St. Mark the Evangelist, the founder of the Coptic Church in Egypt. He discusses St. Mark’s Jewish background, his family’s connection to early Christians, and his mixed names, John and Mark. Fr. Matthias traces St. Mark’s birthplace in Libya and his immigration to Palestine, where he met Christ and witnessed His miracles firsthand. The talk co...

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his series on meditation in prayer, drawing from the teachings of Fr. Matthew the Poor. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of establishing a consistent prayer rule, tailored with guidance from a spiritual father, to maintain perseverance regardless of fluctuating emotions. He discusses the distinction between quantity and quality in prayer, encouragi...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the joy experienced by St. John the Baptist even before his birth and by St. Mary during her visit to St. Elizabeth. He connects this joy to the broader theme of salvation and redemption brought through Christ’s Incarnation. Fr. Matthias explores how believers often struggle to embrace this joy amid life’s trials and encourages focusing on the hope a...

In this continuation of his series on meditation in prayer, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the distinction between vocal prayer, meditation on scripture, and contemplation. Drawing from Orthodox teachings and the writings of Isaac the Syrian, Fr. Matthias explains how deep meditation on the Word of God helps the mind master distractions and confusion, strengthening faith and understanding. He addres...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the power of submitting to God’s will through the example of St. Mary’s response to the Annunciation. He emphasizes that submission to God's plan often involves sacrifice, faith beyond understanding, and trust in God’s presence, even amid fear and uncertainty. Drawing parallels to biblical figures like Moses, Esther, Joshua, and the apostles, Fr. Matthias highlights ho...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of God breaking His silence after long periods of waiting, focusing on the Annunciation of the birth of St. John the Baptist. He discusses biblical examples such as Abraham and Sarah waiting on God’s promise, the Israelites’ prolonged suffering in Egypt before their deliverance, and Hannah’s persistent prayers for a child. Fr. Matthias examines the purpose be...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of responding to God's call by examining key biblical figures and their examples of faith. He discusses Abraham’s obedience despite uncertainty, Moses’ doubt and God’s reassurance, and Samuel’s attentiveness to hearing God’s voice. Fr. Matthias also reflects on Jonah’s struggle with resistance and eventual submission, and Isaiah’s willingness...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the Rich Young Ruler to reveal the deeper meaning of “selling all we have” as a call to forsake our personal will rather than merely giving up material possessions. Fr. Matthias explains that true discipleship involves humility, obedience, and surrendering our desires to align with God’s will, following Christ’s example of self-emptying. He...

Fr. Younan William explores crucial spiritual times every believer should observe to guide their faith journey and impact their salvation. He begins by discussing the time of visitation, when God’s grace calls us to respond, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting on these moments. Fr. Younan then explains the time to flee from temptation and foolish disputes, highlighting the need fo...