St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of self-deception, drawing on the ministry of St. John the Baptist and the challenges faced by the Pharisees who believed themselves righteous yet lived in hypocrisy. Fr. Matthias explains how the heart can be deceitful and how individuals often create false realities to avoid painful truths about themselves, their goals, and their relationshi...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the spiritual importance of small actions and decisions in this sermon. Drawing from biblical examples like Adam and Eve, Esau, and the Widow’s mite, Fr. Matthias highlights how seemingly minor acts of obedience or sin can have lasting consequences. He discusses how everyday choices, whether they are small sins or acts of faith, shape our spiritual lives and relationsh...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the difference between true and false repentance through biblical examples. He reflects on the story of Zacchaeus as a model of genuine repentance—where words are matched by meaningful actions. Fr. Matthias contrasts this with King Saul’s false repentance, characterized by excuses, reluctant confession, minimizing consequences, and lack of lasting chang...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the sinful woman who washed Christ’s feet with her tears at Simon the Pharisee’s house, highlighting her ability to maintain focus despite judgment and distractions. He reflects on how individuals in Scripture, like Zacchaeus, St. Stephen, Mary, and St. Paul, demonstrate unwavering focus on Christ amid challenges and temptations. Fr. Matthias emphasizes th...

His Grace Bishop Gregory explores how encountering Christ’s authority can help overcome paralysis in our lives, whether from past trauma, present difficulties, or the bondage of sin. Using the story of the paralytic man carried by four friends, Bishop Gregory highlights the role of the Church as the “house of the comforter,” where healing and transformation take place through faith and humility. H...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Jesus calling the fishermen to become His disciples, highlighting what made these ordinary men stand out. Fr. Matthias discusses key qualities that brought individuals special attention from Christ, including great love, extreme need, unwavering faith, boldness without fear of ridicule, patience, and persistence in prayer. Through examples...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how Christ consistently reached out to society’s outcasts—those rejected due to sin, illness, or social status. He discusses biblical examples including Levi the tax collector, the Samaritan woman, lepers, the adulterous woman, the Canaanite woman, and even St. Paul after his conversion, illustrating how Jesus offered mercy, acceptance, and hope to thos...

Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry discusses the theme of spiritual resurrection, using three biblical accounts of raising the dead to illustrate different states of sin and hopelessness. He explains how hidden, private sins resemble the daughter of Jairus, while publicly known sins are like the dead child taken from the house, and deeply entrenched, habitual sins are compared to Lazarus, who had been dead fo...

Fr. Titus Necola explores the transformative impact of God's Word on the believer’s heart, using the Parable of the Sower as a framework. He explains how the Word acts as a double-edged sword, revealing inner truth and exposing spiritual brokenness. Fr. Titus emphasizes personal responsibility in cultivating the heart’s condition, illustrating how daily choices shape our spiritual soil. He describ...

Fr. Makary Boutros explores the Parable of the Sower from the Gospel of Matthew, drawing connections between the agricultural season and the spiritual sowing of God’s word in our hearts. He explains the symbolism of the boat as the Church and how Jesus meets us to transform our nature. Fr. Makary outlines the four types of soil representing different responses to God’s word: the wayside, the rocky...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the calling of Levi, the tax collector, illustrating how Jesus sought sinners rather than the self-righteous. Fr. Matthias explains the contrast between those who judge others while considering themselves righteous and those who recognize their need for repentance and salvation. Using Scripture from Luke, Romans, and the parables of the prodigal son and...

In this sermon, Fr. James Gendi discusses how to evaluate and expose lies, especially in the age of technology where misinformation spreads quickly. He explains the nature of lies as distortions that confuse or delude the truth, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between the sin of lying and the individual who lies. Fr. James guides listeners to measure claims against known truth, assess...

His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef explores the meaning of the "Abomination of Desolation" as mentioned in Mark 13, addressing its historical, prophetic, and spiritual significance. He explains the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD when the Roman commander entered the Holy of Holies, fulfilling Daniel’s prophecy. Metropolitan Youssef connects this event to future prophetic signs involving the Antic...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the biblical account of Jesus feeding the five thousand, highlighting how Christ fulfills both spiritual and physical needs. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of personal communication with God, illustrating how Jesus listened attentively to His disciples and spent private time with them, showing care and building relationships. Fr. Matthias exp...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the difference between literal and spiritual promises of Christ, focusing on the story of Lazarus’s resurrection. He explains how Jesus’s promises often have a spiritual meaning beyond immediate physical manifestations, using examples like the forgiveness of sins, the sacraments, and enduring trials. Fr. Matthias discusses how Christ’s power is evident in both spiritua...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers to illustrate the principle of consequences in the spiritual life. He explains how persistent sin leads to inevitable consequences, even when forgiveness is granted. Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples showing that every decision carries consequences, some immediate and others long-lasting, affecting not only the individual...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the importance of examining our motives in spiritual life and service to God. He discusses how God values the reasons behind our actions more than the external spiritual gifts or successes we might receive. Fr. Matthias highlights the difference between good and wrong motives, emphasizing that true joy and reward come from having our names written in he...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of humility and simplicity in the Christian life by reflecting on Jesus' teaching about becoming like little children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He explains that while children naturally exhibit trust, humility, forgiveness, and simplicity, adults are called to embrace these qualities with maturity and discernment. Fr. Matthias highlights the need to b...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the significance of the Holy Spirit’s arrival on Pentecost, marking the foundation of the Church and the apostles’ ministry. He explains the Holy Spirit’s role as a helper who supports believers in living according to God’s commandments, enabling them to experience true peace and hope. Fr. Matthias discusses how the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Christ’s teaching on being known by one’s fruit, emphasizing the importance of inner goodness reflected in outward actions. He addresses how believers can maintain their spiritual integrity and bear good fruit while living in a world filled with opposing values and practices. Fr. Matthias highlights the mission of Christians to engage with the world thr...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of forgiveness based on the parable of the unforgiving servant, emphasizing the importance of forgiving others to receive God’s forgiveness. He explains the immense spiritual debt humanity owes to God, which no good works can repay, and highlights God’s mercy in forgiving that debt completely. Fr. Matthias contrasts this divine forgiveness with the servant’s...

In this sermon, Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry explores the meaning of the phrase "out of sight, out of mind" in relation to faith and the presence of Christ. He reflects on how the disciples struggled when Jesus was physically absent after the resurrection and ascension, emphasizing the challenge of believing without physical evidence. Fr. Polycarpus highlights the gift of the Holy Spirit as a way to car...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of Jesus’ declaration, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," focusing on how Christ is the way of peace. He explains that true peace is found only in a relationship with Jesus, not in material possessions or earthly relationships. Fr. Matthias identifies three main enemies of peace: fear, division, and confusion. He discusses how fear of pain, loss, and...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on Jesus Christ as the light of the world, emphasizing how believers are called to reflect His light to others. He explains that when God's light shines within us, it enables us to see God’s work in our lives, understand His commandments, and find hope in our calling as children of God. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of spiritual self-reflection,...

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his study of 1st Peter chapters 4 and 5 by exploring the call to Christian discipleship through suffering and the transformation it brings from sin to holiness. He explains how suffering for Christ refocuses believers away from worldly desires toward God’s will, emphasizing the difference between suffering for sin and suffering as a witness to faith. Fr. Matthias high...