St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the exploration of meditation in prayer, referencing teachings from Father Matthew the Poor’s book, *Orthodox Prayer Life*. He explains the distinctions between vocal prayer, meditation on scripture, and contemplation of God’s presence. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of reading scripture slowly and aloud to deepen engagement and understanding, emphasizing how...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1 Peter chapter 3, focusing on the roles of wives and husbands within Christian marriage, grounded in submission and mutual respect as modeled by Christ and the Church. He discusses the meaning of submission for wives, emphasizing protection of marital harmony and spiritual influence over husbands, even when they fall short in faith. Fr. Matthias explains how husbands...

Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the meaning of the incarnation and the abundant life offered through Christ. Drawing from John chapters 3, 5, and 10, he explains that Christ came not only for salvation but to restore humanity to the life God intended—marked by joy and relationship with Him. Fr. Matthias outlines the process of receiving this new life, starting with hearing and believing God’s word...

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores prayer through the teachings of Father Matthew the Poor’s book *Orthodox Prayer Life*, focusing on the spiritual practice of meditation. Fr. Matthias explains prayer as a conversation with God that goes beyond vocal prayer to include meditation and contemplation, emphasizing meditation as silent reflection on Scripture and God’s creation. He discusses the...

Eric Tadros explores the source and preservation of joy in the Christian life, emphasizing that true joy stems from the presence of God. He examines the contrast between spiritual dryness and genuine joy, highlighting repentance, confession, and a sincere relationship with God as key to maintaining this joy. Eric reflects on biblical examples like the disciples’ transformation after the Resurrecti...

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the meaning and significance of the Resurrection of the Dead in this sermon. He explains the story of Thomas’s initial doubt and the Lord’s appearance that confirmed the Resurrection. Fr. Matthias contrasts the hope found in Christ’s Resurrection with the Old Testament understanding of death as final and without redemption. He outlines three stages of death for the be...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of being a witness to the Resurrection of Christ. He discusses how the apostles’ firsthand experience of the Resurrection was essential to their mission and how believers today continue to witness it through their lives. Fr. Matthias highlights six key witnesses to the Resurrection: those who glorify God in suffering, those who love and forg...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1 Peter 2, focusing on living a heavenly life amid earthly suffering by following Christ’s example. He explains how believers, as “living stones” built on Christ the Cornerstone, are called to live free from malice, envy, and deceit through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit received at baptism. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of desiring the word of God t...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1 Peter 1:9-25, focusing on the value of faith tested through trials and the process of salvation. He explains how genuine faith, refined like gold by fire, leads to the salvation of the soul, emphasizing perseverance despite suffering. Fr. Matthias discusses the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Christ’s resurrection, the importance of guarding the mind...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on Hosana Sunday, focusing on the significance of Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem and the deeper meaning behind the phrase, "The Lord has need of it." Fr. Matthias explains how Jesus’ request for the colt symbolizes God's authority over all things and calls believers to surrender their possessions, minds, hearts, wills, bodies, and burdens to God. He d...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his teaching on taking responsibility by exploring various ways people respond to tasks and the importance of embracing one’s role within a larger system. He illustrates different attitudes toward responsibility, from avoidance and excuses to overburdening oneself and working without a clear plan. Using the example of moving a heavy couch, Fr. Matthias explains practi...

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the different types of trials believers may face according to Scripture, using biblical examples to explain why God allows them. He explores trials as consequences of sin, highlighting that some suffering results naturally from poor choices. Fr. Matthias also addresses trials as chastisement, where God corrects and calls His people to repentance, illustrated by storie...

Dr. Emad Mossad and Monica Moawde, MA, LPC, explore key dynamics in marriage by connecting biblical principles with practical relationship tools. Dr. Emad discusses how family background and culture influence marital behaviors and introduces “The Ten Commandments of a Rewarding Marriage,” including the importance of explicit affection, appreciation, empathy, and maintaining respect to sustain heal...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the opening chapter of First Peter, highlighting key themes such as the identity of the elect, the nature of faith, and the meaning of suffering for Christians. He explains that the epistle was written by the Apostle Peter to encourage believers facing persecution, emphasizing the hope of an incorruptible inheritance reserved in heaven. Fr. Matthia...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralyzed man at the Sheep Gate pool, highlighting the barriers that prevent people from overcoming challenges in life. Fr. Matthias identifies common obstacles such as lack of motivation, absence of a practical plan, making excuses, irrational fears about change, trying to face difficulties alone, and expecting problems to resolve with...

Dr. Emad Mossad opens a four-part series on successful marriage by addressing the high divorce rates and challenges couples face in maintaining healthy relationships. He outlines three goals for the series: to inform couples about what to look for in a spouse, to protect marriages from common challenges, and to nurture enduring, fulfilling partnerships. Dr. Emad explains the importance of understa...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of submitting to the will of God through the lens of the Feast of the Annunciation. He reflects on St. Mary’s acceptance of God’s plan, emphasizing her faith and obedience despite the hardships she endured. Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples of submission from Abraham, Moses, Caleb, David, and the disciples, illustrating how surrendering personal plans...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes the Book of Leviticus by exploring chapters 25 to 27, focusing on the laws of the Sabbath years, the Year of Jubilee, and their significance for land ownership, slavery, and social justice among the Israelites. He explains how the Sabbatical year provides rest for the land and care for the poor, while the Jubilee restores property and freedom, und...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines Leviticus chapters 23 and 24, focusing on the feasts commanded by God and the serious consequences of blasphemy. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of the Sabbath as a feast day and explores the Jewish feasts such as Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of First Fruits, Pentecost, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and t...

Dr. Abraham Ghattas addresses the challenges and blessings of parenting a strong-willed child in this St. Monica Parenting Meeting. He explores how traits like determination, assertiveness, and emotional intensity, while difficult at times, can be strengths that contribute to spiritual growth and saintly character formation. Dr. Ghattas integrates scripture, including insights from St. John and bi...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores several parables that highlight contrasts between attitudes and behaviors in the Christian life. Starting with the Parable of the Prodigal Son, he contrasts the mercy extended to the repentant younger son with the bitterness of the obedient older brother, emphasizing the value of humility and forgiveness. Fr. Matthias then discusses the Parable of the Pharisee and the...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of taking responsibility and its impact on teamwork and service within the church and workplace. He discusses how every role, no matter how visible or repetitive, is essential to the success of the whole system, using examples from church ministries and the story of Moses. Fr. Matthias addresses common reactions to responsibility, such as making excuses, do...

In this teaching, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores lessons from the life of Hosea, focusing on key spiritual truths such as the fleeting nature of faithfulness and the importance of relying solely on God for help. He examines the metaphor of fallow ground to highlight the need for cultivating our God-given talents and serving Him genuinely. Fr. Matthias reflects on God’s longsuffering and compassion d...

In this continuation of his series on the life of the prophet Hosea, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores key spiritual lessons drawn from Hosea’s message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Fr. Matthias discusses how the Israelites sought help from other nations instead of God, illustrating the futility of trying to outsmart divine justice and the importance of turning to God as our true source of help. H...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the lessons from the Temptations of Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. He explains that temptations are allowed by God as a means for spiritual growth and reliance on Him. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that temptations come to everyone, even the strongest and holiest, and often occur during times of weakness, such as fasting. He highlights that God...