St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the reasons why people struggle with faith despite witnessing clear signs and miracles performed by Jesus Christ. Drawing from Scripture and the example of St. John the Baptist, Fr. Matthias explains how a spiritual mindset is essential to truly believe and embrace faith. He identifies four key obstacles: focusing only on the physical, prioritizing external appearances...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the first two chapters of Leviticus, focusing on the burnt offering and the grain offering. He explains the context of Leviticus within the Torah as a detailed guide on ritual worship and priestly duties, emphasizing the specific ways God instructed Israel to offer sacrifices. Fr. Matthias discusses the significance of different types of offerings,...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the repentance of the Ninevites as described in the story of Jonah and its significance in the teachings of Christ. Fr. Matthias highlights key lessons from the Ninevites' response to Jonah’s warning, including their hope despite no promise of salvation, their sincere repentance without detailed instructions, and their unified return to God. He explains...

In this Bible study on 1st John chapters 4 and 5, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores key themes of testing the spirits, discerning false teachings, and understanding the nature of true faith. He highlights the importance of recognizing the spirit of the Antichrist by the confession that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, addressing early heresies such as Gnosticism. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that love is cen...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his in-depth explanation of the rites of Holy Baptism, focusing on the consecration of the baptismal water and the use of three specific oils: the simple oil, the oil of joy, and the Holy Myron. He connects the preparation of the water to the Spirit of God hovering over the waters in Genesis, symbolizing new spiritual creation through baptism. Fr. Matthias details the...

In this Q&A session from the St. Monica Parenting Meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses common challenges parents face in nurturing the spiritual and emotional health of their children. Fr. Matthias explores detrimental parenting behaviors such as authoritarianism, permissiveness, neglect, and the impact of parental conflict on children. He emphasizes the importance of positive discipline, consis...

In this first part of the series, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores key lessons from the life of Samuel the prophet as recorded in 1 and 2 Samuel. He begins with Samuel’s responsiveness to God’s calling, highlighting the importance of attentiveness and immediate obedience to God’s voice, even when it is challenging or unclear. Fr. Matthias also discusses the courage Samuel showed in speaking the diffic...

In this detailed talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the rites and spiritual significance of Holy Baptism in the Coptic Orthodox Church. He explains baptism as the first sacrament and “door” to all others, highlighting its visible and invisible elements through water and the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias discusses the biblical foundations of baptism, including Christ’s baptism at Theophany and teaching...

In this concluding part of the series on Samuel the Prophet, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores key lessons from Samuel’s life, focusing on managing disappointment and the dangers of judging by outward appearances. Fr. Matthias reflects on Samuel’s personal struggle with Saul’s rejection as king and how God’s plan was greater than Samuel’s expectations, illustrating the importance of trusting God’s wisd...

In this continuation of his series on Samuel the prophet, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores key lessons from Samuel’s life that remain relevant today. He discusses Samuel’s trust in God over human leaders, highlighting the people’s desire for a king as a rejection of God’s kingship. Fr. Matthias explains the importance of praying for those who reject us and maintaining faith despite rejection or failur...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the flight of the Holy Family from Israel to Egypt, highlighting key spiritual lessons from their journey. He emphasizes the importance of immediate obedience to God’s will, even in uncertain and challenging circumstances. Fr. Matthias discusses the power of faith during trials and the humility demonstrated by Jesus and His family in their vulnerability as refugees. He...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of persecution throughout the history of the Church, beginning with the early challenges faced by the Holy Family. He explains how persecution has evolved, from physical threats to more subtle social pressures, and how believers today face different forms of trials. Fr. Matthias emphasizes six key responses to persecution: not being surprised...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1 John 2:7-3, focusing on the commandment of love as both old and new—rooted in Scripture yet fulfilled through Christ’s teachings. He clarifies the call to love as God loves, emphasizing love for others as essential to abiding in the light and fellowship with God and the church. Fr. Matthias discusses the dangers of worldly attachments, sin as lawlessness, and the rea...

In this sermon, the speaker explores six reasons why New Year’s resolutions often fail and how to set goals that lead to lasting change. He explains that unrealistic goals and timelines can cause early discouragement, while goals made impulsively under strong emotions lack long-term feasibility. The importance of creating a clear, specific, and actionable plan is emphasized, drawing on the SMART g...

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins the study of the First Epistle of St. John, exploring its context, authorship, and key themes. He explains how St. John emphasizes the reality of Christ’s incarnation as true God and true man, countering early heresies like Gnosticism that denied the goodness of the physical world and Christ’s humanity. Fr. Matthias highlights the epistle’s four main purposes: promoting...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of pride as it appears in the Gospel of St. Luke and other biblical texts. He explains how pride leads people to forget God, focusing instead on their own achievements and assuming their success will last forever. Fr. Matthias highlights that pride causes ongoing conflict with others, as prideful individuals resist compromise and often manipul...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his teaching on the book of Nehemiah, focusing on chapters 10 to 13 which cover the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall and the reforms led by Nehemiah. He explains the Covenant renewal where the people pledge to follow God's law, including commitments to avoid intermarriage with pagan nations, observe the Sabbath, and support the temple through tithes...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines Nehemiah chapters 9 through 11, focusing on the spiritual renewal of the Israelites after the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. Fr. Matthias explains how the people separated themselves for worship, confessed their sins, and recommitted to God’s covenant, highlighting the ongoing cycle of God’s mercy and Israel’s disobedience. He explores the signifi...

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his series on the Canons of the Church by exploring various church practices and teachings rooted in scripture and tradition. He explains the seven orders of the Church, including bishops, priests, deacons, subdeacons, readers, chanters, and doorkeepers, highlighting their roles as the "seven eyes" of the Church. Fr. Matthias discusses the biblical origins and signifi...

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his detailed exploration of the Church Canons, focusing on well-known rules regarding behavior and worship within the church. He explains canons related to the prohibition of speaking during prayer, emphasizing reverence during liturgies for both laity and clergy. Fr. Matthias discusses the significance of prostrations, distinguishing between those used...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of apostasy, focusing on biblical warnings and causes of personal falling away from faith. He examines Jesus’ teachings on discipleship, emphasizing the need to count the cost of following Christ and the risks of starting strong but failing to finish the spiritual journey. Fr. Matthias addresses key reasons believers may stray, including lov...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his teaching on the Parable of the Sower, focusing on the qualities of the good ground, especially patience. Fr. Matthias explains the necessity of patience in spiritual growth, emphasizing that transformation is a process driven by the Holy Spirit, not by human effort alone. He highlights the importance of waiting for God's will, trusting His timing,...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the study of the book of Nehemiah, focusing on chapters 7 and 8. He reviews Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls and managing social challenges, emphasizing the goal of restoring not only the city but the spiritual life of the people. Fr. Matthias examines the detailed genealogies recorded to identify the families who returned from captivity and highl...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Sower, focusing on the “good ground” from Luke chapter 8. He explains that to bear fruit, one must hear the word of God with a noble heart, keep it, and bear fruit with patience. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of eagerness to listen, simplicity in accepting God’s word, and humility in submitting to His commandments. He also di...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Nehemiah chapters 5 and 6, highlighting the challenges faced during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. He discusses the internal crisis of economic oppression among the Jewish people, including usury, famine, and the selling of family members into slavery. Fr. Matthias explains how Nehemiah confronts injustice by calling a public assembly, demandi...