St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 2nd Peter 1:1-8, focusing on what it means to be partakers of the divine nature. He explains the authorship of the epistle, its original audience, and its purpose as St. Peter’s final encouragement before his death. Fr. Matthias discusses how believers receive divine power through faith and the process of sanctification, highlighting the virtues th...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers from Matthew 21. He explains how the parable reveals the magnitude of human sin in rejecting God's gifts and messengers, including the prophets and ultimately His Son, Jesus Christ. Fr. Matthias discusses the landowner’s efforts in preparing the vineyard and the patience God shows despite repeated rejection and hos...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of living a renewed Christian life, emphasizing that spiritual renewal is an ongoing process empowered by the Holy Spirit, not a one-time event. He reflects on the responses to Christ and John the Baptist, highlighting the importance of embracing both joy and asceticism in the Christian journey. Fr. Matthias identifies six reasons why believers might experien...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Book of Tobit, a deuterocanonical text accepted in the Orthodox tradition but excluded by Protestant Bibles. He explains the meaning of "canon" and the historical process through which the Church determined which books were inspired Scripture, emphasizing the Septuagint's role as the Old Testament used by Christ. Fr. Matthias outlines the historical setting of Tobi...

In this fellowship meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the study of Ecclesiastes chapters 3 and 4, exploring the theme of the vanity of earthly life without God. He reflects on King Solomon’s teachings about the seasons of life, emphasizing that every activity has its proper time under heaven, and highlights the importance of trusting God rather than worldly possessions or achievements. Fr. Mat...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of the Book of Tobit, focusing on chapters 11 and 12, highlighting key moments such as Tobias’s return home, the healing of Tobit’s blindness through the fish’s gall, and the role of Archangel Raphael. He explores the spiritual symbolism in the narrative, emphasizing faith, obedience, and God’s providence amid trials. Fr. Matthias explains the significance o...

Joe Costandy explores the reasons why many young people leave the church despite being raised in faithful families. He presents research showing a general decline in Christianity in the U.S., though Orthodox Christianity remains more stable compared to other denominations. Joe discusses common youth complaints such as church feeling irrelevant, issues with authority, and judgmental attitudes on so...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of the Book of Tobit, focusing on chapters 9 and 10. He examines the journey of Tobias, his marriage to Sarah, and the role of the Archangel Raphael, who guides and protects them throughout. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of discerning God's voice through wise counsel, addressing common obstacles like pride, rebellion, ignorance, and fear that p...

Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the enunciation in Luke 1, where Archangel Gabriel announces to St. Mary that she will bear the Son of God. He explores the unique honor given to Mary and how she carried it with humility. Fr. Matthias highlights five key lessons from Mary’s response: she never considered herself worthy of this honor, accepted God's will without debate, embraced her role as a servan...

Fr. Maximus Abba Moses reflects on the life of St. John Chrysostom, highlighting his dedication to God despite exile and trials. He explores the conditions for being Christ’s disciple, emphasizing the need to love the Word of God, bear one’s cross through struggles, and forsake anything that takes priority over God in the heart. Through the example of St. John and biblical figures like Abraham, Fr...

H.G. Bishop Paul of Africa teaches about worshiping God with a heart in need, drawing from the Gospel account of the paralytic lowered through the roof to meet Christ. H.G. Bishop Paul explains that true worship begins with recognizing spiritual weakness and coming to Jesus with humility, hunger, and faith rather than routine or habit . H.G. Bishop Paul reflects on the role of the Holy Spirit in a...

Fr. Matthias explores chapters 5 and 6 of the Book of Tobit, highlighting Tobit's blindness and family struggles, and Tobias’ mission to retrieve a debt to support them. Fr. Matthias explains how God works secretly through people and circumstances, introducing the angel Raphael as Tobias’ guide, and discusses the importance of faith and internal peace amid suffering. He emphasizes that experiencin...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Epistle to Philemon, one of St. Paul’s prison letters, offering detailed commentary on its themes and historical context. He explains how St. Paul, writing from prison, appeals to Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus, a runaway slave who became a Christian and now serves alongside Paul. Fr. Matthias highlights the spiritual transformation that abolishes social d...

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes the study of Ecclesiastes chapters 11 and 12 by exploring the themes of vanity, wisdom, and the reality of life’s fleeting nature. He discusses King Solomon’s reflections on generosity, the unpredictability of life, and the importance of trusting God’s plan rather than over-calculating our actions. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of aging, the loss of physical...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the true meaning of an acceptable fast beyond simply changing one’s diet. He emphasizes that fasting should be done solely for God’s sake, with repentance, and according to the Church’s guidance. Fr. Matthias highlights fasting as a time for self-examination, confession, and spiritual renewal. He discusses fasting as a joyful, spiritual discipline that...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores what it means to be righteous before God, focusing on the example of Zacharias and Elizabeth as described in Luke 1. He emphasizes that true righteousness is recognized by God alone, not by human praise or approval. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of performing good deeds, prayer, fasting, and obedience in secret, seeking God’s approval rather than human recognit...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical account of the unborn John the Baptist leaping for joy at the presence of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and reflects on how people respond when they hear the voice of God. He outlines seven responses, including fear, rebellion, indifference, skepticism, repentance, sacrifice, and obedience, illustrating each with scripture and examples from both the Old and N...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the story of the Samaritan woman to explore the true fulfillment found in the Lord Christ. He contrasts earthly desires and endless pursuits, drawing on King Solomon’s insights from Ecclesiastes about the futility of worldly satisfaction. Fr. Matthias explains how striving for material or emotional fulfillment leads to restlessness, boredom, selfishn...

Fr. Maximus Abba Moses offers a meditation on the Midnight Praises, explaining the meaning behind each part to enhance the prayer experience. He begins by describing the call to be children of light, seeking forgiveness and learning to pray with reverence. Fr. Maximus explores the first praise from Exodus 15, connecting the crossing of the Red Sea to personal repentance and spiritual struggle. He...

Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses the theme of finding good in the midst of disasters, emphasizing reflections on the end of the world and the shortness of life. He explains that such trials serve as reminders to be thankful for God's mercy and to recognize human fragility despite modern advances. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of focusing on what truly matters—fearing God and keeping His comm...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on Christ’s teachings about sorrow and joy before His crucifixion, emphasizing the Christian call to carry the cross. Fr. Matthias explains that worldly joys are temporary and can be taken away, while the joy Christ promises after sorrow is lasting and cannot be taken away. He addresses common attitudes toward suffering and the cross, including ignoranc...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study on the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on Jesus’ teachings about the hypocrisy and ambition of the Pharisees in Matthew 23. He explains the role of the Pharisees as teachers of the law, highlighting the contrast between their authoritative position and their failure to live according to God's intentions. Fr. Matthias explores themes of authority, obedience,...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the calling of Levi, also known as Matthew the Evangelist, emphasizing Christ’s invitation to sinners rather than the righteous. He explains that the church is a place for those seeking repentance and transformation, not for self-justification. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of repentance as the core of the Christian life, stressing that God looks at our willin...

In this fellowship meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes the study of the Book of Tobit, focusing on chapters 13 and 14. He explores Tobit's life during the Assyrian captivity, his blindness, and the journey of his son Tobias accompanied by Archangel Raphael in disguise. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual symbolism of the story, relating it to the Church’s salvation through Christ as the bridegr...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on Christ's final teachings before His crucifixion. He explores the meaning of true discipleship, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing Christ above family and worldly attachments. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual significance of taking up one's cross, highlighting the sacrifices and suffering inherent in...