St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Dr. Abraham Ghattas explores emotional support within Christian marriage, emphasizing the unity and one-flesh principle between spouses inspired by Christ’s incarnate nature. He connects theological foundations to practical relationship dynamics, highlighting the importance of emotional maturity alongside spiritual growth. Ghattas discusses common causes of emotional distress, including personalit...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels through key passages from Matthew 11:20-30, Luke 7:36-8:3, and the Parable of the Sower. He examines Jesus’ rebuke of the unrepentant cities of Galilee, highlighting the principle of judgment according to what has been revealed. Fr. Matthias discusses the call to come to Christ for rest and the meaning of “taking His yoke...

Fr. James Gendi explores the meaning of "finding favor with God" through the example of St. Mary and King David. He explains how favor with God is closely tied to grace, humility, and sincere repentance. Drawing from scripture, Fr. James highlights St. Mary's humble acceptance of God's plan and David’s deep, sincere repentance despite his sins. He discusses the importance of responding to praise w...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining Jesus’ teachings on vain worship and the feeding of the 4,000. He discusses Christ’s critique of the Pharisees, who prioritized human traditions over God’s commandments, highlighting the belief that true defilement comes from the heart, not external rituals. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of the encou...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the parable of the persistent widow from the Gospel of Luke, highlighting the importance of persistent prayer and faith in God’s timing. He explains how God, unlike the unjust judge, responds to His children’s prayers with compassion and wisdom. Fr. Matthias then discusses the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, contrasting self-righteou...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of joy in serving others, emphasizing that true joy is a response to God's love and salvation. He discusses how service can become burdensome when disconnected from spiritual joy, but scripture teaches that our service should be filled with gladness for the abundance God has given us. Fr. Matthias explains the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorro...

Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses the challenges of managing finances within marriage, highlighting common sources of conflict such as differing spending habits and economic backgrounds. He presents ten biblical and practical principles for financial stewardship, including the importance of hard work without overworking, unity through communication, planning and budgeting, maintaining emergency saving...

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of discipleship according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He explains that being a true disciple requires carrying one's cross, which involves self-discipline, repentance, and perseverance despite the challenges faced in life. Fr. Matthias clarifies the call to prioritize commitment to God above all relationships and examines the spiritual...

Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses a variety of questions related to faith, family, and spiritual life. He discusses protecting children from harmful social media influences through education, physical boundaries, prayer, and modeling behavior. Fr. Matthias explains that children are not punished for their parents’ sins but can be affected by their consequences, and he shares the role of parental devot...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Christ’s approach to encouragement, focusing on how Jesus reached out to the lowly and socially marginalized, giving them purpose and involving them in His mission. He highlights Christ’s patience with human faults, His defense of sinners, and the importance of acknowledging the value and potential in everyone, regardless of their background or mistakes. Fr. Matthias a...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the relationship between faith, human effort, and God’s grace as taught by Jesus in the Gospels. He discusses the parable of the mustard seed, emphasizing that even a small amount of faith can bring about significant transformation when coupled with obedience. Fr. Matthias explains the balance between trusting God’s power and actively participating...

Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry explores the vital theme of hearing God and how it shapes spiritual transformation. Drawing from Gospel accounts such as the paralytic healed through faith and St. Peter’s experience casting nets, he emphasizes the need not just to hear but to truly listen and abide by God’s word. He discusses the parable of the sower, highlighting how the condition of our hearts affects our...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the parable of the Prodigal Son to reveal key lessons for parenting. He explains how the story highlights hidden challenges children may face and the importance of recognizing these early. Fr. Matthias discusses the balance between allowing children to experience consequences and avoiding overprotection, emphasizing the role of giving children freedom to make choices a...

Michael Sedrak explores the story of the Samaritan woman and Lord Jesus Christ, focusing on the themes of salvation, patience, and human response to God’s invitation. He examines how God's love extends to all, regardless of sin or background, emphasizing that both the sinner’s repentance and God’s outreach are essential for salvation. Sedrak highlights the historical animosity between Jews and Sam...

In this SA&SP Couple's Meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of harmony in marriage from a biblical and spiritual perspective. He explains that harmony is more than shared interests or communication techniques—it is the unity of two individuals becoming one flesh through the work of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of a common faith, shared values, and mutual ser...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels through the event of the Transfiguration and the teaching on who is greatest in heaven. He explains how Jesus reveals His divinity to Peter, James, and John on the mountain, highlighting the presence of Moses and Elijah as representatives of the Law and the Prophets, showing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Ch...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining the parables of the Unjust Steward and the Rich Man and Lazarus, as well as teachings on divorce. Fr. Matthias explains the steward’s role and the spiritual lessons about stewardship, urging believers to plan for their eternal future rather than focusing only on worldly possessions. He discusses the consequen...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of the book of Joshua, focusing on chapters 11 through 13. He discusses Joshua’s final conquests in Canaan, highlighting the battles against a coalition of northern kings and the divine strategy that combined human effort with God's power. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of God’s commands to utterly destroy the Canaanite kin...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how the devil plunders humanity by disrupting God’s original design for human needs. He explains that God created man to live in unity with Him, fulfilling physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, and purposeful needs perfectly in the Garden of Eden. Fr. Matthias details the contrast between this original state and the brokenness caused by the fall, highlighting how...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on effective prayer and the promise that God hears and responds to persistent prayer. He explains the meaning behind Christ’s teachings on asking, seeking, and knocking, emphasizing the relationship of trust believers have with God as a loving Father. Fr. Matthias then addresses accusations against Je...

Michael Sedrak explores the compassion and kindness of God, emphasizing how God's nature offers hope and peace in a world that can feel cold and challenging. He reflects on biblical examples such as Christ’s gentle forgiveness toward sinners, the care shown to the Israelites despite their complaints, and the miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness. Michael highlights how believers become t...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining the early miracles of Christ recorded across different accounts. He discusses key miracles such as the healing of the nobleman’s son at Capernaum, the casting out of a demon-possessed man in the synagogue, the healing of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, and the cleansing of a leper. Fr. Matthias explains the sign...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body, drawing from passages in Matthew and Luke to explain how spiritual vision affects the believer’s whole life. He examines the role of grace and inner purity in producing visible fruit that leads others to faith. Fr. Matthias then discusses the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, detailing their legalism, prid...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines key events from the Gospels focusing on Sabbath laws and the selection of the 12 Apostles. He explores the incident where Jesus’ disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, explaining its alignment with Old Testament law and the deeper purpose of Sabbath observance as serving humanity rather than imposing burdens. Fr. Matthias also discusses the healing...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the complexities of decision-making within marriage, emphasizing that marriage is a team effort where every choice impacts both spouses. He discusses how differences in decision styles can lead to conflict and highlights the importance of compromise, communication, and shared responsibility in making joint decisions. Fr. Matthias addresses common challenges like financ...