Fr. Anthony Mourad reflects on Matthew 2 to emphasize that Christ's entry into the world was marked by intense human vulnerabilities like immediate rejection, hatred, and exile. He highlights how Jesus chose to endure these real sufferings so that He could personally sympathize with our pain and transform the darkness of our souls.

Fr. Anthony Mourad examines the Feast of the Annunciation, detailing how the Virgin Mary’s humble and risky "yes" to God completely reversed the prideful disobedience of the first Eve. He emphasizes that while God is almighty, He deeply respects human free will and requires our willing permission to enter and work within our hearts.

Jesus' healing of the demon-possessed, blind, and mute man in Matthew 12 reveals that the greatest spiritual danger is not outward sin but the hidden condition of the heart. The sermon challenges believers to examine internal sins such as pride, envy, complaining, and criticism, reminding us that God judges the heart and that our words reveal what is truly within.

We are called to be saints with a promised heritage. St. Paul urges us to remember this daily: "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (Ephesians 4:1)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of Holy Tradition as the teachings and practices handed down from Christ and the Apostles that are not explicitly recorded in the Bible. He explains how tradition predates the written Scriptures and was critical for preserving the faith through oral transmission before the New Testament was compiled. Fr. Matthias discusses the authority of the Apostolic councils in interpreting and establishing church practice, emphasizing that these decisions are binding for believers.

He illustrates how Old Testament examples, such as sacrifices by Abel and Noah and the priesthood of Melchizedek, point to longstanding traditions that existed before formal laws were written. The talk highlights the distinction between sound and vain traditions and the role of church authority in maintaining correct doctrine and practice. Fr. Matthias stresses the ongoing importance of Holy Tradition alongside Scripture for understanding and living out the Christian faith.

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of Holy Tradition as the teachings and practices handed down from Christ and the Apostles that are not explicitly recorded in the Bible. He explains how tradition predates the written Scriptures and was critical for preserving the faith through oral transmission before the New Testament was compiled. Fr. Matthias discusses the authority of the Apostolic councils in interpreting and establishing church practice, emphasizing that these decisions are binding for believers.

He illustrates how Old Testament examples, such as sacrifices by Abel and Noah and the priesthood of Melchizedek, point to longstanding traditions that existed before formal laws were written. The talk highlights the distinction between sound and vain traditions and the role of church authority in maintaining correct doctrine and practice. Fr. Matthias stresses the ongoing importance of Holy Tradition alongside Scripture for understanding and living out the Christian faith

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the role of Holy Tradition as a source of authority in the Orthodox Church alongside the Bible. He explains how the Church’s teachings were passed down orally by the Apostles and early Church Fathers before the New Testament canon was established at the Council of Nicaea. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the distinction between capital "T" Tradition—divine teachings and practices passed from Christ to the Apostles—and lowercase "t" traditions, which are church customs that can vary and change. He highlights the Church’s authority to guide believers through councils, such as the Apostolic Council in Acts 15, and through the decisions of the episcopal Synod today.

Fr. Matthias also addresses the differences between traditions in various Orthodox and Catholic practices, tracing apostolic succession, and the Church’s role in preserving faith without altering core dogma. This teaching clarifies why traditions remain essential alongside Scripture in understanding Orthodox Christianity

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Zacchaeus and emphasizes the importance of cutting out sin and negative influences from our lives, referencing Christ’s teaching to “cut off” what causes us to sin. He explains that this applies not to literal limbs, but to toxic relationships that hinder spiritual growth.

Fr. Matthias outlines key characteristics of true friendship grounded in faith, highlighting friends who lead us closer to God, stand by us in adversity, provide honest counsel, protect our vulnerabilities, respect our boundaries, and demonstrate reverence for the Lord. He discusses the role of friendship in spiritual life and marriage as paths of salvation, stressing the need for relationships that encourage holiness.

Using biblical examples like King Rehoboam and the paralytic’s friends, Fr. Matthias shows how wise counsel and steadfast love are vital in forming godly friendships that support our journey towards salvation.

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit … For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:33, 37)

Evidence of true repentance

A changed life

A repentance that sticks

A sincere hatred of sin

A humble ownership of our sin

A heart filled with mercy and compassion

Am I a friend that heals?

WHERE I MIGHT THINK I’M HELPING

Validating despair Godly restraint Sparing a necessary hardship Seeing a need and passing by

HOW I BECOME A FRIEND THAT HEALS

Offer help without being asked Be present — show empathy Prioritize their salvation Bring them to Christ