St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story from Luke 7 of the woman known as a sinner who repents by washing Jesus' feet, contrasting her genuine repentance with the Pharisee’s outward respectability but inward judgment and spiritual distance. He highlights the danger of "respectable sin," where external religious practices can mask an untransformed heart, leading to self-righteousness, hypocrisy, and inability to recognize true repentance in others.

Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of humility, self-awareness, and forgiveness, reminding listeners that God welcomes those who acknowledge their sin and seek mercy. He calls for introspection about how we treat others, especially those closest to us, and challenges believers to foster sincere love and repentance rather than mere external observance. This teaching invites us to deepen our relationship with God by recognizing our need for His grace and extending that grace to others.

#Repentance #Humility #ChristianLiving #Forgiveness #SpiritualTransformation

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

His Holiness recounts the story of St. Jacob the Struggler, a hermit and miracle worker known for casting out demons. The narrative follows a princess tormented by demon possession that no one could cure until she was brought to the secluded Jacob. Though initially reluctant, Jacob prays over her, driving the demon away. This cycle repeats multiple times, leading to the princess living near Jacob for easier healing.

Over time, their close proximity leads to a tragic fall into sin, resulting in Jacob killing the princess and hiding the truth. His Holiness reflects on the complexities of righteousness, temptation, and the subtle work of the devil within seemingly good actions. The story reveals lessons on spiritual warfare, isolation, human weakness, and the consequences of straying from one's path.

#StJacobTheStruggler #SpiritualWarfare #DemonPossession #OrthodoxChristianity #FaithAndTemptation

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

H.G. Metropolitan Youssef addresses the Protestant claim of a “great apostasy” following the Book of Acts, suggesting that the church remained in darkness until Martin Luther’s Reformation. He challenges this assertion by questioning the proof behind such a claim, emphasizing the faithfulness of the church throughout history, particularly through the sacrifices of countless martyrs.

Metropolitan Youssef explains that the Orthodox Church does not hold any individual Church Father as infallible. Instead, it relies on the consensus of the fathers while always holding Scripture as the ultimate authority. If any writing contradicts the Bible, it is rejected.

He challenges critics to provide evidence of teachings from accepted Church Fathers that contradict Christ or Scripture, asserting that such proof does not exist. The burden of proof lies with those making the apostasy claim.

#GreatApostasy #OrthodoxChurch #ChurchFathers #ChristianHistory #BiblicalAuthority

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this talk on discipleship and evangelism, Fr. Matthias Shehad explains how discipleship serves as the foundation for effective evangelism. He emphasizes that before sharing the faith with others, one must first live as a true disciple of Christ. Fr. Matthias highlights that the genuine way of life demonstrated by Christians becomes the primary witness that attracts others to the faith. Using St. Paul’s example, he points out that discipleship involves imitation of Christ, and only through this authentic lifestyle can evangelism be meaningful and impactful. The message encourages believers to focus on developing their own spiritual walk before engaging in outreach or preaching.

#Discipleship #Evangelism #ChristianLiving #StPaul #FaithWitness #ChristianDiscipleship

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores technology as a tool created through human faculties given by God, emphasizing its foundation in the natural laws of the universe. He discusses how science and technology are discoveries meant to improve human life, reflecting God's design for continual advancement.

Fr. Matthias also highlights the dual nature of technology, pointing out that although it serves good purposes, it can be misused or overused, leading to negative consequences. He compares it to a hammer, which can be used for building or harming, stressing that the moral value lies in how technology is employed with discernment.

This talk encourages thoughtful reflection on using technology responsibly within a spiritual framework, considering both its potential and its limitations.

#TechnologyAndFaith #ResponsibleUseOfTechnology #ScienceAndSpirituality #GodsCreation #EthicalTechnology

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the ethical dilemmas posed by rapid technological advancements, particularly in AI and human cloning. He highlights the dilemma of feeling compelled to advance technology despite potential negative outcomes, as halting progress often seems impossible due to global competition. Fr. Matthias examines the balance between pursuing technologies like Neuralink, which may help those with disabilities, and considering the risks and consequences involved. He also addresses the challenges of regulating such technologies, noting that even with ethical guidelines, misuse or unauthorized development can occur. Fr. Matthias brings attention to the controversial topic of human cloning, mentioning its illegality and reported cases despite international bans, illustrating the complexity of controlling scientific progress.

#EthicalTech #AIChallenges #NeuralinkDebate #HumanCloningEthics #TechnologyAndFaith

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explains what defines a godly marriage, emphasizing the essential role of God's active presence in the relationship. He outlines how both partners should strive to become Christlike by actively participating in church life through sacraments, prayer, confession, and accountability.

Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of humility and seeking counsel from the church during conflicts that couples cannot resolve on their own. Trusting the guidance of a priest or counselor is a key part of maintaining a successful, faith-centered marriage.

By focusing on spiritual growth together and relying on the support of the church community, any marriage can work towards Christlike unity and strength.

#GodlyMarriage #ChristianMarriage #MarriageCounseling #FaithInMarriage #ChurchCommunity

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes the book of Deuteronomy by exploring chapters 31 to 34, focusing on Moses' final moments, the transition of leadership to Joshua, and the blessings Moses pronounces on the tribes of Israel. He explains Moses’ reminder to the people about God’s faithfulness and the consequences of forsaking Him, including the warnings against idolatry and turning to foreign gods. Fr. Matthias also discusses the significance of the year of release and the Feast of Tabernacles as times for renewing commitment to God’s law.

He highlights Moses’ prophecy about Israel’s future disobedience and exile, emphasizing God’s justice and mercy. The study closes with an overview of Moses’ death on Mount Nebo, the commissioning of Joshua, and the lasting legacy of Moses as a prophet. This session offers deeper insight into Israel’s history and God’s covenant relationship with His people.

#Deuteronomy #Moses #Joshua #BibleStudy #OldTestament #Covenant

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the common human tendency to judge others while excusing our own similar behaviors. He explains how people often justify their actions by citing personal circumstances, such as being late for work, yet quickly condemn others for identical actions without considering their situations. Fr. Matthias highlights the double standard in how we evaluate ourselves versus others, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding before passing judgment. This reflection challenges viewers to recognize their biases and approach others with compassion rather than harsh criticism.

#JudgingOthers #Empathy #SelfReflection #ChristianTeaching #FrMatthiasShehad

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the significance of the Eucharist as the true Body and Blood of Christ. He emphasizes that the Eucharist is not merely a symbolic remembrance but a living sacrifice offered on the altar, making present the sacrifice Christ made on the cross. Fr. Matthias highlights that when partaking in the Eucharist, believers reexperience and participate in the same sacrifice, which is continuously alive in the Church.

He connects this understanding to the broader context of the Church’s liturgical celebrations, explaining how major feasts like the Resurrection allow the faithful to relive and participate in the foundational events of Christianity throughout the liturgical year.

#Eucharist #BodyAndBloodOfChrist #HolySacrifice #OrthodoxFaith #LiturgicalCelebration #ChristianSacraments

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org