St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the man born blind from John 9, focusing on Christ’s statement that those who acknowledge their blindness can be healed, while those who claim to see remain in sin. Fr. Matthias identifies six causes of spiritual blindness affecting individuals and society: lack of self-reflection, self-created moral standards, self-victimization, lust for power and wealth, false wisdom, and fleeing from the light of truth.

He emphasizes how society’s rejection of God’s unchanging moral law and reliance on shifting human standards lead to division, judgment, and unrest. Fr. Matthias challenges viewers to examine their own blindness, embrace humility, and accept Christ’s healing for personal and societal transformation.

The message calls Christians to be sources of light and truth in a world that often rejects sound doctrine, encouraging the pursuit of genuine self-awareness and spiritual renewal.#SpiritualBlindness #John9 #ChristianSermon #FaithAndHealing #LightOfTruth #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores what it means to be a peacemaker in practice, drawing on scripture such as Romans 12:18 and Matthew 5:9. He explains practical ways to foster peace by avoiding conflict, gossip, and bitterness, forgiving others, and seeking reconciliation. Fr. Matthias also addresses questions on biblical topics including the location of Mount Sinai, the significance of Jacob’s blessing of Ephraim, the meaning of “bless the crown of the year” in Psalms, and the timing of Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem and the temple cleansing.

Further, Fr. Matthias discusses renewing the mind as described in Romans 12:2, clarifying the Coptic Orthodox understanding of theosis or deification, and offers an interpretation of 1 Corinthians 3:15 in relation to salvation and testing by fire. He reflects on spiritual setbacks as part of the ongoing spiritual warfare and concludes by unpacking the meaning of John 17:19 about Christ’s sanctification for the mission of salvation.#Peacemaker #ChristianFaith #BiblicalTeachings #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses common questions about the Church’s stance on COVID-19 vaccines, explaining the use of fetal cell lines only in vaccine testing, not production, and clarifying that the Church opposes abortion while recognizing the vaccine's positive benefits. He discusses if missed tithings should be repaid, advising focusing on consistent giving moving forward. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual significance of the Nativity feast as a celebration of Christ’s incarnation, emphasizing both body and spirit in fasting and feasting.

He clarifies the role of women in teaching and preaching within the Church, based on scripture and tradition, reserving priestly authority to men. Fr. Matthias explores the meaning of death as separation from God, distinguishing physical death from eternal separation, and describes how Christ’s resurrection opens the door to eternal life.

Additional topics include the Church’s liturgical timing for feast days, the nature of natural disasters as consequences of sin’s corruption, the importance of active resistance to sin in salvation, and the difference between honoring St. Mary as Mother of God and Protestant perspectives.#CatholicFaith #ChurchTeaching #COVID19Vaccine #ChristianQandA #FaithAndScience #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues an in-depth exploration of Genesis chapters 46 to 48, focusing on Jacob's journey to Egypt and his blessings on Joseph’s sons. He explains how Jacob, reassured by God, moves his family to Egypt, settling in Goshen under Joseph's protection amidst a foreign culture. Fr. Matthias highlights the spiritual significance of Joseph as a figure of the Messiah and the family’s growth from a small clan to a great nation.

The study covers the detailed genealogy of Jacob’s descendants, the provision during the famine, and the interactions with Pharaoh that illustrate God’s faithfulness to His covenant. Fr. Matthias also examines Jacob’s prophetic blessings on Ephraim and Manasseh, explaining their symbolic roles and the spiritual lessons about inheritance and God’s will. This teaching connects biblical history with enduring principles about faith, identity, and God’s purpose through adversity.#GenesisBibleStudy #JacobInEgypt #JosephsSonsBlessing #BibleTeaching #ChristianFaith #GodsCovenant #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the significance of the Theophany feast by focusing on the baptism of the Lord Christ. He explains how this event reveals the Holy Trinity and marks the beginning of Christ’s ministry, emphasizing the deep connection between baptism, repentance, and salvation. Fr. Matthias highlights the theological meaning of baptism as a symbol of death and resurrection, representing the death of the old nature and the birth of the new.

He also discusses the role of baptism in forgiveness and sanctification, illustrating how it cleanses believers and prepares them to be temples of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from biblical references, Fr. Matthias outlines how Christians are called to live a renewed, sanctified life filled with holiness and spiritual mindfulness. The sermon underscores the lifelong impact of the Theophany in manifesting God’s presence and guiding believers toward spiritual renewal.#Theophany #BaptismOfChrist #HolyTrinity #ChristianSermon #SpiritualRenewal #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Genesis 45, where Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers after years of separation and hardship. He explains Joseph’s role as a messianic figure who forgives his brothers despite their betrayal and suffering, highlighting themes of repentance, redemption, and God’s providence in turning evil into good. Fr. Matthias connects Joseph’s story to the salvation offered through Christ, emphasizing faith as the key to understanding and the spiritual journey toward God’s kingdom.

The discussion covers Joseph’s forgiveness, the invitation to his family to live in Egypt, and the deeper spiritual meaning behind these events. Fr. Matthias also addresses the challenge of maintaining faith amid suffering and the importance of trusting God’s plan even when it is not fully revealed. This Bible study invites viewers to reflect on forgiveness, God’s faithfulness, and the hope found in the ultimate deliverance through Christ.#Genesis45 #JosephAndHisBrothers #BiblicalForgiveness #GodsProvidence #ChristianBibleStudy #FaithInGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the practical meaning of Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” explaining how awareness of our mortality shapes Christian living. He discusses the importance of focusing on eternal values over earthly treasures, the role of temptation and trials in spiritual growth, and how Christ’s incarnation provides salvation despite human weakness.

Fr. Matthias also clarifies biblical topics such as the identity of Potiphar as a eunuch or officer, the wisdom behind sharing thoughts only with those who can help save the soul, the meaning of “lead us not into temptation,” and the chronological order between Ezra and Haggai in rebuilding the Temple.

Additionally, he addresses personal questions about family planning, the biblical basis for separate seating of men and women in church, and the significance of St. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” from 2 Corinthians 12.

This session blends scriptural teaching with practical spiritual guidance for daily Christian living.#ChristianWisdom #Psalm90 #NumberOurDays #SpiritualGrowth #FrMatthiasShehad #FaithTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the study of the Book of Jonah, exploring chapters 2 and 3. He examines Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the great fish, highlighting Jonah’s growing faith in God’s mercy even amid his rebellion and despair. Fr. Matthias draws parallels between Jonah’s experience and Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, emphasizing the symbolism of Jonah’s mission as a type of salvation.

The discussion includes Jonah’s obedience in finally preaching repentance to the people of Nineveh, their sincere response through fasting and sackcloth, and the broader lessons on faith, mercy, and obedience. Fr. Matthias also reflects on spiritual struggles involving the heart and mind, the nature of true prayer, and God’s role in healing and transformation. The teaching connects biblical events with practical guidance for living faith and perseverance in trials.#BookOfJonah #ChristianTeaching #FaithAndMercy #Repentance #PrayerAndTransformation #BiblicalLessons #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In his sermon "The Good Eye," Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Christ’s teaching on the significance of having a “good eye” and how it brings light to the whole person. Fr. Matthias explains that a good eye perceives what is unseen, such as God’s presence amid chaos, the eternal rewards for the faithful, and the hidden will of God working through history.

He discusses how those with a good eye see beyond outward appearances, avoiding judgment based on external factors and worldly values. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of self-examination over judging others, encouraging personal spiritual growth.

The sermon highlights how a good eye remains attentive to others’ needs, values the word of God as a source of liberty, and seeks heavenly rewards instead of earthly luxuries. Finally, Fr. Matthias invites believers to see the good in others, reflecting Christ’s merciful vision and inspiring a life filled with light.#GoodEye #ChristianSermon #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualGrowth #FaithInChrist #SeeWithGodsEyes #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the contrast between the kingdom of man, represented by King Herod’s violent rule, and the kingdom of God, which operates with true power and eternal authority. He explains how earthly kingdoms rely on force and temporary power, while God’s kingdom is governed by divine law and the Holy Spirit through the Church. Fr. Matthias highlights that God’s kingdom centers on eternal life, peace, and serving others, unlike human kingdoms focused on selfish goals and fleeting control.

He emphasizes that God’s laws are meant to protect and guide us, not to control, and that true freedom and peace come from following God’s will. Fr. Matthias calls believers to live as citizens of heaven, trusting in the ultimate victory and eternal reign of Christ, the servant king who humbly sacrificed himself for humanity’s salvation.#KingdomOfGod #ChristianSermon #FrMatthiasShehad #FaithAndFreedom #EternalLife #ServeOthers #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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