St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad answers a variety of questions on Christian virtues, spiritual growth, and biblical teachings in this comprehensive Q&A session. He explores the nature of love as the foundational Christian virtue, emphasizing the interconnectedness of other virtues like patience, forgiveness, and self-control in cultivating true love. Fr. Matthias addresses the origin of evil thoughts, distinguishing between angelic, human, and demonic sources, and explains how to guard the mind through prayer and righteous living.

He also explains biblical passages on knowledge, spiritual responsibility, and the parable of the talents, highlighting the importance of faithful stewardship and active growth in virtue. Fr. Matthias discusses practical guidance for personal conflict, prayer practices during prostrations, and the purpose of spiritual retreats.

The session concludes with reflections on Christ’s call to take up the yoke, the challenges of the narrow path, and the mercy of God in the face of human sinfulness, drawing from Scripture and Church tradition to deepen understanding of the Christian life.#ChristianVirtues #SpiritualGrowth #BiblicalTeachings #FaithfulStewardship #PrayerAndSpirituality #GodsMercy #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this May 5th, 2020 Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses a range of spiritual and theological questions submitted by viewers. He begins by discussing perseverance in spiritual disciplines, explaining why distractions and setbacks occur and emphasizing the value of continual effort over immediate success. Fr. Matthias clarifies the church’s stance on earrings, tattoos, and body stewardship based on biblical teachings about honoring God with our bodies.

He explores the sources of the Church’s tradition, including Scripture, the Church Fathers, liturgies, hymnology, and canons, highlighting how they guide Orthodox faith and practice. Fr. Matthias also explains the names of God found in the Bible, their meanings, and the doctrine of the Trinity, addressing common misconceptions. Other topics include the sonship of Christ versus believers’ adoption as children of God, the concept of partaking in the divine nature, and the early teaching and ministry of St. Paul. The session concludes with prayer and reflection.#OrthodoxChristianity #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualDiscipline #ChurchTradition #BiblicalTeaching #FaithQandA #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses a variety of spiritual and theological questions submitted by viewers. He explores topics such as overcoming feelings of unworthiness when approaching God, dealing with fear and insecurity in relationships, and the biblical perspective on premarital sexual relationships, distinguishing between adultery and fornication.

Fr. Matthias also explains the intertribal relationship between St. Mary and Elizabeth, clarifies misconceptions about the Trinity and pagan influences, and discusses how to maintain spiritual growth during times without full access to church sacraments. He provides guidance on handling criticism and conflict within relationships, offers advice for sharing Orthodox faith briefly and effectively, and outlines why the Coptic Orthodox Church does not recognize the Council of Chalcedon.

Finally, Fr. Matthias explains the biblical meaning of Christ sitting at the right hand of the Father, emphasizing its symbolism of honor and authority. The session concludes with prayer, seeking God’s blessing and guidance.#OrthodoxChristianity #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualGrowth #BiblicalTeaching #CopticOrthodox #ChristianQandA #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this May 19th, 2020 Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad begins with worship songs before addressing a variety of spiritual questions. Fr. Matthias explains the principle behind the Saints’ practices, emphasizing the spirit rather than literal imitation. He discusses the Coptic Church’s belief in inheriting both the guilt and corrupted nature from Adam’s sin, clarifying the role of baptism as a remedy.

Fr. Matthias explores the meaning of “raise the fallen and firm the upright” from the liturgy, the balance of empathy when sharing others’ joys and sorrows, and the symbolism of Palm Sunday palms as a sign of victory and recognition of Jesus as Savior. He also outlines biblical references supporting the seven sacraments and provides a detailed overview of Old Testament sacrifices, explaining their meanings and relevance in light of Christ’s sacrifice.

The session concludes with prayer, encouraging spiritual diligence and reliance on God’s forgiveness.#CopticOrthodox #ChristianQandA #FrMatthiasShehad #PalmSunday #SevenSacraments #SpiritualDiligence #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this May 26th, 2020 Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses common spiritual and practical questions from the Coptic Orthodox perspective. He explores ways to handle chronic anxiety by understanding its sources and trusting in God’s peace through persistent prayer and thanksgiving, referencing Philippians 4:6-7. Fr. Matthias explains biblical concepts such as the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart and the significance of St. Paul’s sufferings in relation to Christ’s afflictions.

He clarifies the meaning of warnings against false teachers, identifying criteria from early church teachings and scripture for discerning them. Fr. Matthias discusses spiritual weakness in service, encouraging believers to serve despite imperfections, emphasizing God’s mercy. He also guides viewers through liturgical practices, including the structure of midnight praises (Sammadi) and the use of the Coptic Reader app for daily prayers and services. Throughout, he highlights the importance of consistent prayer and faith in Christian life.#CopticOrthodox #ChristianQandA #FaithAndPrayer #SpiritualGrowth #Philippians4 #GodsPeace #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this detailed Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses a range of theological and biblical questions rooted in faith and scripture. He explains the difference between godly sorrow and evil grief, emphasizing the importance of repentance without despair. Fr. Matthias explores Hannah’s Thanksgiving prayer to illustrate God’s power and the significance of symbolic numbers in the Bible.

He discusses why King David is called a man after God’s own heart, contrasting David’s sincere repentance with King Saul’s incomplete obedience and insincere repentance. Fr. Matthias also explains the meaning of Proverbs 16:7 in light of biblical examples of favor granted by God, such as Daniel and Joseph.

Further topics include the prohibition against eating animal blood, the symbolic and literal meanings in the Book of Revelation, and the theological purpose of icons and incense in worship. Fr. Matthias concludes by examining untranslated biblical words, the interpretation of the Song of Solomon, and the balance between literal and allegorical scripture understanding in the Coptic tradition.#ChristianQandA #BiblicalTeaching #FrMatthiasShehad #FaithAndScripture #CopticOrthodox #RepentanceAndFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this detailed Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses important questions about the soul after death, drawing on the teachings of the Church Fathers and scripture to explain life after death, judgment, and the reunion with loved ones in heaven. He discusses the role of prayer before and after confession, the benefits and cautions of sharing one's spiritual struggles, and the historical background of the Samaritans in biblical times.

Fr. Matthias clarifies the nature of King Saul’s encounter with the medium, emphasizing Church teachings on the occult. He explores gluttony as a sin connected to self-control, explains recommended beginner books for learning about Orthodox Christianity, and sheds light on specific liturgical prayers.

The discussion also covers the frequent making of the sign of the Cross, its spiritual significance, and the benefits of praying with the Agpeya. Throughout, Fr. Matthias offers scriptural foundations and guidance on growing in faith and spiritual discipline.#ChristianFaith #LifeAfterDeath #OrthodoxChristianity #PrayerAndConfession #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchFathers #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad begins with worship through praise and songs before addressing various questions submitted by viewers. He explains the difference between being made in the image and likeness of God, highlighting the innate human attributes like intellect and free will versus moral assimilation through virtue. Fr. Matthias discusses the role and significance of confession in the Orthodox Church, emphasizing the spiritual gift given to priests for absolution and the importance of confessing to a priest with this authority.

He also explores appropriate firmness in parenting and teaching children, stressing the balance between love, discipline, and consistent guidance. In addressing misconceptions about monasticism, Fr. Matthias clarifies that monastic life is a conscious spiritual calling rather than an escape, outlining the monks’ roles in prayer, spiritual guidance, and modeling Christian virtues.

Finally, he reflects on the challenge of submitting one’s will, the value of spiritual obedience, and the role of a father of confession as a guide rather than a decision-maker, encouraging trust and humility in the spiritual journey.#OrthodoxChristianity #Confession #SpiritualGuidance #ChristianParenting #MonasticLife #FaithQandA #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses key questions about Coptic Orthodox faith and Christian living. He explains the origins and purpose of the commemoration of saints in the liturgy, how the Coptic Church evaluates the writings of early Church Fathers, and the role of the Holy Synod in defining doctrine. Fr. Matthias also offers guidance on self-understanding, discerning personal limitations versus perseverance, and how to forgive others despite struggles.

He discusses the balance between being task-oriented and people-oriented in serving others, the ongoing process of growing in forgiveness, and advice for those dealing with brokenness from difficult family backgrounds. Throughout, he emphasizes prayer, self-examination, and reliance on God’s mercy and healing. The session concludes with a prayer asking for God’s peace, protection, and guidance.#CopticOrthodox #ChristianLiving #FaithQandA #ForgivenessInChrist #HolySynod #ChurchFathers #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses complex theological and spiritual questions submitted by viewers. He explores the nature of procreation before and after the Fall, drawing from Church Fathers such as St. Augustine to clarify marriage and holiness. Fr. Matthias examines ascetic practices of various saints, illustrating their different paths to union with Christ through silence, prayer, generosity, simplicity, and humility. He discusses practical ways to apply these principles in everyday life without seeking vainglory.

Fr. Matthias also outlines the seven key characteristics of a good spiritual counselor, emphasizing wisdom, righteousness, confidentiality, peace, honesty, and peacemaking. He explains the theological understanding of original sin, baptism, and the mercy of God concerning innocent children who die without baptism, stressing God’s justice and mercy beyond human judgment. The session closes with prayer and an invitation to submit further questions.#ChristianQandA #FrMatthiasShehad #CatholicSpirituality #ChurchFathers #OriginalSin #SpiritualCounseling #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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