St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses questions about the Orthodox perspective on the end times, including the Great Tribulation, the millennial reign, and the rapture. He explains that the millennial reign is understood symbolically as a spiritual period beginning with Christ’s resurrection, not a literal thousand years. Fr. Matthias clarifies that in Orthodox belief, the rapture coincides with the Second Coming, rejecting the pre-tribulation rapture view.

He also explores the meaning behind Pope Shenouda’s teaching to “love everyone but keep a distance,” emphasizing loving others without unhealthy attachments. Fr. Matthias discusses how to discern when to address concerns within relationships, especially when sensitive behavior affects loved ones. Finally, he highlights the Christian call to bear with others in love, patience, and grace, reflecting Christ’s example.

This session of Q&A encourages spiritual readiness, practical love, and trust in God’s timing amid global challenges.#OrthodoxChristianity #EndTimesTeaching #GreatTribulation #MillennialReign #SecondComing #ChristianLove #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 Q&A session, Fr. Simon Dawood addresses a range of spiritual and practical questions submitted by viewers. He offers guidance on managing distractions during prayer by setting a dedicated time and place and incorporating routine spiritual preparation. Fr. Simon discusses fasting as a discipline for controlling bodily desires like overeating and explains the meaning of reverence and fear of the Lord in prayer. He shares thoughts on helping children and teenagers express emotions healthily, acknowledges the complexity of reconciling dinosaurs with the Genesis creation narrative, and offers strategies for overcoming procrastination through prioritization and time management.

Fr. Simon also speaks on building trust in relationships, recognizing genuine spiritual readiness for marriage, maintaining spiritual habits post-quarantine, increasing faith through experience and trust in God, and controlling one’s tongue to preserve relationships. The session concludes with prayer and encouragement to continue seeking growth in faith and understanding.#ChristianFaith #PrayerLife #SpiritualGrowth #FastingDiscipline #TrustInGod #FaithJourney #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 July 21st, 2020 Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad begins with a time of worship through songs reflecting on dependence on God, holiness, and Christ's sacrifice. He then addresses questions about handling negativity in family relationships, encouraging understanding the root causes of negativity and fostering positivity.

Fr. Matthias discusses important considerations when choosing a marriage partner, emphasizing spiritual maturity, love for God, pursuit of growth, communication, and compatibility. He explores the challenge of cultivating meekness, outlining stages from controlling outward anger to seeking humility through suffering, supported by scripture and monastic teachings.

Further topics include the purpose of praying for the departed, explaining its significance in comforting souls and the living, and clarifying the timing of judgment. Fr. Matthias concludes by explaining various biblical symbols associated with Saint Mary found in Coptic hymns and scripture, illustrating her unique role in salvation history. The session ends with prayer.#ChristianQandA #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianMarriage #PrayerForTheDeparted #SaintMary #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 Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad begins with a time of praise and worship, singing traditional hymns that focus on the Spirit’s work in prayer, preaching, and service. He addresses questions about the veneration of saints, explaining the difference between worship and honoring their faith and sacrifices, and the role of icons in Orthodox worship.

Fr. Matthias then discusses why only two Gospels mention Jesus’ birth, highlighting the distinct audiences and purposes of each Gospel writer. He shares guidance on confession frequency, the significance of the liturgy of the waters, and how parents can teach children to share while respecting boundaries.

He explains the church’s dress code principles of modesty and appropriateness, the meaning behind not taking God's name in vain, and the necessity of confession alongside repentance. Finally, Fr. Matthias reflects on prayer, emphasizing the importance of trusting God’s will while expressing personal petitions.

This session offers clear answers on Orthodox faith practices, scripture interpretation, and practical Christian living.#OrthodoxChristianity #FaithQandA #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianLiving #PrayerAndWorship #SaintsAndIcons #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 leads a comprehensive Q&A session answering various spiritual and doctrinal questions. He discusses the Stations of the Cross and their place in Christian devotion, explaining the differences between traditions. Fr. Matthias addresses the Coptic Orthodox position on original sin and contrasts it with the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception regarding Saint Mary.

He covers the Church’s perspective on recreational and medicinal marijuana use, emphasizing caution and medical supervision. Fr. Matthias explains biblical teachings about guardian angels and their role in protecting believers. He explores the meaning behind the tree of knowledge of good and evil and the reason for humanity’s fall.

Practical advice is offered on parenting, particularly in balancing explanation and obedience with children. Fr. Matthias clarifies why Jesus is not referred to as “Father Jesus,” discussing the Trinity and titles in scripture. The session concludes with insights on raising children in faith and the significance of anointing with oil during the Vigil of Bright Saturday as a symbol of being sealed by God.#ChristianQandA #CopticOrthodox #StationsOfTheCross #OriginalSin #GuardianAngels #ChristianParenting #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 addresses why women wear veils during prayer by explaining St. Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 11, emphasizing humility, modesty, and the symbolism of head coverings in church tradition.

Fr. Matthias discusses how to respond to difficult trials, highlighting that suffering shapes perseverance, character, and hope. He stresses the importance of surrendering control to experience God’s power and grace, using biblical examples like Gideon to illustrate faith in hardship.

He explains taking communion reverently, urging self-examination and reconciliation to avoid partaking unworthily. He clarifies why St. Bishoy is called “the perfect man,” describing his holiness and love for Christ.

Lastly, Fr. Matthias explores how to read the Bible effectively through various methods and discusses the parables of the lost sheep and prodigal son, outlining when to guide others gently or allow them freedom to learn from consequences, always rooted in love.#ChristianFaith #StPaulTeachings #FrMatthiasShehad #BibleStudy #ChristianHope #PrayerAndHumility #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 Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad begins with a time of worship through several spiritual songs before addressing a variety of questions about faith and Christian living. Fr. Matthias explains how to engage with popular but misleading books like The Da Vinci Code by discerning truth from falsehood and understanding the importance of biblical knowledge.

He discusses the biblical basis and caution around making vows, referencing Old and New Testament teachings including examples like Hannah and Jephthah. Fr. Matthias also offers guidance on handling unsolicited advice from friends, emphasizing humility, direct communication, and emotional awareness.

Further topics include the symbolism behind certain icons of Mother Mary, variations in biblical translations such as Proverbs 18:24, understanding the inclusiveness of those acting in Christ’s name, and navigating difficult conversations with grace and discernment. Throughout, Fr. Matthias integrates scripture to provide practical and scripturally grounded answers for everyday challenges in faith.#ChristianFaith #BiblicalTeaching #FaithQandA #FrMatthiasShehad #DiscernmentInFaith #ChristianLiving #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 Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses various spiritual and practical topics affecting Christian life today. He addresses the challenge of balancing wealth without becoming attached to it, using biblical examples like the rich young ruler and Levi to illustrate healthy stewardship. Fr. Matthias explains the cultural aspects of prayer posture and reasons why the Orthodox Church embraces certain customs.

He explores the origins and modern adaptations of yoga and meditation, emphasizing caution with their spiritual roots. Fr. Matthias provides detailed teaching on angels, their nature, ranks, and roles according to Scripture and church tradition.

The session also includes guidance on protecting children from abuse by educating them about boundaries, body safety, and trusting communication. Finally, Fr. Matthias clarifies the nature of anger toward God, distinguishing between feelings and sinful actions, and offers spiritual advice on how to process it.

This discussion combines biblical teaching with pastoral guidance relevant to contemporary Christian living.#ChristianLiving #OrthodoxFaith #SpiritualGuidance #BiblicalTeaching #FaithAndStewardship #ProtectingChildren #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 Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses a variety of topics related to the Coptic Orthodox faith. He explains the meaning of the "angel of the sacrifice" mentioned in the liturgy and discusses the origins of the seven archangels, including Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Suriel. Fr. Matthias clarifies the church’s stance on surrogacy and in vitro fertilization, highlighting ethical considerations.

He also explores biblical symbolism behind phrases like “cluster of life” in the third hour litany and the significance of kissing the hand of the clergy, emphasizing the sacramental priesthood. Fr. Matthias responds to questions about belief in God without proof, describing the difference between faith based on evidence versus undeniable proof.

Additionally, he discusses the meaning of Christ’s words on the unknown day of the second coming and offers guidance on when to seek mental health support alongside spiritual counseling. The session concludes with prayer and reflection on living a faithful life.#CopticOrthodox #Archangels #ChristianFaith #SpiritualCounseling #SacramentalPriesthood #SecondComing #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 Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad begins with worship through songs expressing trust and need for Christ’s guidance. He then addresses key spiritual questions including the meaning of "turning the other cheek," emphasizing humility and forgiveness without endorsing passivity or injustice.

Fr. Matthias explains the three paths to live with God—marriage, monasticism, and consecration—and advises careful prayer and counsel to discern one’s calling, avoiding viewing monasticism as a fallback plan.

He clarifies the difference between trials, which God allows for spiritual growth, and temptations from the devil aimed at causing sin. Using Job’s story, he illustrates how God can transform suffering for good.

Regarding Holy Communion, Fr. Matthias outlines preparation through repentance and reconciliation, and principles for respectful behavior afterward. He discusses how to assess spiritual progress, focusing on consistent spiritual discipline rather than immediate results.

On the death penalty, he presents biblical foundations for state authority to administer justice, including capital punishment, while emphasizing God as the ultimate source of life.

Finally, Fr. Matthias explains the symbolic hair cutting during deacon ordination as a sign of purification and renewal, with the trimmed hair discarded.

This session offers guidance on Christian living, discernment, spiritual growth, and church practices.#ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #FaithQandA #ChristianDiscipleship #HolyCommunion #Monasticism #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