St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

By stpaulhoustonReligion & Spirituality Christianity

St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston episodes

January 21 8-19-2018 The Harvest: Experiencing God in the Small Things (by Eric Tadros)
In this talk, Eric Tadros explores what it means to experience God by partaking in His divine nature through grace. He explains that becoming like God involves more than big spiritual moments—it requires faithfulness and diligence in the small, everyday acts of mercy, prayer, and service. Drawing on Scripture and the teachings of the Church Fathers, Eric emphasizes that grace is a gift that must be actively accepted and that true communion with God grows as we attend to seemingly minor details in our spiritual lives.

Eric illustrates how small acts of kindness, repentance, and prayer open the way to experiencing God’s presence, highlighting parables such as the talents and the ten virgins to show that faithfulness in little things leads to greater spiritual fruitfulness. He urges listeners to cultivate a life of prayer and mercy, reminding us that spiritual growth and divine experience happen through persistent, humble efforts in daily life.#ExperiencingGod #ChristianFaith #GraceInAction #SpiritualGrowth #Faithfulness #DailyPrayer #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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38 min
January 21 8-12-2018 The Harvest: The Problem of Evil
Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses the problem of evil, exploring why a good and powerful God allows evil and suffering to exist. He explains that God created the world very good and gave humanity free will, which includes the possibility to choose evil. Evil is described as the absence of God rather than a created entity. Fr. Matthias clarifies that the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin corrupted the world, leading to suffering and death, but death itself is seen as a passage to eternal life through Christ’s resurrection.

He discusses why God permits evil and suffering—God does not want to override human free will, even when people choose wrongly. Instead, God transforms suffering into spiritual growth and draws believers closer to Him. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that God’s love is shown by His patience and continuous efforts to restore humanity despite our imperfections and sins. The talk includes reflections on divine justice, free will, and the ultimate judgment.#ProblemOfEvil #ChristianFaith #FreeWill #GodsLove #SpiritualGrowth #DivineJustice #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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38 min
January 21 8-26-2018 The Harvest: Ambassadors for Christ (by Fr. Barnaba Melek)
In this talk, Fr. Barnaba Melek explores the calling for Christians to be ambassadors for Christ, based on 2 Corinthians 5. He explains that followers of Christ represent His presence in the world, highlighting the importance of showing Christ through actions rather than words alone. Using the acronym PAUL, Fr. Barnaba outlines practical ways to embody this role: maintaining presence in all areas of life, following Christ’s example through forgiveness and purity, prioritizing God as the unrivaled center of life, and demonstrating loyalty by being faithful until death.

Fr. Barnaba emphasizes that Christians are citizens of heaven tasked with shining as lights in a diverse and often challenging world. He encourages believers to influence others by living out their faith authentically, reflecting Christ’s love, forgiveness, and truth in everyday life. The message calls for active engagement with the world while remaining spiritually grounded and aligned with God’s mission.#AmbassadorsForChrist #ChristianLiving #FaithInAction #2Corinthians5 #ChristFollowers #LivingForJesus #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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27 min
January 21 7-29-2018 The Harvest: Marketing the Narrow Path: Honest Questions
In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of "marketing the narrow path" in Christianity, focusing on how to honestly present the Orthodox faith to others. He discusses the challenges of explaining the demanding lifestyle of the narrow path—marked by sacrifice, self-denial, and spiritual discipline—and contrasts it with the wide path of self-indulgence.

Fr. Matthias addresses common questions about Orthodox practices such as fasting, confession, veneration of saints, and the liturgy, emphasizing their biblical foundations and spiritual purpose. He highlights the importance of conveying the joy and fulfillment found in communion with God as the reason behind these practices rather than just rules to follow.

He also reflects on the difficulties of inviting others into the Church, the need for authentic witness through our actions, and how to approach evangelism with transparency and love. The talk offers guidance on how Orthodox Christians can share their faith in a way that respects the depth and demands of the tradition while drawing others toward salvation.#OrthodoxChristianity #NarrowPath #FaithEvangelism #ChristianSacrifice #SpiritualDiscipline #OrthodoxFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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43 min
January 21 8-5-2018 The Harvest: Intercession of the Saints (Part 1)
Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the doctrine of the intercession of the Saints, clarifying what it means and how it differs from the mediation of Jesus Christ. He discusses how Christians can ask departed Saints to pray for them, emphasizing that this practice supports but does not replace Christ’s unique atoning sacrifice for salvation. Using biblical examples such as Abraham, Job, and saints like Simon the Tanner, Fr. Matthias illustrates the power of the prayers of righteous individuals and how God honors their intercession.

He highlights key scriptural stories where God commands or acknowledges prayer intercession by special righteous people, showing that their prayers have a greater impact. Fr. Matthias also addresses common misconceptions about worship versus honor of the Saints and the role of prayer in spiritual life.

This teaching offers a biblical foundation for understanding why Christians seek the prayers of the Saints and how this fits into God’s plan of mercy and righteousness.#IntercessionOfSaints #ChristianDoctrine #SaintsPrayers #BiblicalIntercession #FaithTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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37 min
January 21 7-22-2018 The Harvest: Prayer Part 6: Obstacles to Prayer: Boredom
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the challenge of boredom as a major obstacle to consistent prayer, comparing the human desire for constant newness with God's unchanging nature. He explains why repetition in prayer and liturgy can feel monotonous due to our corrupted, change-seeking nature, while God remains constant and timeless.

Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of discipline and persistence in prayer, likening spiritual growth to steady, patient work rather than immediate excitement or novelty. He discusses the need to focus on the goal of union with God rather than seeking new methods or external changes.

Drawing from Scripture and monastic teachings, Fr. Matthias highlights the ongoing spiritual struggle against the flesh and encourages perseverance in prayer as a lifelong battle toward holiness. He reminds believers that true transformation and renewal come from God changing the heart, enabling us to overcome boredom and grow closer to Him.#ChristianPrayer #SpiritualGrowth #PrayerObstacles #FaithPerseverance #GodsTimelessness #OvercomingBoredom #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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38 min
January 21 7-8-2018 The Harvest: Blind Spots (by Fr. Younan William)
Fr. Younan William explores the concept of "blind spots" in our spiritual and personal lives, drawing parallels to the literal blind spots we encounter while driving. He distinguishes between spiritual blindness, like that of the Pharisees who lost their true purpose, and blind spots where we lack awareness in specific areas despite overall good intentions, exemplified by King David’s unnoticed struggles at home.

Fr. Younan identifies eight common blind spots, including how we care for our household, the motives behind our actions, the nature of our love, and overlooked needs that are not immediately urgent. He also addresses blind spots related to justice, recognizing God’s love and care, appreciating others’ sacrifices, and understanding ourselves.

He emphasizes how these blind spots grow through unchecked passions, broken self-reflection, and stubbornness. Fr. Younan encourages prayerful self-examination, openness to correction, humility, and taking responsibility for our faults as ways to become aware of and heal these blind spots.#SpiritualBlindness #ChristianLiving #FaithJourney #SelfReflection #FrYounanWilliam #TheHarvest #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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38 min
January 21 7-1-2018 The Harvest: Prayer Part 5: Obstacles to Prayer (Part 1)
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the obstacles that challenge the practice of prayer, beginning with the impact of sin and its separation from God. He discusses how distractions such as relationships, selfish ambition, busyness, frivolous entertainment, and idols can divert attention away from God’s presence. Fr. Matthias also highlights spiritual blindness—being unaware of one’s own sinfulness—and the difficulty of maintaining faith without immediate results. The talk emphasizes the inevitability of dryness in prayer, encouraging perseverance despite a lack of emotional consolation. Using biblical references and examples from saints, he explains the need for discipline and trust in God's timing. This teaching serves as a guide to understanding and overcoming barriers in prayer, preparing listeners to deepen their spiritual life through endurance and awareness.#ChristianPrayer #OvercomingObstacles #FaithAndPrayer #SpiritualGrowth #PrayerChallenges #TrustInGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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39 min
January 21 6-24-2018 The Harvest: Prayer Part 4: Content of Prayer (Part 2)
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept and content of prayer, focusing on the intercession of the Saints. He clarifies the difference between Christ’s unique mediation for salvation and the intercessory prayers of the Saints, who are righteous and alive before God. Using biblical examples from Abraham, Job, Moses, and others, Fr. Matthias explains how God honors the prayers of His chosen servants and invites their intercession on our behalf.

Fr. Matthias also discusses the biblical foundation for asking Saints to pray for us, their awareness of our earthly conditions, and the spiritual relationship between heaven and earth. He emphasizes the role of intercession as a form of active participation in God’s work, highlighting how God responds to the prayers of the righteous. The talk concludes by addressing the spirituality behind seeking intercession, the fellowship of love within the Church, and how God permits the support of angels and Saints amid spiritual battles.#ChristianPrayer #IntercessionOfSaints #SpiritualWarfare #FaithAndPrayer #BiblicalIntercession #SaintsPrayer #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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46 min
January 21 6-17-2018 The Harvest: Prayer Part 3: Content of Prayer
Fr. Matthias explores the content of prayer in this continuation of the Harvest series on prayer, focusing on five distinct types based on 1 Timothy 2:1. He begins with thanksgiving, emphasizing gratitude to God for who He is rather than simply asking for needs, illustrating how this form of prayer shapes a deeper relationship with God. Fr. Matthias then discusses intercession, praying on behalf of others, highlighting its unselfish nature and the spiritual bond it creates within the body of Christ.

He also explains prayer as the expression of emotions and feelings to God, affirming the importance of sharing our inner life with Him. Finally, he covers supplication, the act of requesting both physical and spiritual needs from God, outlining how God’s answers may take the form of yes, no, or wait, and distinguishing between the certainty of receiving spiritual blessings and the variance in physical requests. The talk prepares for the next session, which will address the intercession of saints.#ChristianPrayer #Intercession #ThanksgivingPrayer #Supplication #FaithInPrayer #HarvestSeries #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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39 min