St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

By stpaulhoustonReligion & Spirituality Christianity

St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston episodes

January 19, 2025 The History of the Liturgy [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this detailed talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the history and development of the Christian liturgy, focusing on its origins and evolution across different traditions. He explains the meaning of liturgy as "the work of the people" and discusses the three primary liturgies of the Coptic Church—those of St. Basil, St. Gregory, and St. Cyprian—tracing their roots back to the ancient Liturgy of St. Mark.
Fr. Matthias highlights how the liturgy has changed in Rome, Constantinople, and Egypt, noting the influence of political and theological shifts such as the introduction of silent Masses and choir chants. He also emphasizes the unique preservation of the Coptic liturgical tradition amid historical persecutions, making it one of the most authentic connections to early Christian worship.
The talk concludes with reflections on liturgical renewal movements in the 20th century across different Christian denominations, stressing how these movements seek to restore early church worship practices. Throughout, Fr. Matthias encourages greater participation and attentiveness in the liturgy as a communal act of faith.#ChristianLiturgy #CopticChurch #EarlyChristianWorship #LiturgyHistory #FrMatthiasShehad #ChurchTraditions #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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35 min
January 15, 2025 Dealing with Stress | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses the common experience of stress and offers practical, faith-based guidance on how to manage it. He discusses identifying controllable sources of stress, such as rushing and overcommitting, and emphasizes the importance of contentment, realistic expectations, and forgiveness. Fr. Matthias highlights the need for honesty, living a repentant life, and maintaining a light-hearted attitude rooted in gratitude.
He also stresses the value of seeking accountability, trusting God’s plan, and taking responsibility for one’s choices rather than adopting a victim mentality. Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to set boundaries by learning to say no and to care for themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually to reduce stress.
Throughout, he connects these strategies with Scripture and encourages a deeper relationship with God as the foundation for peace amid life’s challenges.#ChristianStressRelief #FaithOverStress #SpiritualPeace #TrustGod #ChristianLiving #StressManagementFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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38 min
January 15, 2025 "Have I Been with You so Long, and Yet You Have Not Known Me?" | The Harvest (Fr. Titus Necola)
In this talk, Fr. Titus Necola explores the profound encounter between Jesus Christ and St. Philip from the Gospel of John, emphasizing the different levels of knowing God—intellectual, experiential, and communal. Fr. Titus challenges listeners to move beyond merely knowing God at the level of the mind and to seek a deeper, unceasing communion with Him through everyday life.
Drawing on biblical stories and the lives of saints like Ababa Bishoy, he highlights the importance of recognizing Christ in all people and situations, not just within the church walls. Fr. Titus also encourages believers to become authentic witnesses of Christ’s love, shaping how others perceive God through their actions.
This message invites reflection on how we see and show Christ in a fragmented world, urging a life of continuous prayer and love that transforms personal faith into healing presence for others.#KnowingGod #FrTitusNecola #ChristianFaith #JesusChrist #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianWitness #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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35 min
January 15, 2025 The Five Levels of Leadership [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the discussion on the five levels of leadership, focusing on the second and third levels: permission and production. Fr. Matthias explains how leadership goes beyond positional authority to building trust and genuine relationships that motivate cooperation and open communication. He emphasizes the importance of valuing people over tasks to foster loyalty and team morale.
Fr. Matthias then explores the production level, where a leader uses influence and relationships to achieve concrete results. He outlines the challenges of balancing people’s needs with organizational goals, making difficult decisions, and taking responsibility for outcomes. The talk highlights how effective leadership combines vision, communication, and the ability to empower a team for shared success.
Practical examples from scripture and everyday life illustrate the principles Fr. Matthias presents for growing leadership influence and impact.#ChristianLeadership #FaithAndLeadership #ServantLeadership #ChurchLeadership #LeadershipInChrist #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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43 min
January 15, 2025 The Five Levels of Leadership [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this first part of "The Five Levels of Leadership," Fr. Matthias Shehad explores leadership as influence, emphasizing that true leadership goes beyond positional authority. Drawing from John Maxwell’s leadership principles, Fr. Matthias explains how leadership begins with identifying problems and taking initiative, then grows through motivating and inspiring others to share a vision.
He contrasts leadership with management, highlighting that leaders engage and develop people rather than simply directing them. Fr. Matthias details the first level of leadership—position—where influence comes solely from a title, often resulting in minimal motivation and high turnover. He discusses common challenges positional leaders face, such as insecurity, control issues, and difficulty working with volunteers or talented individuals.
Fr. Matthias also reflects on leadership examples from history, scripture, and real-life scenarios to illustrate leadership as a skill that can be learned and developed. This talk is relevant for anyone seeking to understand and improve their leadership influence in church, community, or workplace settings.#ChristianLeadership #FaithAndLeadership #JohnMaxwell #ChurchLeadership #SpiritualGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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41 min
January 15, 2025 The Five Levels of Leadership [Part 3] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the fourth and fifth levels of leadership, focusing on people development and personhood. He explains how effective leaders invest in mentoring others, empowering them with responsibility and authority rather than simply demanding results. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of delegation, long-term vision, and overcoming insecurities that can hinder growth within teams or organizations.
He discusses biblical examples, such as Moses and King Saul, to illustrate how leadership can either foster growth or create division. At the highest level, leaders are followed for who they are and what they represent, working selflessly for the benefit of the community and preparing the next generation of leaders.
Fr. Matthias connects leadership principles to the mission of the Church, emphasizing sustained growth through developing faithful servants who carry the work forward.#ChristianLeadership #FaithfulServants #BiblicalLeadership #ChristianMentoring #ChurchLeadership #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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21 min
January 14, 2025 "Have You Seen the One I Love": Contemplation on Song of Solomon 3:1-4 | The Harvest (Eric Tadros)
In this contemplation on Song of Solomon 3:1-4, Eric Tadros explores the spiritual journey expressed in the yearning for God amidst darkness and spiritual struggle. Eric unpacks the symbolism of night and bed as representing sin and laziness, emphasizing that even in these states, the soul’s desire for God remains. He discusses how this seeking often arises unexpectedly, highlighting our responsibility to respond to others’ silent yearnings by offering support and prayer.
Eric stresses the importance of moving from desire to action in the spiritual life, illustrating how God initiates the call but expects a response through persistent effort. He reflects on the temporary feeling of God’s absence as a means of humility and spiritual growth, encouraging continual pursuit of God despite challenges. The role of spiritual guides, confession, and communion in finding and holding onto God is also addressed, emphasizing an active, loving relationship with the Lord.#SongOfSolomon #SpiritualJourney #YearningForGod #ChristianContemplation #FaithInAction #EricTadros #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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35 min
January 13, 2025 Fleeing Evil | Sermon (Fr. Younan William of@saintmaryhouston)
In this sermon, Fr. Younan William reflects on the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt as an example of fleeing from evil rather than confronting it. He discusses four specific evils Christians are called to avoid: immorality, bad company, anger and revenge, and foolish disputes. Fr. Younan emphasizes the importance of running away from temptation because human strength alone cannot overcome it and exposure weakens the will over time.
He highlights virtues needed to flee evil effectively, including discernment to recognize danger early, humility to admit personal weakness, courage to act decisively, and honesty to identify sin clearly. Using biblical examples like Joseph and St. Paul’s teachings, Fr. Younan calls believers to imitate the Holy Family by avoiding situations that lead to sin and relying on God’s guidance to maintain spiritual integrity.#FleeingEvil #HolyFamily #ChristianSermon #SpiritualDiscernment #AvoidTemptation #FaithInAction #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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15 min
January 08, 2025 Promises Fulfilled | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the fulfillment of God’s promises through the Incarnation of Christ, referencing prophecies from the Old Testament including the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem and His lineage from Abraham and King David. Fr. Matthias highlights how these fulfilled promises demonstrate God’s faithfulness.
He discusses key promises God continues to keep for believers today, such as answering prayers according to His will, granting peace beyond understanding, and offering hope amid suffering. Fr. Matthias also emphasizes the assurance of Christ’s second coming, the resurrection of the dead, eternal life, and final victory over evil as revealed in scripture.
Through scripture passages from Matthew, 1 John, Isaiah, 1 Thessalonians, and Revelation, Fr. Matthias encourages perseverance in faith and hope in God’s ultimate plan for salvation and eternal joy with Him.#GodsPromises #FaithfulnessOfGod #ChristFulfilled #ChristianHope #BibleProphecy #SecondComing #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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8 min
January 05, 2025 Numbering Our Days | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical call to "number our days" and gain a heart of wisdom by recognizing the brevity and purpose of life. He reflects on how time, given by God, should be used intentionally and aligned with eternal values rather than worldly distractions. Drawing from scripture, Fr. Matthias emphasizes seeking God’s kingdom first, trusting in His timing and plan, and prioritizing spiritual growth over material desires.
He discusses practical ways to redeem the time by balancing work, rest, and prayer, and encourages evaluating what truly holds value in life—storing treasures in heaven instead of on earth. Fr. Matthias concludes by urging believers to finish well, steadfast in faith and repentance, ready to embrace God’s promises. This message challenges viewers to live with purpose, faith, and trust in God’s guidance throughout their lives.#NumberYourDays #ChristianWisdom #FaithJourney #EternalPurpose #TrustGod #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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26 min