St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

By stpaulhoustonReligion & Spirituality Christianity

St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston episodes

February 27 [E5.2] Is a Holy Marriage Possible? | Living Incense
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the essential requirements for couples preparing for marriage in the Coptic Orthodox Church, emphasizing emotional, spiritual, and financial maturity. He discusses the role of premarital counseling, communication skills, and conflict resolution as foundational elements for a healthy marriage. Fr. Matthias addresses topics such as intellectual compatibility, age gaps, and red flags like selfishness and poor emotional intelligence that can affect marital harmony.

He then explains the biblical roles of husband and wife, stressing mutual love and respect along with the husband’s loving authority and the wife’s respectful submission. Fr. Matthias highlights how challenges arise when spouses fail to fulfill their roles and how patience, meekness, and treating each other beyond deservedness can encourage growth.

The talk also covers the impact of marital imbalance on children and offers guidance on protecting them from conflict. Throughout, Fr. Matthias insists the presence of God is vital for sustaining a godly marriage through all seasons of life.#HolyMarriage #CopticOrthodox #ChristianMarriage #GodlyMarriage #MarriageCounseling #FaithAndFamily #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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34 min
February 27 Jonah the Prophet [Part 3] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of Jonah the Prophet, focusing on Jonah’s transformation and struggle with mercy and obedience. He explains how Jonah’s experience inside the fish symbolizes God’s plan for salvation, highlighting Jonah’s lack of compassion toward the Ninevites. Fr. Matthias discusses Jonah’s prayer, faith, and thanksgiving amid hardship, emphasizing God’s command over creation contrasting Jonah’s resistance.
The talk examines Jonah’s second calling to preach repentance in Nineveh, showing Jonah’s imperfect obedience and internal conflict. Fr. Matthias reflects on God’s mercy, restoration, and patience in both Jonah’s and humanity’s spiritual growth. He draws parallels with St. Peter’s restoration and stresses the importance of sacrifice, faith-based fasting, and genuine repentance for transformation.
Fr. Matthias also discusses God’s view of potential for change in others, humility in repentance, and the challenge of overcoming pride. The message challenges believers to respond to God’s call with faith and openness to personal sacrifice for others’ salvation.#JonahTheProphet #ChristianFaith #GodsMercy #Repentance #FaithAndObedience #SpiritualTransformation #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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51 min
February 27 Jonah the Prophet [Part 3] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of Jonah the Prophet, focusing on Jonah’s transformation and struggle with mercy and obedience. He explains how Jonah’s experience inside the fish symbolizes God’s plan for salvation, highlighting Jonah’s lack of compassion toward the Ninevites. Fr. Matthias discusses Jonah’s prayer, faith, and thanksgiving amid hardship, emphasizing God’s command over creation contrasting Jonah’s resistance.

The talk examines Jonah’s second calling to preach repentance in Nineveh, showing Jonah’s imperfect obedience and internal conflict. Fr. Matthias reflects on God’s mercy, restoration, and patience in both Jonah’s and humanity’s spiritual growth. He draws parallels with St. Peter’s restoration and stresses the importance of sacrifice, faith-based fasting, and genuine repentance for transformation.

Fr. Matthias also discusses God’s view of potential for change in others, humility in repentance, and the challenge of overcoming pride. The message challenges believers to respond to God’s call with faith and openness to personal sacrifice for others’ salvation.#JonahTheProphet #ChristianFaith #GodsMercy #Repentance #FaithAndObedience #SpiritualTransformation #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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51 min
February 18 [E5.1] Is a Holy Marriage Possible? | Living Incense
Fr. Matthias discusses the challenges and realities of building a godly marriage in the 21st century. He explores common newlywed conflicts, societal shifts affecting marriage such as delayed marriage age, increased female workforce participation, and changing family dynamics. Fr. Matthias explains the Orthodox Christian view on marriage as a path to salvation, emphasizing sacrifice, forgiveness, and the presence of God in the couple’s life through active faith and church accountability.

He addresses how the institution of marriage has evolved from Old Testament practices and arranged marriages to modern dating, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and discernment in choosing a spouse. Fr. Matthias also talks about the church’s stance on procreation within marriage and the impact of societal trends on divorce rates. This discussion offers foundational insights into understanding and pursuing a marriage rooted in faith and commitment.#HolyMarriage #ChristianMarriage #OrthodoxFaith #MarriageInChrist #FaithAndFamily #GodlyMarriage #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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35 min
February 17 Allegorical Interpretation of David & Goliath | Bible Study (Joe Costandy)
Joe Costandy explores the allegorical interpretation of the biblical story of David and Goliath, focusing on its deeper spiritual meanings beyond the literal and moral layers. He explains the symbolism of key characters, showing Saul as a figure representing Adam and David as a symbol of Christ, the beloved son who replaces the first king.

Joe discusses the significance of the battle setting, the representation of Satan and humanity, and how David's victory prefigures Christ’s triumph over evil through humility and obedience to God. He also highlights how the story reflects God's broader plan for humanity’s salvation and the spiritual battle between good and evil.

Drawing from early church fathers and Scripture, Joe emphasizes that the allegorical reading complements the literal account, revealing the richness of biblical narratives as part of God's unfolding revelation.#DavidAndGoliath #AllegoricalInterpretation #ChristianBibleStudy #SpiritualBattle #ChristOurVictory #BiblicalSymbolism #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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1 hr
February 17 Spiritually Nurturing Great Fast | Sermon (Fr. Younan William @saintmaryhouston)
In this sermon, Fr. Younan William reflects on the true meaning and purpose of the Great Fast as a season of spiritual renewal and loyalty to Christ. He emphasizes that fasting is not merely about dietary restrictions but a tool for gaining self-control, deepening prayer, repentance, and fellowship with Christ and the church. Fr. Younan encourages preparing the right mindset, combining physical fasting with spiritual practices, and consecrating time away from distractions like media addiction.

He also stresses the importance of seriousness, consistency, and adhering to the church’s fasting rules under the guidance of one’s spiritual father. By avoiding half-hearted fasting and focusing on inner transformation, believers can persevere through challenges and strengthen their spiritual journey. Fr. Younan calls on all to follow Christ not only for blessings but even amid hardships, walking with Him in humility and endurance.#GreatFast #SpiritualRenewal #ChristianFasting #FrYounanWilliam #FaithJourney #ChurchSermon #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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16 min
February 17 "Have You Seen the One I Love": Contemplation on Song of Solomon 1:15 | The Harvest (Eric Tadros)
In "Have You Seen the One I Love": Contemplation on Song of Solomon 1:15, Eric Tadros explores the deep spiritual relationship between the soul and God as reflected in the Song of Solomon. Eric discusses how the Lord views the soul as beautiful and desirable, even amid sin, emphasizing God’s persistent desire for the soul’s return.
Eric highlights the importance of seeking God's testimony over worldly praise, using examples like John the Baptist, St. Mary, and others who appeared plain outwardly but were great in the sight of the Lord. He reflects on themes like labor, faith, love, confession, and humility as qualities that make the soul beautiful to God.
The symbolism of “dove’s eyes” is explained as representing spiritual insight and the presence of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to maintain purity, presence, and peace in their gaze and interactions. Eric encourages embracing the paradox of the Christian life where God's standards differ from the world’s, seeking to hear, “Behold, you are fair, my love.”#SongOfSolomon #ChristianContemplation #SpiritualLove #EricTadros #ChristianFaith #GodsLove #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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37 min
February 17 ”Have You Seen the One I Love”: Contemplation on Song of Solomon 1:15 | The Harvest (Eric Tadros)
In "Have You Seen the One I Love": Contemplation on Song of Solomon 1:15, Eric Tadros explores the deep spiritual relationship between the soul and God as reflected in the Song of Solomon. Eric discusses how the Lord views the soul as beautiful and desirable, even amid sin, emphasizing God’s persistent desire for the soul’s return.

Eric highlights the importance of seeking God's testimony over worldly praise, using examples like John the Baptist, St. Mary, and others who appeared plain outwardly but were great in the sight of the Lord. He reflects on themes like labor, faith, love, confession, and humility as qualities that make the soul beautiful to God.

The symbolism of “dove’s eyes” is explained as representing spiritual insight and the presence of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to maintain purity, presence, and peace in their gaze and interactions. Eric encourages embracing the paradox of the Christian life where God's standards differ from the world’s, seeking to hear, “Behold, you are fair, my love.”#SongOfSolomon #ChristianContemplation #SpiritualLove #EricTadros #ChristianFaith #GodsLove #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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37 min
February 17 [E4.2] Danger of Distractions | Living Incense
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the challenges of balancing spiritual life with daily responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God’s presence in all aspects of life—whether at work, church, or home. He discusses practical ways to incorporate prayer and spiritual practices into busy schedules, like listening to sermons or praying the Jesus Prayer during everyday tasks.

Fr. Matthias highlights the significance of aligning personal goals with God’s will and recognizing spiritual growth as a gradual journey rather than an instant outcome. He stresses the value of accountability through confession and community support, encouraging active service within the church as a form of spiritual expression.

By addressing distractions and time management from both a secular and spiritual perspective, Fr. Matthias offers guidance on maintaining inner peace and nurturing a closer relationship with Christ through consistent spiritual discipline and fellowship.#SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #PrayerLife #FaithJourney #DistractionFree #LivingIncense #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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40 min
February 17 Jonah the Prophet [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this continuation of the series on Jonah the Prophet, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores God's sovereignty over creation as revealed through Jonah’s story. He examines Jonah’s resistance to God’s command to preach to Nineveh, contrasting Jonah’s apathy with the pagan sailors’ active efforts to survive the storm. Fr. Matthias highlights Jonah’s spiritual numbness, depression, and lack of compassion that lead him to isolate himself rather than seek God’s help.

The talk delves into Jonah’s realization of his inner failings, the sailors’ recognition of God’s power, and the unfolding divine plan through the prepared great fish. Fr. Matthias draws connections between Jonah’s prayer from the fish’s belly and the hope of resurrection, emphasizing faith and thanksgiving even amidst suffering. This message encourages believers to respond faithfully to God’s call, embrace transformation through trials, and trust in God’s mercy and salvation.#JonahTheProphet #FaithInTrials #GodsSovereignty #ResurrectionHope #ChristianTransformation #TrustInGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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48 min