St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining two key biblical events: the death of John the Baptist and the feeding of the 5,000. He explains John the Baptist’s boldness in rebuking Herod and details the circumstances leading to his imprisonment and execution, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.

Fr. Matthias then delves into the feeding of the 5,000, highlighting Jesus’ compassion for the crowd and his call for the disciples to trust and act despite seemingly limited resources. He discusses the importance of obedience, faith, and the spiritual lessons behind the miracle found across all four Gospels.

The teaching continues with Jesus walking on water, illustrating Peter’s faith and doubt, and the disciples' gradual recognition of Christ’s divine nature. Fr. Matthias emphasizes spiritual growth, discipleship, and the call to follow Christ even through trials, drawing from scriptural and patristic insights.#HarmonyOfTheGospels #JohnTheBaptist #FeedingThe5000 #BibleStudy #FaithAndObedience #MiraclesOfJesus #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Abe Ghattas discusses family dynamics and roles, focusing on the importance of a united and sacramental family as an icon of the Holy Trinity. He emphasizes that strong relationships between spouses create a foundation for nurturing children and highlights the stepwise progression of care—from self to spouse, children, and others—drawing from scripture, the lives of saints, and psychology.

Abe explores different parent-child relationships, including father-son, father-daughter, mother-son, and mother-daughter dynamics, and explains their spiritual and emotional significance. He addresses balancing nurture and structure within the family and stresses the importance of clear boundaries and communication between parents.

Drawing on insights from Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Monica, and modern thinkers like Jordan Peterson, Abe encourages urgency in building family bonds, managing resentment, and fostering holiness within the family unit. This talk offers practical guidance for Christian families to cultivate love, discipline, and spiritual growth.#ChristianFamily #FamilyInChrist #HolyTrinity #SpiritualParenting #SaintJohnChrysostom #ChristianParenting #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of "The Favor of God" by examining the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary and Scripture passages that reveal how believers can obtain God’s favor. He explains that God’s favor is not random but earned through prayer, obedience to God’s commandments, seeking God wholeheartedly, living righteously, offering our first fruits, and embracing humility.

Fr. Matthias emphasizes that prayer maintains our connection with God, while keeping His commandments requires trust beyond our understanding. Seeking God and living humbly help believers submit to God’s will. The sermon also highlights the benefits of God’s favor, including joy, mercy, protection, and victory over enemies.

Through biblical examples such as Mary and Abel, Fr. Matthias encourages cultivating a life aligned with God’s will to experience His blessing and favor.#FavorOfGod #ChristianSermon #FaithAndObedience #PrayerLife #GodsBlessings #LivingRighteously #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores who will rise in judgment according to Christ’s teaching. He highlights the examples of the Queen of the South and the Ninevites, who responded wisely to God's message without needing miraculous signs. Fr. Matthias explains that rising in judgment means their actions stand as a testimony to others, showing that wisdom, repentance, purity, humility, and faith are vital.

He discusses how those who seek true wisdom, protect their senses like Joseph the righteous, humble themselves like King Solomon, and hold fast to faith and love for the truth, exemplified by the prophet Daniel, will rise in judgment. Fr. Matthias calls believers to heed the warnings in their own lives and society and to follow Christ’s greater example faithfully until the end.#ChristianJudgment #FaithAndWisdom #Repentance #BiblicalSermon #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a new series on comparative religions by establishing the foundational beliefs of Orthodox Christianity. He explains the nature and inspiration of the Bible, emphasizing that it was written over centuries by multiple authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and highlights its role in doctrine, correction, and living a righteous life. Fr. Matthias describes the relationship between Scripture and Holy Tradition, noting that the Church's authority predates and interprets the Bible.

He outlines Orthodox beliefs about God as a triune being, the creation of humanity in God’s image, and the impact of original sin on human nature. He explains the fall of Adam and Eve, the introduction of sin and death, and the purpose of baptism in restoring humanity to a new life in Christ. The talk also touches on salvation’s progression, spiritual death, and the hope of reunion with God.#OrthodoxChristianity #BibleStudy #HolySpirit #Trinity #SalvationInChrist #ChristianDoctrine #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Epistle to Philemon, one of St. Paul’s prison letters, offering detailed commentary on its themes and historical context. He explains how St. Paul, writing from prison, appeals to Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus, a runaway slave who became a Christian and now serves alongside Paul. Fr. Matthias highlights the spiritual transformation that abolishes social distinctions, emphasizing Christian brotherhood over slavery.

The talk addresses the cultural and legal realities of the time, St. Paul's pastoral wisdom in his appeal, and the significance of voluntary forgiveness. It also reflects on the use of gifts in the church community, the role of intercession, and how God can bring good even from difficult situations. This comprehensive study sheds light on forgiveness, Christian service, and the enduring impact of faith in challenging circumstances.#Philemon #ChristianForgiveness #StPaul #ChristianBrotherhood #FaithInTrials #BiblicalCommentary #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the calling of Levi, also known as Matthew the Evangelist, emphasizing Christ’s invitation to sinners rather than the righteous. He explains that the church is a place for those seeking repentance and transformation, not for self-justification. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of repentance as the core of the Christian life, stressing that God looks at our willingness to change rather than our moral achievements.

The sermon also addresses spiritual healing through the sacraments, describing the church as a hospital where God performs necessary, sometimes painful, spiritual surgery. Fr. Matthias stresses the need to partake regularly in the sacraments to experience true change.

He calls believers to respond to Christ’s invitation by leaving behind old ways, hosting God in their homes, and committing to a new life. Using biblical examples, Fr. Matthias explains that transformation requires continuous effort and humility, as old habits may still appeal but must be overcome to fully follow Christ.#ChristianSermon #CallToRepentance #MatthewTheEvangelist #SpiritualHealing #Sacraments #TransformationInChrist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the sending of the twelve disciples as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He discusses Jesus’ instructions to preach to the lost sheep of Israel, emphasizing the combination of spiritual teaching with physical acts like healing the sick and casting out demons. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of the disciples traveling light, relying on God’s provision, and the importance of wisdom and innocence in their mission.

He also covers the challenges the apostles would face, including persecution, family conflict, and rejection, highlighting Christ’s call to endure and confess Him boldly. The study touches on Herod’s reaction to Jesus and the connection between physical miracles and spiritual authority. Fr. Matthias clarifies the timing of receiving the Holy Spirit in relation to the apostles’ mission and encourages faith in God’s provision and guidance throughout ministry.#SendingTheTwelve #GospelHarmony #BibleStudy #ChristianMinistry #FaithAndHealing #HolySpiritGuidance #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Jonah the prophet, emphasizing Jonah’s humanity and his struggle with obedience and compassion. He explains how Jonah’s rebellion reveals the challenge of accepting God’s will, especially when it involves showing mercy to enemies like the Ninevites. Fr. Matthias highlights that God’s call to serve benefits both others and the one who serves, fostering growth, patience, and humility.

The talk delves into Jonah’s attempt to flee God’s command by sailing to Tarshish, illustrating the futility of trying to escape God’s presence. Fr. Matthias draws parallels between Jonah’s experience and common human tendencies to avoid repentance, face distractions, and resist God's guidance. He also underscores God’s patient and loving approach to Jonah’s disobedience, using life’s circumstances to teach and correct without immediate judgment.

By examining divine sovereignty over creation, Fr. Matthias contrasts the obedience of nature with human resistance, encouraging listeners to embrace God’s will with trust instead of irrational rebellion. This teaching invites reflection on personal struggles with sin, obedience, and the experience of God’s mercy and correction.#JonahTheProphet #GodsMercy #ObedienceToGod #ChristianTeaching #FaithJourney #DivineSovereignty #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Kristin Assaad discusses parenting challenges and strategies in the digital age, focusing on screen time, internet access, and smartphone usage for children. Drawing from her experience as a prosecutor and mother, Kristin addresses physical, mental, and spiritual risks associated with digital devices, including exposure to inappropriate content, addiction, and impacts on attention and self-esteem. She explores important parenting considerations such as setting clear family rules, distinguishing between types of screen time, and modeling healthy technology habits.

Kristin emphasizes open communication with children about online dangers, privacy, and behavior expectations. She outlines practical steps for device restrictions, app management, and creating phone-free family time, encouraging parents to assess their own usage and work collaboratively with schools and other caregivers. The talk also covers legal aspects of digital safety, online risks like altered images, and the importance of supportive parenting through evolving technology challenges.#ChristianParenting #DigitalAgeParenting #FaithAndFamily #ScreenTimeManagement #ParentingWithFaith #OnlineSafetyForKids #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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