St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

By stpaulhoustonReligion & Spirituality Christianity

St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston episodes

February 05 The Effects of a Fervent Spirit | Homily (His Grace Bishop Gregory)
His Grace Bishop Gregory reflects on the commandment to love God with all heart, soul, mind, and strength as the foundation for inheriting eternal life. He explores how true love for God demands fervent labor and zeal in serving Him, emphasizing that this inner fervency transforms even small acts into offerings pleasing to God.
Bishop Gregory explains that this zeal sustains believers through the challenges of following God’s commandments, making what seems burdensome into a source of spiritual joy. He also highlights how a fervent spirit protects against temptation, likening it to a fire that wards off intrusion.
By meditating on Scripture and seeking God’s help to “enlarge the heart,” believers can develop this fervent spirit, enabling their spiritual efforts to be accepted by God and leading to joy and perseverance in the Christian life.#FerventSpirit #ChristianZeal #LoveGodFully #BishopGregory #SpiritualPerseverance #FaithInAction #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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15 min
February 05 Harmony of the Gospels [Following Christ on Cross & Lost Sheep] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on Christ's final teachings before His crucifixion. He explores the meaning of true discipleship, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing Christ above family and worldly attachments. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual significance of taking up one's cross, highlighting the sacrifices and suffering inherent in following Jesus.
He further discusses the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, illustrating God's relentless pursuit of sinners and the joy in heaven over every repentant soul. Fr. Matthias addresses misconceptions about suffering, the purpose of the Old Testament law, and the Pharisees’ misunderstanding of righteousness. He encourages believers to persevere in faith, remain watchful against spiritual warfare, and approach outreach to the lost with discernment and patience. The study includes reflections on forgiveness, mercy, and the realistic challenges of the Christian life.#HarmonyOfTheGospels #FollowingChrist #BibleStudy #Discipleship #LostSheep #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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1 hr 21 min
February 05 An Acceptable Fast | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the true meaning of an acceptable fast beyond simply changing one’s diet. He emphasizes that fasting should be done solely for God’s sake, with repentance, and according to the Church’s guidance. Fr. Matthias highlights fasting as a time for self-examination, confession, and spiritual renewal.
He discusses fasting as a joyful, spiritual discipline that leads to self-control, breaking the bonds of sin, serving others, and supplicating God with sincere requests. Fr. Matthias also explains how fasting helps in making important life decisions by seeking God’s guidance. This message encourages believers to approach fasting with a heart focused on growth in faith, love, and holiness rather than mere external observance, fostering a lasting spiritual transformation.#ChristianFasting #SpiritualRenewal #Repentance #FaithGrowth #SelfExamination #GodsGuidance #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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20 min
February 05 Steps for Bringing Thoughts Captive | The Harvest (Eric Tadros)
Eric Tadros holds a practical discussion on bringing thoughts captive by focusing on what to do after identifying distorted or maladaptive thinking. He explains how thoughts shape feelings and behaviors, and how avoidance and other reactions can reinforce anxious, jealous, angry, or fearful patterns.
Eric outlines key influences on thought formation, including personality and genetics, upbringing and life experiences, culture, and the spiritual life. He reviews common cognitive distortions such as mind reading, catastrophizing, emotional reasoning, labeling, overgeneralization, and minimizing positives, then contrasts secular counseling approaches with a deeper spiritual framework.
Eric presents a progression of watchfulness, acknowledgement, and confession, with practical tools like journaling, and applies reframing and virtue-based “acting opposite” using Scripture and examples from the lives of the apostles to emphasize transformation through lived experience.#BringThoughtsCaptive #ChristianMindset #SpiritualTransformation #FaithAndMentalHealth #BiblicalCounseling #EricTadros #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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45 min
February 05 Self Denial | Fellowship Meeting (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the spiritual significance of self-denial as essential for discipleship and union with Christ. Drawing from Scripture, including Luke 1 and various New Testament passages, Fr. Matthias emphasizes that Christ brings light to those in darkness, but individuals must open their eyes through self-denial to fully receive this light. He explores the practical aspects of denying worldly attachments such as ungodly relationships, laziness, selfish desires, and wealth, highlighting that true spirituality requires action, discipline, and surrendering personal will.
Fr. Matthias also discusses the challenges of faith, the role of prayer as spiritual work, and the importance of trusting God's greater wisdom even when sacrifices are difficult. Through the parable of the hidden treasure, he illustrates why believers are called to give up lesser things to gain the eternal kingdom. This teaching connects deeply to the season of Nativity and the ongoing call to live a life focused on eternal values rather than temporary worldly pleasures.#SelfDenial #ChristianDiscipleship #SpiritualGrowth #FaithInAction #UnionWithChrist #ChristianLiving #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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1 hr 6 min
February 05 09-03-2017 Finding the Good Sermon
Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses the theme of finding good in the midst of disasters, emphasizing reflections on the end of the world and the shortness of life. He explains that such trials serve as reminders to be thankful for God's mercy and to recognize human fragility despite modern advances. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of focusing on what truly matters—fearing God and keeping His commandments.
The talk explores how disasters break down social barriers, encouraging unity and compassion as everyone shares similar struggles. Fr. Matthias reminds listeners that God is in control, urging continuous prayer and faith in God's goodness even when circumstances are difficult. Drawing from Scripture, he underscores the need to trust God’s plan and find benefit in life's challenges, reinforcing that God is a redeemer who sustains and protects His people throughout all trials.#FaithInTrials #GodsMercy #ChristianSermon #TrustGod #SpiritualReflection #FindingGoodInHardship #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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18 min
February 05 Stress Management: The Garden of Gethsemane | The Harvest (Abe Ghattas)
Dr. Abraham Ghattas explores stress management through the lens of the Garden of Gethsemane, focusing on how Jesus experienced intense emotional agony before His crucifixion. He highlights Christ’s dual nature as fully God and fully human, emphasizing how Jesus’ example guides us in handling stress and despair. Dr. Ghattas discusses the importance of beginning difficult times with praise and hymns, maintaining a strong support network of trusted friends for prayer and comfort, and submitting to God’s will through prayer.
He references scriptural passages and teachings from Church Fathers to illustrate practical spiritual steps for managing stress. Dr. Ghattas also shares insights from research showing most worries never materialize, encouraging faith in God’s providence. This talk offers reflections on prayer, community, and trust in God’s plan as tools for facing life’s challenges.#GardenOfGethsemane #StressManagementInChrist #ChristianFaith #PrayerAndTrust #JesusExample #FaithOverFear #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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36 min
February 05 The Power of Our Thoughts Toward Our Partner | SA&SP (Sarah Iskander, PharmD, MS, LPC-A,NCC)
In this talk, Sarah Iskander, PharmD, MS, LPC-A, NCC, explores how the power of our thoughts significantly impacts our relationships with our partners. Sarah begins by explaining the cognitive triangle from cognitive behavioral therapy, showing how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors, shaping marital interactions. She contrasts unhelpful, distress-maintaining thoughts like innocent victimhood and righteous indignation with healthier, compassionate perspectives that foster peace and understanding.
Sarah discusses the importance of self-soothing during conflict and encourages replacing negative thoughts with balanced ones to nurture empathy and patience. Drawing on Christian teachings, she highlights how choosing gentleness and self-denial, modeled by Christ, can transform marriages despite struggles. Sarah also emphasizes the role of prayer and spiritual growth in guiding thoughts toward love and unity.
This talk offers practical tools and reflections to help couples identify and shift their inner dialogue for stronger, more peaceful marriages aligned with faith and grace.#ChristianMarriage #FaithAndRelationships #PowerOfThoughts #ChristianCounseling #MarriageInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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47 min
February 05 "He Could Not Because of the Crowd" | Sermon Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Zacchaeus, who sought to see Jesus despite the obstacles presented by the crowd. Fr. Matthias reflects on how other people can become obstacles to our spiritual growth through comparison, rivalry, obsession with others’ opinions, rejection, embarrassment about admitting faults, and inability to forgive. He emphasizes Zacchaeus’s determination to see Christ, his joyful repentance, and his willingness to make restitution as key lessons.
Fr. Matthias challenges listeners to focus on their relationship with God rather than the judgments or distractions of others. He urges believers to persevere in faith, seek genuine repentance, forgive sincerely, and pursue salvation wholeheartedly. The sermon highlights the importance of overcoming social and personal barriers in order to encounter the Lord and receive His grace.#Zacchaeus #ChristianSermon #FaithOverFear #Repentance #Forgiveness #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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24 min
February 05 "The Incorruptible Beauty" | Sermon (Fr. Titus Necola of @stabanoubdallas)
In this sermon, Fr. Titus Necola reflects on the spiritual meaning of true beauty as taught by St. Peter in the First Epistle. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating the incorruptible beauty of the heart—a gentle and quiet spirit—rather than focusing on outward appearance. Fr. Titus highlights the example of St. Mary and the call to live with the end of life in mind, preparing for the second coming with a heart aligned to God.
He contrasts worldly standards of beauty with the simplicity and wholeness found in Christ, encouraging listeners to pursue harmony between their inner life and outer conduct. Using saints like St. James the Persian, Fr. Titus illustrates how faith and inner spiritual strength surpass external trials. The message invites believers to honor their inner person, becoming fully united in Christ, and shining as lights in the world.#IncorruptibleBeauty #ChristianSermon #FrTitusNecola #SpiritualGrowth #StPeterEpistle #FaithAndBeauty #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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15 min