St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

By stpaulhoustonReligion & Spirituality Christianity

St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston episodes

February 05 Harmony of the Gospels [Transfiguration & Greatest in Heaven] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels through the event of the Transfiguration and the teaching on who is greatest in heaven. He explains how Jesus reveals His divinity to Peter, James, and John on the mountain, highlighting the presence of Moses and Elijah as representatives of the Law and the Prophets, showing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Christ. Fr. Matthias discusses the significance of God's voice declaring Jesus as His beloved Son and the meaning behind the disciples’ reaction.
The study also covers Jesus’ teaching on Elijah’s coming, identifying John the Baptist as the prophetic fulfillment, and addresses the healing of a demon-possessed boy, emphasizing faith, prayer, and fasting. Fr. Matthias clarifies apparent differences in Gospel accounts and underscores the disciples’ struggle to comprehend Jesus’ impending passion and resurrection. This session provides a detailed examination of key Gospel passages linking Old and New Testament revelation.#Transfiguration #GospelHarmony #BibleStudy #FrMatthiasShehad #JesusDivinity #ChristianTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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1 hr 21 min
February 05 10-29-2017 How the Devil Plunders Sermon
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how the devil plunders humanity by disrupting God’s original design for human needs. He explains that God created man to live in unity with Him, fulfilling physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, and purposeful needs perfectly in the Garden of Eden.
Fr. Matthias details the contrast between this original state and the brokenness caused by the fall, highlighting how sin introduced suffering, fear, separation, and confusion. He emphasizes that while these needs remain, they are no longer met in the perfect way God intended.
The lecture also focuses on how Christ’s sacrifice and the work of the Holy Spirit restore believers to this original design through baptism, communion, and confession. Fr. Matthias encourages taking one's spiritual life seriously, showing how renewed connection with God impacts all areas of life, healing and fulfilling human needs.#ChristianSermon #SpiritualRestoration #FaithInChrist #HolySpiritHealing #OvercomingSin #GodsDesign #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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26 min
February 05 What Does Ecclesiastes 3:1 Mean? | Q&A (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of Ecclesiastes 3:1, emphasizing the concept of life's seasons and their divine purpose. He explains how understanding these seasons can help believers navigate both joyful and challenging times, highlighting lessons such as the importance of patience, planning, and spiritual growth.
Fr. Matthias also addresses related biblical questions, including the significance of Old Testament laws on mixing seeds and fabrics as a call for spiritual purity and separation from worldly influences. He discusses the necessity of attending liturgy to fully partake in communion, emphasizing the communal and transformative nature of worship. Additional topics include the meaning behind Psalm 70’s “Aha” expression of triumph, the offense some experienced to Christ’s message, the reason Mary Magdalene was told not to touch the risen Christ, and how to balance assertiveness with humility based on scriptural guidance.
This session offers biblical insights on faith, obedience, and practical Christian living.#Ecclesiastes3 #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #BiblicalTeaching #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianLiving #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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57 min
February 05 4-19-2018 Fellowship Meeting: Tobit 7-8
Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the exploration of the Book of Tobit, focusing on chapters 7 and 8. He explains the canonical status of Tobit in Orthodox tradition, its historical context during the Assyrian exile, and the righteous life of Tobit who buries the dead despite risk. The discussion covers Tobias’ journey with the Archangel Raphael, the story of Sarah and her struggle with a demon, and how God orchestrates their meeting to overcome their trials.
Fr. Matthias highlights themes of faith, doubt, and divine providence, showing how God works through ordinary means and circumstances. He elaborates on marriage according to Mosaic law and emphasizes prayer, trust, and obedience to God in difficult times. The talk ends with reflections on worship as a wholehearted sacrifice, connecting Tobit’s story to Christian spiritual life and perseverance.#BookOfTobit #OrthodoxChristianity #FaithAndProvidence #ArchangelRaphael #ChristianPerseverance #SpiritualWorship #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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54 min
February 05 Why the Young Leave the Church & What We Can Do About It | St. Monica Parent Meeting (Joe Costandy)
Joe Costandy explores the reasons why many young people leave the church despite being raised in faithful families. He presents research showing a general decline in Christianity in the U.S., though Orthodox Christianity remains more stable compared to other denominations. Joe discusses common youth complaints such as church feeling irrelevant, issues with authority, and judgmental attitudes on social issues like sexuality.
He highlights two major studies that reveal key factors in youth religious retention, emphasizing the critical role of early childhood faith formation, the strong influence of parents’ own faith practices, and the importance of open, ongoing conversations about religion at home. Joe also addresses challenges posed by cultural shifts, social media, and the need to balance parental discipline with understanding.
Practical advice includes encouraging parents to start faith conversations early, support youth in articulating their beliefs, and create welcoming environments that foster genuine spiritual growth.#YouthFaith #ChurchRetention #ChristianParenting #FaithFormation #OrthodoxChristianity #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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51 min
February 05 11-26-2017 St. John Chrysostom & Being Christ’s Disciple (by Fr. Maximus Abba Moses)
Fr. Maximus Abba Moses reflects on the life of St. John Chrysostom, highlighting his dedication to God despite exile and trials. He explores the conditions for being Christ’s disciple, emphasizing the need to love the Word of God, bear one’s cross through struggles, and forsake anything that takes priority over God in the heart. Through the example of St. John and biblical figures like Abraham, Fr. Maximus explains how spiritual growth requires perseverance, detachment, and total commitment to Christ’s teachings. The talk encourages embracing challenges in the Christian journey and fostering a heart fully devoted to God for true discipleship and fruitfulness in faith.#StJohnChrysostom #ChristianDiscipleship #FaithJourney #BearingTheCross #ChristianGrowth #FrMaximusAbbaMoses #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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24 min
February 05 5-10-2018 Fellowship Meeting: Tobit 13-14
In this fellowship meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes the study of the Book of Tobit, focusing on chapters 13 and 14. He explores Tobit's life during the Assyrian captivity, his blindness, and the journey of his son Tobias accompanied by Archangel Raphael in disguise. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual symbolism of the story, relating it to the Church’s salvation through Christ as the bridegroom.
The discussion delves into Tobit’s prayer of praise, emphasizing God’s eternity, mercy, and chastisement as a form of divine love. Fr. Matthias highlights themes of faith, repentance, suffering, and hope, addressing how believers should balance acknowledging their sins with trusting in God’s mercy.
The talk also covers the prophetic elements in Tobit about Israel’s exile, Jerusalem’s restoration, and the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. Finally, Fr. Matthias discusses the canonical history of Tobit, the Septuagint’s role, and how the Old Testament prophecies point to Christ and the New Jerusalem.#BookOfTobit #ChristianFellowship #FaithAndMercy #SpiritualJourney #ArchangelRaphael #ChristTheBridegroom #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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1 hr 6 min
February 05 Joshua 11-13 [Final Conquest of Canaan & The 31 Kings] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of the book of Joshua, focusing on chapters 11 through 13. He discusses Joshua’s final conquests in Canaan, highlighting the battles against a coalition of northern kings and the divine strategy that combined human effort with God's power. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of God’s commands to utterly destroy the Canaanite kings and the role of Joshua in faithfully carrying out Moses' instructions.
He also covers the comprehensive list of thirty-one defeated kings and the division of the land among the Israelite tribes by lot, emphasizing the cooperation between divine will and human action. Fr. Matthias addresses the tribe of Levi’s unique inheritance and the ongoing presence of unconquered lands, setting the stage for future battles. Throughout, he reflects on faith, obedience, and the spiritual dynamics of hardening of hearts and repentance in the biblical narrative.#JoshuaBibleStudy #ConquestOfCanaan #BiblicalHistory #FaithAndObedience #DivineStrategy #31Kings #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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1 hr
February 05 Harmony of the Gospels [Pharisees' Leaven & Passion Foretold] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on Jesus’ warning about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees and its spiritual implications. He explains the symbolism of leaven as sin and how exposure to corrupting influences affects believers. Fr. Matthias then examines Peter’s profession of faith, discussing the meaning of “the rock” on which the Church is built, contrasting Orthodox and Catholic interpretations, and clarifying the authority given to the apostles.
He further unpacks Christ’s teaching on discipleship, including the cost of self-denial, taking up the cross, and the promise of eternal life. The healing of the blind man in stages is also discussed as a metaphor for gradual spiritual enlightenment. Throughout, Fr. Matthias addresses key Gospel passages, the significance of sacraments, and the nature of Church authority, emphasizing the spiritual depth behind Christ’s words and actions.#GospelHarmony #LeavenOfPharisees #PeterTheRock #ChristianDiscipleship #BibleStudy #OrthodoxCatholicTeachings #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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1 hr 1 min
February 05 8-21-2018 St Mary Revival: "The End of a Thing Is Better than its Beginning" Sermon
Fr. James explores the theme "The End of a Thing Is Better than its Beginning," reflecting on spiritual growth, perseverance, and God’s justice. He contrasts humble beginnings, like that of St. Mary, with the rewarding outcomes of faith and patience. Drawing from Scripture including Ecclesiastes, Psalms, and the New Testament, Fr. James explains that though life’s start may appear frail or unpromising, God is present from beginning to end.
Fr. James highlights how endurance leads to salvation and how God’s promises, including justice and fulfillment, come in God’s timing, not ours. He discusses the importance of accountability, spiritual maturity, and bearing fruit over time. The talk emphasizes how we reap what we sow and encourages patience and faith as essential for seeing the true outcome of our lives and efforts according to God’s plan.#ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #GodsTiming #FaithAndPatience #EnduranceInChrist #GodsJustice #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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21 min