St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of the Book of Tobit, focusing on chapters 9 and 10. He examines the journey of Tobias, his marriage to Sarah, and the role of the Archangel Raphael, who guides and protects them throughout. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of discerning God's voice through wise counsel, addressing common obstacles like pride, rebellion, ignorance, and fear that prevent people from listening.

The talk highlights practical advice on trusting God's will in decision-making, emphasizing prayer, faith, and seeking guidance while recognizing the priest’s role as providing insight but not definitive answers. Fr. Matthias also delves into the challenges of anxiety and pessimism, encouraging reliance on God’s faithfulness amid uncertainty. The story of Tobias exemplifies obedience and trust, culminating in blessings and the celebration of a marriage founded on the fear of the Lord.#BookOfTobit #ArchangelRaphael #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGuidance #TobiasAndSarah #TrustInGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry discusses the importance of teaching children the joy of repentance within the family. He explores the purpose of repentance, emphasizing that its true goal is union with God rather than simply discipline, remorse, or confession. Fr. Polycarpus highlights how parents must model repentance and maintain a spiritual life centered on the Holy Spirit to nurture this practice in their children.

He addresses real-life parenting situations, such as children witnessing conflicts and the role of apology and forgiveness, stressing that repentance should lead to unity and ongoing growth rather than punishment alone. Fr. Polycarpus also explains the significance of cultivating a household culture of repentance and confession, connecting it to church life and encouraging families to integrate these habits through prayer and forgiveness.

This talk offers practical insights into raising children in a faith-filled environment where repentance is lived and taught as a central spiritual discipline.#JoyOfRepentance #ChristianParenting #SpiritualGrowth #FamilyFaith #ForgivenessInChrist #ParentingWithFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry explores the biblical foundation and rich symbolism behind the raising of incense during Vespers and Matins in the Coptic Orthodox tradition. He guides viewers through the structure of these services, focusing on the prayer of incense, its historical practice, and deep roots in Scripture, particularly the Old Testament offerings from Numbers 28-29.

Fr. Polycarpus explains how these offerings relate to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and the ongoing spiritual practice of offering ourselves as living sacrifices in repentance. He highlights the procession of incense, the intercession of saints, and the connection between the daily burnt offerings and our personal prayers of repentance. The study also clarifies how these practices prepare believers for the Eucharist and foster continual repentance and communion with God.

This teaching invites reflection on the meaning and importance of Vespers and Matins as essential parts of daily worship and growth in faith.#CopticOrthodox #RaisingOfIncense #BibleStudy #VespersAndMatins #ChristianWorship #FrPolycarpusShoukry #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines the harmony of the Gospels through the story of the woman caught in adultery, as recorded in John chapter 8. He explores the significance of Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees, highlighting how Christ exposes their hypocrisy while upholding both the Mosaic law and divine mercy. Fr. Matthias explains Jesus’ teaching on salt and fire as symbols of purification and preservation, then delves into Christ’s declaration, “I am the light of the world,” emphasizing the spiritual freedom found in following Him. The discussion addresses themes of sin, judgment, salvation, and the identity of Christ as the Son of God, revealing the tension between worldly authority and divine truth. Fr. Matthias concludes by clarifying that salvation comes through faith in Christ, who frees believers from the bondage of sin, and calls for a life transformed by grace and obedience to God’s word.#HarmonyOfTheGospels #WomanCaughtInAdultery #BibleStudy #FrMatthiasShehad #JesusAndThePharisees #LightOfTheWorld #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the enunciation in Luke 1, where Archangel Gabriel announces to St. Mary that she will bear the Son of God. He explores the unique honor given to Mary and how she carried it with humility.

Fr. Matthias highlights five key lessons from Mary’s response: she never considered herself worthy of this honor, accepted God's will without debate, embraced her role as a servant of the Lord, prioritized serving others, and knew much yet spoke little. Through these points, he emphasizes the importance of humility, obedience, and service in bearing honor.

This sermon challenges viewers to consider their own response to honor and how to serve God's plan with a heart like Mary’s, focused on the greater good rather than personal glory.#MaryMotherOfGod #ArchangelGabriel #ChristianHumility #BearerOfHonor #ServeGodFaithfully #StMarySermon #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. James Gendi explores the theme of true power in this sermon for the third Sunday of the Coptic month of Paope. He reflects on biblical stories highlighting God’s authority over sickness, nature, and evil spirits, emphasizing that real power comes from God and not worldly sources.

Fr. James identifies seven mistaken sources of power that people often rely on: knowledge, physical strength, relationships, authority, wealth, talents, and control. Using examples from Scripture, like Solomon, David, and the Virgin Mary, he explains why these forms of power are temporary or deceptive. He highlights that genuine power is found in humility, service, and surrender to God’s will.

This message invites viewers to reconsider where they place their trust and how they understand influence and authority in daily life and faith.#TruePowerInGod #ChristianSermon #FaithOverWorldlyPower #GodsAuthority #HumilityInFaith #CopticChristianity #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores chapters 9 and 10 of Ecclesiastes, focusing on the themes of life’s uncertainties, human suffering, and divine justice. He highlights how both the righteous and the wicked face similar trials in this life, emphasizing the distinction between earthly experiences and eternal judgment after death. Fr. Matthias explains the concept of God's permissive will, the role of free will, and how sin—both personal and collective—has introduced suffering into the world.

He discusses wisdom’s value over worldly strength, the importance of remaining vigilant against temptation, and the need for sincerity over external appearance. Fr. Matthias also reflects on the unpredictability of success and the importance of trusting God’s providence while working diligently. The talk touches on spiritual resilience, the maturation of the mind, and the dangers of attachment to earthly things. Throughout, he draws on biblical examples and Church teachings to illustrate living faithfully amid life’s challenges.#Ecclesiastes #ChristianFaith #SpiritualWisdom #DivineJustice #FaithInTrials #GodsProvidence #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores chapters 3 and 4 of 2nd Maccabees, focusing on the historical and spiritual events during the Greek conquest of Israel. He details the respect initially shown to the Jewish temple by King Solus IV and the later internal betrayal by Simon from the Tribe of Benjamin, which opened the door for the desecration of the temple’s treasury by Heliodes under royal orders.

Fr. Matthias explains the divine intervention that saved the temple’s wealth, the corruption and factionalism within the Jewish leadership, and the rise of Hellenizing influences under Jason, who purchased the high priesthood. The discussion covers the conflict between traditional Jewish practices and Greek customs, the bribery and violence involving the high priesthood, and the eventual assassination of the righteous High Priest Onias III.

This study sheds light on the cultural and political struggles that shaped the era leading to Hanukkah, emphasizing the impact of internal division and foreign pressures on Israel’s faith and identity.#2ndMaccabees #BibleStudy #ChristianTeaching #HanukkahHistory #JewishFaith #TempleHistory #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad teaches on Christ’s words, “Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” by examining where believers place their treasure during the Great Fast. Fr. Matthias explains how worry, materialism, and attachment to possessions distract the heart from God and shift focus away from spiritual life toward earthly concerns.

Fr. Matthias traces this struggle back to the fall of humanity and shows how Christ calls His followers to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness rather than becoming consumed with food, clothing, wealth, or status. He discusses different attitudes toward material possessions, including worry, indulgence, greed, desire for recognition, and trusting riches for security.

Fr. Matthias concludes by explaining how fasting helps detach the heart from earthly treasures, restore proper priorities, and refocus life on God as the true provider, calling believers to make heaven their lasting treasure.#ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #KingdomOfGod #GreatFast #FaithOverMaterialism #TrustInGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of discipleship according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He explains that being a true disciple requires carrying one's cross, which involves self-discipline, repentance, and perseverance despite the challenges faced in life. Fr. Matthias clarifies the call to prioritize commitment to God above all relationships and examines the spiritual battle believers face against unseen forces of evil.

He emphasizes the importance of planning and understanding the cost of following Christ, likening discipleship to building a tower or preparing for war. Fr. Matthias stresses that victory in this spiritual war is only possible through God’s help and calls for vigilance and continual reliance on prayer, confession, and faith. The message encourages believers to remain steadfast, recognizing the reality of the spiritual struggle and seeking God’s protection.#Discipleship #FaithInChrist #SpiritualWar #ChristianSermon #FollowJesus #WalkingWithGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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