St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

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

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Sandra Mathoslah, PharmD, explores the connection between fasting, nutrition, and spirituality in this seminar focused on nourishing the body to support the soul. Sandra emphasizes the importance of whole, unprocessed foods during fasting, highlighting the roles of plants, protein, and fats in a balanced diet. She discusses practical swaps for fasting meals, such as replacing animal protein with legumes and tofu, and cautions against using heated olive oil and processed vegan substitutes.

Sandra also covers hydration and electrolyte balance, the benefits of fermented foods for gut health, and mindful eating practices during fasting. She addresses supplement use, recommending careful selection with a focus on vitamin B12 and D, and shares tips for creating simple, nutritious meals and snacks. Throughout, she connects dietary choices to spiritual well-being, encouraging viewers to see food as essential fuel to serve God and others.#ChristianFasting #SpiritualNutrition #FaithAndHealth #MindfulFasting #NourishTheSoul #HealthyChristianLiving #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

H.G. Metropolitan Youssef presents a detailed Bible study on Psalm 19:8-14, exploring how God's word reveals His holiness, justice, and grace. He explains the titles, descriptions, and effects of God's law, commandments, fear, and judgments, emphasizing their role in guiding, enlightening, and purifying believers. Metropolitan Youssef highlights King David’s reflections on the value of God’s word as more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey, offering warnings and rewarding obedience.

The study includes a prayer from David for cleansing from secret faults and protection from willful sins, underscoring the need for divine grace in overcoming sin. It concludes with a reminder that true godliness involves the sanctification of both heart and speech, and closes with a recognition of Christ as Strength and Redeemer, through whom prayers are accepted by God.

This teaching deepens understanding of Psalm 19’s spiritual message and its application in the Christian life.#Psalm19 #BibleStudy #GodsWord #ChristianPrayer #MetropolitanYoussef #ScriptureReflection #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines Exodus 20:12-16, focusing on the 5th to 9th commandments. He explains the differences in how various Christian traditions number the Ten Commandments and highlights the distinct themes dividing the commandments related to God from those concerning neighborly relationships. Fr. Matthias explores the commandment to honor one’s parents, discussing its unique promise and societal implications, and reflects on obedience both in childhood and adulthood.

He addresses the commandment against murder, clarifying the distinction between lawful and unlawful killing and the authority God grants to governments. The talk also covers the commandment against adultery, emphasizing the spiritual and familial impact of sexual immorality, and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of marriage.

Fr. Matthias discusses the commandments against stealing and bearing false witness, relating these laws to faith in God’s provision and the pursuit of truth in a society that often disregards it. Throughout, he connects these commandments to practical Christian living, family dynamics, and spiritual integrity.#TenCommandments #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #Exodus20 #FaithAndMorality #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Exodus 19:12-20:11, focusing on the first four commandments. He begins by reviewing Israel’s arrival at Mount Sinai, God’s covenant, and the significance of physical holiness in Scripture, emphasizing how God imbues physical objects and places, like the mountain and the church, with spiritual importance.

Fr. Matthias explains the boundaries God set around Sinai and the preparation required before His revelation. He discusses the difference between Old and New Testament manifestations of God’s presence, highlighting the fear inspired by God’s voice in the Old Testament compared to Christ’s accessibility in the New Testament.

The first four commandments are analyzed, showing their role in regulating humanity’s relationship with God. Fr. Matthias clarifies interpretations of the commandments, the meaning behind prohibitions on idols, the importance of reverence for God’s name, and the purpose of the Sabbath. He also addresses common misunderstandings about icons and intercessory prayer in Orthodox Christianity.

This study provides foundational insights into the Ten Commandments, God’s covenant, and their spiritual relevance.#Exodus #TenCommandments #BibleStudy #OrthodoxChristianity #MountSinai #SpiritualHoliness #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Eric Tadros discusses the biblical theme of mercy and truth based on Psalm 85: "Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed." He explains how this verse prophesies Christ as the fulfillment of both mercy and truth—truth through the Old Testament law and mercy through Christ’s sacrifice. Eric emphasizes that mercy and truth are inseparable; mercy without truth becomes a license to sin, while truth without mercy leads to cruelty.

Using examples from the Gospels, including the Samaritan woman, the woman caught in adultery, and the prodigal son, Eric illustrates how Christ balanced truth and mercy. He underlines the importance of self-reflection, confession, and love in applying these principles in personal relationships and society. Eric encourages believers to follow Christ’s example, offering mercy with discernment while upholding the truth to foster repentance and spiritual growth.#MercyAndTruth #Psalm85 #EricTadros #ChristianTeaching #ChristOurMercy #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this Bible study, Gerges Gad explores the role of the Virgin St. Mary within the Coptic rites, emphasizing her unique position as the Theotokos or Mother of God. Gerges discusses the significance of the Virgin Mary fast, her appearance in daily prayers and hymns, and her veneration distinct from worship. He explains her depiction in icons, her place in liturgical practices such as the Agbaya prayers, incense offerings, and the Holy Matrimony sacrament.

Gerges also examines theological aspects, including the title Theotokos affirmed at the Council of Ephesus, and contrasts Orthodox views with Catholic and Protestant perspectives on Mary. He highlights Marian symbolism in the liturgy, the connection to Christ's incarnation, and the theological meaning behind hymns and rituals involving her.

This study offers an in-depth look at Marian devotion in the Coptic Orthodox tradition and the integration of her veneration into worship and sacramental life.#VirginMary #CopticOrthodox #Theotokos #MarianDevotion #BibleStudy #CopticRites #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

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

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

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

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry provides a detailed overview of the Old Testament, tracing its narrative from creation through the major periods of Israelite history. He explains key events including the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Exodus led by Moses, the wilderness journey, and the conquest of Canaan. Fr. Polycarpus highlights the establishment of the priesthood and the significance of the Old Testament laws and sacrifices as foundations for understanding the New Testament.

He explores the division of the kingdom into Israel (north) and Judah (south), discussing the succession of kings in both kingdoms, their spiritual and political struggles, and the role of prophets such as Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea. The lecture covers the spiritual decline leading to the exile under Assyria and Babylon, and the eventual return and restoration efforts led by figures like Nehemiah.

Fr. Polycarpus emphasizes the value of studying the Old Testament as a guide to the New Testament, providing historical context and enhancing comprehension of biblical themes, liturgy, and the mindset of the disciples.#OldTestament #BibleStudy #FrPolycarpusShoukry #IsraeliteHistory #BiblicalProphets #ChristianTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org