St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the opening chapter of First Peter, highlighting key themes such as the identity of the elect, the nature of faith, and the meaning of suffering for Christians. He explains that the epistle was written by the Apostle Peter to encourage believers facing persecution, emphasizing the hope of an incorruptible inheritance reserved in heaven. Fr. Matthias discusses how genuine faith is tested through trials and the importance of rejoicing despite suffering. He clarifies the biblical concept of election as based on God’s foreknowledge rather than predestination, and addresses questions about salvation, repentance, and perseverance in faith.

The study also contrasts earthly trials with the eternal glory that believers await, using biblical examples and theological reflections to show how suffering can refine faith and deepen trust in God’s mercy and ultimate salvation. Fr. Matthias encourages a focus on spiritual endurance and the hope found in being born again through Christ’s resurrection.#1Peter #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #HopeInChrist #FaithAndSuffering #SpiritualEndurance #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralyzed man at the Sheep Gate pool, highlighting the barriers that prevent people from overcoming challenges in life. Fr. Matthias identifies common obstacles such as lack of motivation, absence of a practical plan, making excuses, irrational fears about change, trying to face difficulties alone, and expecting problems to resolve without action.

He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help and relying on the Holy Spirit in the healing process, as well as the need for realistic goals, accountability, and support from others. Fr. Matthias invites viewers to reflect on their willingness to be healed and encourages proactive steps toward spiritual and personal growth rather than passivity.

This message connects biblical teachings with practical advice for handling adversity, offering guidance on how faith and action can work together to overcome life's difficulties.#ChristianFaith #OvercomingChallenges #HolySpirit #FaithAndAction #SpiritualGrowth #HealingInChrist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Dr. Emad Mossad opens a four-part series on successful marriage by addressing the high divorce rates and challenges couples face in maintaining healthy relationships. He outlines three goals for the series: to inform couples about what to look for in a spouse, to protect marriages from common challenges, and to nurture enduring, fulfilling partnerships.

Dr. Emad explains the importance of understanding personal and couple communication styles—validating, volatile, and avoidant—and how these impact marriage positively or negatively. Using biblical examples, he illustrates the dynamics of each style and emphasizes that no style is perfect but can be modified for growth.

He highlights key factors affecting marriage success, such as spirituality, finances, communication, and conflict resolution, stressing that lasting marriage requires intentional effort alongside faith. Dr. Emad encourages couples to work on their relationship with hope and practical tools, aiming for a rewarding, resilient, and restored union in God’s presence.#ChristianMarriage #MarriageGodsWay #FaithInMarriage #HealthyRelationships #BiblicalMarriage #MarriageCommunication #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of submitting to the will of God through the lens of the Feast of the Annunciation. He reflects on St. Mary’s acceptance of God’s plan, emphasizing her faith and obedience despite the hardships she endured. Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples of submission from Abraham, Moses, Caleb, David, and the disciples, illustrating how surrendering personal plans leads to spiritual fulfillment and participation in God’s greater purpose.

The sermon addresses the challenges of trusting God's direction over our own desires and underscores that faith, not knowledge, defines true servanthood. Fr. Matthias encourages believers to embrace obedience without full understanding, trusting that God’s plan is ultimately for their good. This message invites viewers to reflect on how they respond to God’s calling in their own lives, promoting a deeper commitment to faith and trust.#SubmitToGod #FaithAndObedience #GodsWill #ChristianSermon #TrustInGod #AnnunciationFeast #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes the Book of Leviticus by exploring chapters 25 to 27, focusing on the laws of the Sabbath years, the Year of Jubilee, and their significance for land ownership, slavery, and social justice among the Israelites. He explains how the Sabbatical year provides rest for the land and care for the poor, while the Jubilee restores property and freedom, underscoring God’s ownership of the land and provision for equity.

Fr. Matthias also discusses the blessings promised for obedience and the curses for disobedience, illustrating God's discipline as a form of correction for His people. Finally, he examines the regulations on vows and offerings to God, detailing how vows could be redeemed and the sacredness of firstborn animals and tithes. The teaching connects Old Testament laws to spiritual principles of stewardship, justice, and faithfulness.#LeviticusStudy #YearOfJubilee #BibleStudy #SabbathYear #ChristianTeaching #GodsJustice #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines Leviticus chapters 23 and 24, focusing on the feasts commanded by God and the serious consequences of blasphemy. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of the Sabbath as a feast day and explores the Jewish feasts such as Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of First Fruits, Pentecost, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. He highlights how these feasts relate to the agricultural cycle and their spiritual meaning in both the Old and New Testament contexts. Fr. Matthias also discusses the change of Sabbath observance to Sunday in Christian tradition and clarifies the church’s authority in interpreting these laws. The study concludes with the story of the blasphemer and the justice it represents, linking it to God’s judgment and mercy. This teaching offers a connection between Old Testament feasts and Christian faith practices.#LeviticusStudy #BiblicalFeasts #ChristianFaith #SabbathObservance #OldTestament #BibleTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Dr. Abraham Ghattas addresses the challenges and blessings of parenting a strong-willed child in this St. Monica Parenting Meeting. He explores how traits like determination, assertiveness, and emotional intensity, while difficult at times, can be strengths that contribute to spiritual growth and saintly character formation. Dr. Ghattas integrates scripture, including insights from St. John and biblical figures such as King David and St. Peter, emphasizing that parenting is a spiritual journey aimed at nurturing mature Christians.

He discusses practical strategies such as choosing battles wisely, setting clear and consistent boundaries, providing children with autonomy through choices, and using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Dr. Ghattas also highlights the importance of self-reflection for parents, managing worry, and maintaining peace in the household. He encourages viewing parenting challenges through a spiritual lens, trusting God’s role in raising children, and relying on faith to support both parent and child.#ChristianParenting #StrongWilledChild #FaithInParenting #SpiritualGrowth #StMonicaParenting #BiblicalParenting #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores several parables that highlight contrasts between attitudes and behaviors in the Christian life. Starting with the Parable of the Prodigal Son, he contrasts the mercy extended to the repentant younger son with the bitterness of the obedient older brother, emphasizing the value of humility and forgiveness. Fr. Matthias then discusses the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, illustrating the difference between self-righteousness and repentant humility.

He also reflects on the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders, urging spiritual preparation on a solid foundation in Christ. The Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servants teaches stewardship and faithfulness during times of waiting. Further parables explore obedience versus empty words and the depth of love that comes from recognizing one’s need for God’s mercy. Through these comparisons, Fr. Matthias reveals lessons on repentance, mercy, faithfulness, and spiritual self-awareness.#ChristianParables #RepentanceAndMercy #FaithfulStewardship #ParableSermon #HumilityInFaith #SpiritualWisdom #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of taking responsibility and its impact on teamwork and service within the church and workplace. He discusses how every role, no matter how visible or repetitive, is essential to the success of the whole system, using examples from church ministries and the story of Moses.

Fr. Matthias addresses common reactions to responsibility, such as making excuses, doubting abilities, delegating to others, or accepting tasks without follow-through. He highlights the importance of accountability, communication, and realistic planning in fulfilling duties effectively.

Through practical examples, Fr. Matthias emphasizes that understanding the value of one’s role motivates faithful execution, and leadership involves coordinating and encouraging collective effort. This talk sets the foundation for how personality and teamwork influence accomplishing goals, with a promise to explore these themes further in a follow-up session.#ChristianLeadership #TakingResponsibility #ChurchMinistry #FaithInAction #TeamworkInFaith #AccountabilityInChrist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this teaching, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores lessons from the life of Hosea, focusing on key spiritual truths such as the fleeting nature of faithfulness and the importance of relying solely on God for help. He examines the metaphor of fallow ground to highlight the need for cultivating our God-given talents and serving Him genuinely. Fr. Matthias reflects on God’s longsuffering and compassion despite human sinfulness, emphasizing that divine discipline is motivated by love rather than judgment.

Drawing from Hosea’s story and biblical examples like St. Mary of Egypt, he discusses true sanctification as a gradual process requiring sincere repentance, persistent effort, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias encourages believers to embrace spiritual struggle and sacrifice as necessary steps toward transformation and growth in holiness. This message invites viewers to renew their commitment to God and understand the depth of His mercy and patience.#LifeOfHosea #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeaching #GodsMercy #HolinessJourney #FaithfulnessInChrist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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