St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a three-part series on asceticism, exploring its vital role in the Christian spiritual journey. He explains asceticism as the labor for the "food which endures to everlasting life," emphasizing that it is a necessary response to God’s offer of salvation and spiritual gifts. Fr. Matthias contrasts asceticism with secular culture’s pursuit of pleasure and addresses common misunderstandings that equate asceticism with legalism or deprivation.

He highlights asceticism as a positive and therapeutic practice that helps overcome the corrupted nature of humanity by putting to death the deeds of the body. Drawing on biblical references and the lives of saints, Fr. Matthias underscores the spiritual battle between flesh and spirit and calls all Christians, not just monastics, to embrace ascetic disciplines as a path to sanctification and deeper union with God.

The talk connects asceticism with repentance, fasting, and self-sacrifice, preparing listeners for the spiritual discipline of the Great Fast.#Asceticism #ChristianSpirituality #SpiritualDisciplines #GreatFast #Repentance #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his sermon on asceticism, explaining its purpose in the spiritual life. He emphasizes the ongoing battle between the spirit and the flesh, highlighting how passions like gluttony, pride, and anger obstruct our relationship with God. Fr. Matthias describes asceticism not as mere self-denial but as a healing process that helps control desires and draw nearer to God.

He discusses practical ascetic practices such as fasting, prayer, almsgiving, confession, and obedience to a spiritual father, outlining how these help regain spiritual freedom and focus. Fr. Matthias contrasts worldly satisfaction with the true joy found in God and encourages viewers to approach the season of fasting as a time of deeper spiritual transformation, culminating in the joy of the Resurrection feast.#Asceticism #ChristianSermon #SpiritualLife #FastingAndPrayer #OvercomingSin #SpiritualFreedom #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad presents the third part of his series on asceticism, focusing on the spiritual battle against the passions that challenge believers during fasting and throughout life. He explores key passions including gluttony, lust, avarice, anger, despondency, lethargy, and vanity, explaining their impact on the soul and offering the spiritual antidotes of moderation, chastity, generosity, meekness, hope, motivation, and humility.

Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in recognizing these passions and the role of the Holy Spirit in overcoming them. He highlights practical steps for growth, such as controlling speech and thoughts, engaging in prayer, and embracing confession. This teaching connects the journey of fasting with the larger goal of drawing closer to God through continual struggle against the desires of the flesh.#Asceticism #SpiritualBattle #ChristianFasting #OvercomingPassions #FrMatthiasShehad #FaithJourney #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this fellowship meeting, Gerges Gad explores the theme of standing before the Just Judge, focusing on the inevitability of the final judgment and the importance of repentance and confession. Gerges emphasizes the significance of preparing for this day through self-examination, forgiveness, and living a life aligned with God's commandments. Drawing from biblical passages and stories of the Desert Fathers, he highlights the consequences of sin, the mercy available on earth, and the eternal separation from God for those who reject repentance.

Gerges reminds listeners that forgiveness and intercession are only available during earthly life, not after death. He encourages embracing mercy, avoiding judgment of others, and seeking reconciliation with God. The talk deeply connects the Great Fast season to spiritual preparation for the resurrection and eternal life, urging viewers to reflect on their deeds and grow closer to God before that decisive day.#JustJudge #FinalJudgment #ChristianRepentance #ForgivenessInChrist #SpiritualPreparation #GreatFastSeason #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Eric Tadros leads a discussion on the importance of setting boundaries for children, emphasizing responsibility, limit-setting, and delayed gratification. He explores how boundaries shape behavior from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, connecting these principles to spiritual growth and Christian life.

Eric highlights the challenges parents face in teaching boundaries in a culture dominated by instant gratification and the significance of explaining the reasons behind limits to children. The talk includes practical examples from participants about managing boundaries at home and in marriage, how children respond to limits, and the impact of childhood discipline on adolescent behavior.

Throughout the conversation, Eric ties the role of boundaries to faith, encouraging parents to model humility, self-denial, and respect for others' limits, fostering both personal growth and spiritual maturity in their families.#ChristianParenting #FaithAndBoundaries #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianFamily #ParentingWithFaith #ChildDiscipline #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how Christ reveals God the Father through His words, actions, and divine nature. He explains that knowing Jesus is the way to truly know the Father, as Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. Fr. Matthias highlights key aspects of God's revelation: Christ shows the Father's presence, love, power, judgment, will, and glory.

He emphasizes that faith in Jesus leads to understanding God, contrasting spiritual knowledge with worldly wisdom. Fr. Matthias points out that spiritual insight comes through belief and submission rather than scientific proof. Using scriptural references, he illustrates how Christ’s ministry and sacrifice demonstrate the depth of God’s love and the unity between the Father and the Son.

This sermon invites viewers to deepen their relationship with God by recognizing Christ as the ultimate revelation of the Father.#ChristRevealsTheFather #KnowingGodThroughJesus #FatherAndSon #ChristianFaith #JesusIsTheWay #DivineRevelation #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the question Jesus posed to the paralyzed man, "Do you want to be made well?" He emphasizes the importance of genuine desire and commitment in pursuing spiritual healing and overcoming sin. Fr. Matthias explains that listening to God's word reveals our identity as His children, leads to wisdom, and requires stillness and obedience.

He highlights that true listening begins in the heart with a sincere intention to follow God and involves letting go of the past to embrace a new life in Christ. Fr. Matthias also stresses the significance of practicing faith actively rather than passively and points to the spiritual benefits of fasting and repentance in preparation for the resurrection.

This message encourages believers to cultivate openness to God's word, trust His promises, and live wisely with an eternal perspective.

#SpiritualHealing #FaithInAction #ChristianWisdom #OvercomingSin #ChristianRepentance #ListeningToGod

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the meaning of Hosanna Sunday and the Lord Jesus Christ’s cleansing of the temple. He explains how the house of God is intended as a sacred place for spiritual connection and salvation, not for commerce, power, politics, secular philosophy, or personal gain. Fr. Matthias highlights examples from Scripture where exploitation occurred—such as selling animals for sacrifice at inflated prices, the religious leaders seeking influence, and the misuse of the church as a political platform.

He emphasizes that the church’s primary role is to bring people closer to God and nurture their spiritual lives. Using the church for any other purpose diminishes its divine purpose and turns it into a worldly institution. Fr. Matthias encourages believers to honor the church as the house of God, seeking salvation above all else.#HouseOfGod #TempleCleansing #ChristianSermon #SpiritualSalvation #HosannaSunday #FaithAndWorship #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of "righteous escape," focusing on how believers are called to flee from darkness and sin toward the light of God. He highlights five key ways to practice this escape: fleeing to God through prayer, Scripture, liturgy, and spiritual retreat; avoiding evil company that corrupts good habits; removing oneself from sinful environments and discussions; rejecting corrupted doctrine that threatens faith; and escaping the world's system of values that leads to emptiness.

Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of seeking refuge in God as the true source of strength and salvation. He warns against the dangers of staying in harmful influences or teachings and encourages embracing God's eternal promises over temporary worldly gains. This message invites believers to live as sons of light, transformed by the resurrection and guided by faith.#RighteousEscape #FaithInGod #ChristianSermon #SpiritualRetreat #FleeFromSin #SonsOfLight #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of escape from a spiritual perspective, examining five types of immoral escapes that hinder our relationship with God and ourselves. He reflects on the story of the Samaritan woman to illustrate how people often run from their sins rather than face them. Fr. Matthias discusses how Adam and Eve, Jonah, and others fled from God, responsibility, self-examination, reality, and truth, highlighting the consequences of these actions.

He explains how avoiding self-reflection and clinging to illusions can deepen spiritual struggles. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of confronting these escapes and understanding their impact on faith and life. The sermon concludes with a preview of the next discussion on the righteous escape—fleeing from sin—and encourages listeners to seek God’s guidance in knowing when to flee and when to stand firm.#ChristianSermon #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #OvercomingSin #BiblicalTeachings #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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