St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this episode, Metropolitan Youssef discusses the Roman Catholic Doctrine of Purgatory, the Orthodox understanding of purification after death, and the Orthodox view of the afterlife. Subscribe to our channel https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how people respond to the truth revealed through God's miracles and teachings. He reflects on the public resurrection miracle performed by Jesus and questions whether witnessing such events leads to real transformation in the believer’s life. Fr. Matthias outlines different reactions to truth, including skepticism, searching for natural explanations, following for personal gain, seasonal faith, and mere talk without action. He emphasizes the ongoing spiritual battle between flesh and spirit and highlights the importance of perseverance, endurance, and bearing fruit in faith despite life’s trials. Drawing on scripture and examples like the rich young ruler, the feeding of the 5,000, and the parable of the sower, Fr. Matthias calls for a committed, unwavering faith that embodies true discipleship. #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #CopticOrthodox #BiblicalTeaching #FaithAndPerseverance #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 on Numbers chapters 13-15, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the mission of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan, the land promised by God to the Israelites. He explains the significance of the spies’ reports—highlighting the tension between faith and fear—as most spies doubted God's promise due to the land’s formidable inhabitants, while Caleb and Joshua trusted in God's presence and capability to grant victory. Fr. Matthias delves into the consequences of the people's lack of faith, their subsequent punishment of wandering in the wilderness, and God's mercy in forgiving their sins through Moses’ intercession. He also discusses the importance of obedience to God's commandments, the seriousness of intentional and unintentional sin, the Sabbath regulations, and the purpose of tassels on garments as reminders to live by God's laws. This study connects Old Testament events and themes with Christian faith and the call to trust in God's plan amidst challenges. #BibleStudy #BookOfNumbers #FaithAndObedience #GodsPromise #OldTestamentTeaching #ChristianFaith #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 talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the significance of the veiled Christ and the meaning behind various liturgical practices in the Orthodox Church. He explains the symbolism of the veil as representing the separation between God and humanity in the Old Testament, and how Christ’s sacrifice tore that veil, granting believers direct access to God. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the active participation of the congregation in the liturgy through prayers, postures, and rites, not just as spectators but as integral members of the worship. He also discusses the importance of understanding both orthodoxy (right belief) and orthopraxy (right practice) to fully engage in the spiritual life. Additionally, Fr. Matthias details the prayers of thanksgiving said at the beginning of the service, highlighting God’s mercy in covering sins, protecting believers, and accepting them despite their weaknesses. This reflection invites deeper appreciation and mindfulness during worship. #OrthodoxLiturgy #VeiledChrist #ChristianWorship #OrthodoxyAndOrthopraxy #CopticChurch #SpiritualLife #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 gives the history of Halloween and explains how its modern-day practices are rooted in satanic and demonic worship. This episode aims to educate people on the true meaning of Halloween and help them understand why Christians should not participate in it. #halloween #christian #coptic #orthodox #demonic #satanic Subscribe to our channel https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org