St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story from Luke 7 of the woman known as a sinner who repents by washing Jesus' feet, contrasting her genuine repentance with the Pharisee’s outward respectability but inward judgment and spiritual distance. He highlights the danger of "respectable sin," where external religious practices can mask an untransformed heart, leading to self-righteousness, hypocrisy, and inability to recognize true repentance in others. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of humility, self-awareness, and forgiveness, reminding listeners that God welcomes those who acknowledge their sin and seek mercy. He calls for introspection about how we treat others, especially those closest to us, and challenges believers to foster sincere love and repentance rather than mere external observance. This teaching invites us to deepen our relationship with God by recognizing our need for His grace and extending that grace to others. #Repentance #Humility #ChristianLiving #Forgiveness #SpiritualTransformation #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

His Holiness recounts the story of St. Jacob the Struggler, a hermit and miracle worker known for casting out demons. The narrative follows a princess tormented by demon possession that no one could cure until she was brought to the secluded Jacob. Though initially reluctant, Jacob prays over her, driving the demon away. This cycle repeats multiple times, leading to the princess living near Jacob for easier healing. Over time, their close proximity leads to a tragic fall into sin, resulting in Jacob killing the princess and hiding the truth. His Holiness reflects on the complexities of righteousness, temptation, and the subtle work of the devil within seemingly good actions. The story reveals lessons on spiritual warfare, isolation, human weakness, and the consequences of straying from one's path. #StJacobTheStruggler #SpiritualWarfare #DemonPossession #OrthodoxChristianity #FaithAndTemptation #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 addresses the Protestant claim of a “great apostasy” following the Book of Acts, suggesting that the church remained in darkness until Martin Luther’s Reformation. He challenges this assertion by questioning the proof behind such a claim, emphasizing the faithfulness of the church throughout history, particularly through the sacrifices of countless martyrs. Metropolitan Youssef explains that the Orthodox Church does not hold any individual Church Father as infallible. Instead, it relies on the consensus of the fathers while always holding Scripture as the ultimate authority. If any writing contradicts the Bible, it is rejected. He challenges critics to provide evidence of teachings from accepted Church Fathers that contradict Christ or Scripture, asserting that such proof does not exist. The burden of proof lies with those making the apostasy claim. #GreatApostasy #OrthodoxChurch #ChurchFathers #ChristianHistory #BiblicalAuthority #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 on discipleship and evangelism, Fr. Matthias Shehad explains how discipleship serves as the foundation for effective evangelism. He emphasizes that before sharing the faith with others, one must first live as a true disciple of Christ. Fr. Matthias highlights that the genuine way of life demonstrated by Christians becomes the primary witness that attracts others to the faith. Using St. Paul’s example, he points out that discipleship involves imitation of Christ, and only through this authentic lifestyle can evangelism be meaningful and impactful. The message encourages believers to focus on developing their own spiritual walk before engaging in outreach or preaching. #Discipleship #Evangelism #ChristianLiving #StPaul #FaithWitness #ChristianDiscipleship #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 technology as a tool created through human faculties given by God, emphasizing its foundation in the natural laws of the universe. He discusses how science and technology are discoveries meant to improve human life, reflecting God's design for continual advancement. Fr. Matthias also highlights the dual nature of technology, pointing out that although it serves good purposes, it can be misused or overused, leading to negative consequences. He compares it to a hammer, which can be used for building or harming, stressing that the moral value lies in how technology is employed with discernment. This talk encourages thoughtful reflection on using technology responsibly within a spiritual framework, considering both its potential and its limitations. #TechnologyAndFaith #ResponsibleUseOfTechnology #ScienceAndSpirituality #GodsCreation #EthicalTechnology #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