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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

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how God fully knows us—our strengths, weaknesses, past, present, and future. Drawing from biblical examples like St. Peter and the healing of the man born blind, Fr. Matthias explains that God's commands, promises, and plans are based on His perfect understanding of who we are. He emphasizes that our struggles and growth are part of God’s purpose in shaping us for the unique calling He has for each person, whether it’s a public ministry or serving faithfully within the family. Fr. Matthias encourages trusting God’s timing and plan, recognizing that God’s knowledge of us surpasses our own and leads us toward transformation and salvation. #ChristianGrowth #FaithJourney #GodsCalling #StPeter #SpiritualDiscernment #BiblicalTeaching #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 continues the study of the Book of Numbers, focusing on chapters 9-12. He explains the significance of the Passover and the institution of the Second Passover for those who were ritually unclean or on a journey during the first. Fr. Matthias highlights the role of the cloud over the tabernacle as God's guide for the Israelites’ travels and discusses the use of silver trumpets for signaling the camp’s movements and assemblies. He also examines the complaints of the Israelites in the wilderness, reflecting on their lack of faith despite God's deliverance from slavery and provision in the desert. Fr. Matthias describes God's response, including the selection of 70 elders to assist Moses and the provision of quail, which led to a divine plague as a consequence of their discontent. The session concludes with the episode where Miriam and Aaron challenge Moses, resulting in Miriam’s temporary affliction and the restoration after Moses’ intercession. This Bible study emphasizes obedience, faith, and recognizing God’s guidance amid trials. #BookOfNumbers #SecondPassover #MosesLeadership #IsraelitesJourney #FaithInGod #BibleStudy #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 explores how to deepen our love for God by embracing it as the core purpose of life and the goal of spiritual practice. He reflects on the commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, emphasizing that this love requires active engagement, not mere ritual compliance. Eric explains the significance of experiencing God's presence daily and involving Him in all aspects of life, highlighting tools given by the Orthodox Church such as prayer, icons, and Holy Communion. He discusses overcoming worldly distractions to keep our minds focused on God through silence, gratitude, and prayer motivated by love rather than routine. Drawing from scripture and saints like St. Augustine and Polycarp, Eric stresses the importance of recognizing our need for God's mercy and responding with humble love. He encourages removing obstacles from our hearts so God's love can grow freely, preparing a true home for Him within us. #LoveGodMore #OrthodoxFaith #SpiritualGrowth #PrayerLife #GodsPresence #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

Fr. Matthias explains why Orthodox Christians fast and how fasting helps us grow in self-control and draw closer to God. He discusses how prayer, repentance, and giving to others make fasting more than a change in diet. #orthodox #coptic #fasting #selfcontrol #prayer #christian 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

Fr. Younan William explores the calling of St. Peter to ministry, focusing on key qualities that enabled him to serve effectively. He highlights St. Peter’s willingness to serve despite difficult circumstances, showing readiness even when tired or discouraged. Fr. Younan discusses the importance of being teachable, learning beyond one’s personal experience, and obeying God’s instructions even when unfamiliar or challenging. The sermon emphasizes humility by recalling how St. Peter recognized his unworthiness despite blessings and success. It also warns against being distracted by material gain, urging focus on the giver rather than the gift. Finally, Fr. Younan reflects on the faith required to accept a calling without guarantees or clear details, relying on trust and submission to God’s plan. This message encourages all believers to embrace servant qualities that enable faithful service in the church, home, and workplace. #StPeter #ChristianServanthood #FaithAndSubmission #ChurchMinistry #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

Eric Tadros presents hope-focused couples therapy, a Christian-centered approach designed to rebuild and nurture hope within relationships. He explains that hope is vital for overcoming negative cycles and enduring challenges by emphasizing the pillars of faith, work, and love. Eric discusses common relational struggles including broken trust, lack of warmth, busy schedules, external stressors, psychological challenges, and high-conflict dynamics, offering practical strategies tailored to each scenario. Eric highlights the importance of shared goals, faith in God and each other, consistent effort, and nurturing love to sustain and repair marriages. He introduces tools like the miracle question, emotional sharing, attachment styles awareness, active listening, and forgiveness as part of the therapeutic process. This approach integrates spiritual principles with relational psychology to promote healing, resilience, and growth in couples. #CouplesTherapy #ChristianMarriage #HopeInRelationships #FaithLoveWork #MarriageHealing #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 chapters 5-8 of the book of Numbers, focusing on themes of ritual purity, restitution, and consecration within the Israelite community. He explains the laws regarding removal of the unclean from the camp, the ritual of the jealous wife, and the vow of the Nazarite, highlighting the commitment and practices required for separation unto the Lord. The discussion includes the role and consecration of the Levites, their service in the tabernacle, and the significance of their purification and age limits for ministry. Fr. Matthias also covers the priestly blessing given by Aaron and his sons and the detailed offerings of the twelve tribal leaders during the dedication of the altar. This study connects Old Testament law and worship practices with spiritual lessons on holiness and dedication to God. #BookOfNumbers #OldTestamentStudy #Levites #NazariteVow #PriestlyBlessing #BiblicalConsecration #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 concept of the veiled Christ, emphasizing that God’s presence is often hidden but never absent in our lives and the church. He explains the biblical symbolism of God’s mysterious presence through clouds, smoke, and darkness, illustrating how faith requires trust beyond clear proof. Drawing from scripture and church tradition, Fr. Matthias highlights the tension between knowing God and the mysteries that remain beyond human understanding. He discusses how the liturgy bridges heaven and earth by opening the veil, inviting believers into communion with God while encouraging humility, mercy, and reconciliation. This message invites viewers to appreciate the sacred mystery of God’s presence and to cultivate a spiritual awareness that goes beyond physical signs to encounter God in faith and relationship. #VeiledChrist #LiturgicalLife #FaithAndMystery #GodsPresence #ChristianSpirituality #ChurchLiturgy #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 explains why God does not always give us what we ask for, even when we pray sincerely and persistently. He discusses why we should keep praying when nothing seems to change and how we can trust God through suffering. 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 the story of the paralytic brought to Jesus by his friends, emphasizing how God sometimes gives us what we need rather than what we want. He highlights that God prioritizes spiritual healing, such as forgiveness of sins, over physical needs. Fr. Matthias explains that our prayers often reflect our limited perspective, while God's plans are broader and serve a greater purpose. Using biblical examples like Naaman, Lazarus, the Samaritan woman, and the prodigal son, he illustrates how God's timing and solutions may differ from our expectations but are ultimately for our spiritual growth and salvation. Fr. Matthias encourages trusting God's wisdom, embracing struggles as opportunities for deeper faith, and recognizing that God’s gifts surpass our requests, especially through the gift of the Holy Spirit. #FaithJourney #SpiritualHealing #TrustInGod #ChristianSermon #GodsTiming #ForgivenessOfSins #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 begins a study of the Old Testament book of Numbers, positioning it within the Torah and Israel’s history during their wilderness wanderings. He explains the significance of the census of Israel’s tribes, focusing on the arrangements, roles, and numbers of the tribes, especially the Levites, who serve in the tabernacle rather than going to war. Fr. Matthias details the divine instructions for the Levites’ duties, the layout of Israel’s encampment around the tabernacle, and the spiritual lessons about obedience, holiness, and trusting God’s providence. He highlights the symbolism of the bronze serpent, connections to the Messiah, and the transfer of the priesthood from the firstborn to the Levites due to Israel’s idolatry. The teaching also reflects on God’s design for order, individual roles, and the importance of contentment with the calling each person receives. #BookOfNumbers #OldTestamentStudy #Levites #IsraelCensus #Tabernacle #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

In this teaching, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of Christ’s veiled presence in the liturgical life and why faith is essential for encountering Him in the church. He explains how Christ remains present yet hidden, inviting believers to discover Him through prayer, worship, and the mysteries of the sacraments. Fr. Matthias discusses Christ’s four manifestations in the church: the veiled Christ, the teacher who instructs us in truth, the sacrifice who offers Himself for salvation, and the shepherd who nourishes and protects His flock. He emphasizes the importance of faith over mere proof, and how the church serves as a space to experience God’s presence, receive teaching, partake in the Eucharist, and be healed and guided spiritually. This message encourages believers to recognize and respond to Christ’s loving invitation in all aspects of life. #OrthodoxLiturgy #VeiledChrist #FaithAndSacrifice #ChristTheShepherd #EucharistMystery #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

Fr. Matthias answers the objection that the God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New Testament, explaining how both reveal his true person and how the Old Testament prepares us for Christ.

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the challenges of accepting evolution purely on scientific grounds rather than religious ones. He questions the sufficiency of evidence supporting evolution as a process driven by random mutation, highlighting that mutations are mostly destructive rather than constructive. Fr. Matthias uses an analogy comparing mutations to explosions causing damage instead of creating complexity, emphasizing the difficulty in explaining how complexity arises from randomness. He critiques the scientific community's approach, suggesting that some theories rely heavily on assumptions without providing extraordinary evidence. Fr. Matthias encourages critical thinking about widely accepted ideas and stresses the need for strong evidence when making significant claims about the origins of life. #EvolutionDebate #ScienceAndFaith #GeneticMutation #CreationDiscussion #RandomMutation #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