<description>Fr. Tobia Manoli discusses the spiritual significance of the heart as the source of our words and actions. He explains that cursing, swearing, and gossiping stem from what fills our hearts and highlights how these habits harm our spiritual life and community. Fr. Tobia explores the psychological and spiritual reasons behind these behaviors, including anger, habit, environment, lack of reverence for God’s name, jealousy, and pride. He emphasizes the importance of transforming the heart through prayer, scripture reading, confession, and communion rather than merely controlling speech. By fostering godly friendships and participating in the church’s communal life, believers can guard their hearts and speech, allowing Christ’s influence to manifest in their words.

#ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #FaithAndSpeech #CopticOrthodox #HeartAndWords #OvercomingGossip

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org</description>

Fr. Tobia Manoli discusses the spiritual signific…

Fr. Tobia Manoli discusses the spiritual significance of the heart as the source of our words and actions. He explains that cursing, swearing, and gossiping stem from what fills our hearts and highlights how these habits harm our spiritual life and community. Fr. Tobia explores the psychological and spiritual reasons behind these behaviors, including anger, habit, environment, lack of reverence for God’s name, jealousy, and pride. He emphasizes the importance of transforming the heart through prayer, scripture reading, confession, and communion rather than merely controlling speech. By fostering godly friendships and participating in the church’s communal life, believers can guard their hearts and speech, allowing Christ’s influence to manifest in their words.

#ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #FaithAndSpeech #CopticOrthodox #HeartAndWords #OvercomingGossip

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston 

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St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

The Treasure of the Heart | Sermon (Fr. Tobia Manoli of @archangelraphael904)

<description>Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical account of Barabbas’s release in place of Jesus during His trial before Pontius Pilate, highlighting the political and social dynamics involved. He examines the meaning behind Barabbas’s name, Pilate’s wavering judgment, and the crowd’s role influenced by envy and mob mentality. Fr. Matthias then discusses the details surrounding Jesus's crucifixion, connecting the events to Old Testament prophecies, including the crown of thorns, division of garments, and the mocking by soldiers and religious leaders.

He reflects on the significance of Simon of Cyrene carrying the cross and Jesus's message to the grieving women, urging repentance. Fr. Matthias also shares insights on the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus, focusing on the faith of the repentant thief who was promised paradise. The talk concludes with Jesus entrusting His mother to John and the theological implications of Jesus's power and sacrifice.

#GoodFriday #JesusCrucifixion #BarabbasRelease #HolyWeek #BiblicalProphecy

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org</description>

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical account…

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical account of Barabbas’s release in place of Jesus during His trial before Pontius Pilate, highlighting the political and social dynamics involved. He examines the meaning behind Barabbas’s name, Pilate’s wavering judgment, and the crowd’s role influenced by envy and mob mentality. Fr. Matthias then discusses the details surrounding Jesus's crucifixion, connecting the events to Old Testament prophecies, including the crown of thorns, division of garments, and the mocking by soldiers and religious leaders.

He reflects on the significance of Simon of Cyrene carrying the cross and Jesus's message to the grieving women, urging repentance. Fr. Matthias also shares insights on the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus, focusing on the faith of the repentant thief who was promised paradise. The talk concludes with Jesus entrusting His mother to John and the theological implications of Jesus's power and sacrifice.

#GoodFriday #JesusCrucifixion #BarabbasRelease #HolyWeek #BiblicalProphecy

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston 

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

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Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Harmony of the Gospels [Barabbas v Jesus & The Crucifixion] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

<description>Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the principles of evangelism through the story of Philip and Nathaniel in John chapter 1. He highlights the significance of encountering Christ personally before sharing the faith with others, emphasizing that effective evangelism stems from a genuine relationship with God. Philip’s invitation to Nathaniel, “Come and see,” illustrates the importance of accompanying others in their journey of faith rather than engaging in debates. Fr. Matthias explains how evangelism involves sharing the truth rooted in Scripture and living a transformed life that reflects the hope of eternal life. He contrasts the worldview of Christianity with worldly pursuits, stressing the need for joy, love, and authenticity in witnessing. The talk concludes by underlining that spiritual growth and personal experience are essential for inspiring belief in others, framing evangelism as leading friends toward a deeper relationship with God.

#ChristianEvangelism #FaithJourney #PhilipAndNathaniel #OrthodoxChristianity #SharingFaith #SpiritualGrowth

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org</description>

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the principles of ev…

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the principles of evangelism through the story of Philip and Nathaniel in John chapter 1. He highlights the significance of encountering Christ personally before sharing the faith with others, emphasizing that effective evangelism stems from a genuine relationship with God. Philip’s invitation to Nathaniel, “Come and see,” illustrates the importance of accompanying others in their journey of faith rather than engaging in debates. Fr. Matthias explains how evangelism involves sharing the truth rooted in Scripture and living a transformed life that reflects the hope of eternal life. He contrasts the worldview of Christianity with worldly pursuits, stressing the need for joy, love, and authenticity in witnessing. The talk concludes by underlining that spiritual growth and personal experience are essential for inspiring belief in others, framing evangelism as leading friends toward a deeper relationship with God.

#ChristianEvangelism #FaithJourney #PhilipAndNathaniel #OrthodoxChristianity #SharingFaith #SpiritualGrowth

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston 

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Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Evangelism 101 [Part 5] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

<description>In this episode, Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses Pope Shenouda III’s insights from the book *The Diabolic Wars* on how Satan attacks Christians. Fr. Matthias explains the subtle strategies of the devil, such as sowing pride, despair, and vain glory, and highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and guidance from the father of confession. He emphasizes that pride is a hidden sin that can arise even from good deeds and that disciplined spiritual life and humility are essential defenses.

Fr. Matthias also addresses how temptations can come from internal desires, toxic relationships, or direct demonic attacks, and why discernment and consistent self-examination are necessary. He explores the role of God’s mercy in overcoming despair and suffering, using biblical examples like Joseph. Finally, Fr. Matthias discusses the challenges of combating modern temptations like social media-driven vanity and calls for silence, modesty, and authentic living.

#ChristianSpirituality #SatanicTemptations #PopeShenoudaIII #SpiritualDiscernment #FaithAndHumility #OvercomingDespair

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org</description>

In this episode, Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses Po…

In this episode, Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses Pope Shenouda III’s insights from the book *The Diabolic Wars* on how Satan attacks Christians. Fr. Matthias explains the subtle strategies of the devil, such as sowing pride, despair, and vain glory, and highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and guidance from the father of confession. He emphasizes that pride is a hidden sin that can arise even from good deeds and that disciplined spiritual life and humility are essential defenses.

Fr. Matthias also addresses how temptations can come from internal desires, toxic relationships, or direct demonic attacks, and why discernment and consistent self-examination are necessary. He explores the role of God’s mercy in overcoming despair and suffering, using biblical examples like Joseph. Finally, Fr. Matthias discusses the challenges of combating modern temptations like social media-driven vanity and calls for silence, modesty, and authentic living.

#ChristianSpirituality #SatanicTemptations #PopeShenoudaIII #SpiritualDiscernment #FaithAndHumility #OvercomingDespair

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston 

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

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Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

[E14] How Satan Attacks the Christian - Pope Shenouda III | Living Incense

<description>In this sermon, Bassem Iskander reflects on the healing of the paralyzed man brought to Jesus by his four friends, emphasizing that Christ’s primary mission is the forgiveness and healing of the soul. Bassem challenges listeners to examine where their true treasure, heart, and focus lie—whether with worldly concerns or with Christ. He explores why sin and earthly pleasures often distract believers from fully pursuing God's kingdom, using scripture passages from Matthew, John, Luke, and Romans to highlight the importance of seeking eternal life over temporary gains.

Bassem also shares wisdom from Aba Lo of Alexandria about viewing sin as a sickness to be fought against rather than accepted. He encourages intentional repentance and a sincere desire to cleanse the soul, much like a bride cares for her dress. This message is a call to place Christ as the center of life, especially during times of spiritual reflection and fasting.

#ForgivenessOfSins #HealingTheSoul #ChristianLiving #SpiritualFocus #Repentance #KingdomOfGod

#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

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Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org</description>

In this sermon, Bassem Iskander reflects on the h…

In this sermon, Bassem Iskander reflects on the healing of the paralyzed man brought to Jesus by his four friends, emphasizing that Christ’s primary mission is the forgiveness and healing of the soul. Bassem challenges listeners to examine where their true treasure, heart, and focus lie—whether with worldly concerns or with Christ. He explores why sin and earthly pleasures often distract believers from fully pursuing God's kingdom, using scripture passages from Matthew, John, Luke, and Romans to highlight the importance of seeking eternal life over temporary gains.

Bassem also shares wisdom from Aba Lo of Alexandria about viewing sin as a sickness to be fought against rather than accepted. He encourages intentional repentance and a sincere desire to cleanse the soul, much like a bride cares for her dress. This message is a call to place Christ as the center of life, especially during times of spiritual reflection and fasting.

#ForgivenessOfSins #HealingTheSoul #ChristianLiving #SpiritualFocus #Repentance #KingdomOfGod

#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

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Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Giving Our Hearts to Christ | Sermon (Bassem Iskander)

We strive to provide a place of worship to people of all languages and backgrounds while observing the sacraments and ancient traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.

St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

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