MECC
The Week of Unity and the Inevitable Ecumenical Path on the Road to Social Cohesion
The Press Conference Launching the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Minbar Al-Kalima – Middle East Council of Churches
Beirut, January 7, 2025
Professor Dr. Michel Abs
Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
His Excellency Bishop Youssef Soueif
Maronite Archbishop of Tripoli and Head of the Episcopal Committee for Ecumenical Relations
in the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops – Lebanon
Esteemed attendees, whether in person or remotely, from the media community and beyond,
Esteemed colleagues in the Middle East Council of Churches,
Before we begin our press conference, I would like first to extend best wishes of a glorious Christmas to the churches currently celebrating the Feast of the Nativity, and a blessed Feast of the Epiphany to those celebrating it. May the coming days bring better times for our societies.
I also wish to warmly welcome His Excellency Bishop Youssef Soueif on his first visit to the Council—the home of ecumenical work in the Middle East—and say, “You are truly welcome, Your Excellency, bringing us abundant blessings.”
My address today is titled:
“The Week of Unity and the Inevitable Ecumenical Path on the Road to Social Cohesion.”
For over a century, Christians have gathered to pray for their spiritual and institutional unity. Over time, this practice has grown into a firmly established tradition—a vital part of the culture of collaborative (ecumenical) work, particularly here in the Middle East. This region is the cradle of the Good News, the Incarnation, the Refuge, and the Resurrection—where Christians were first called Christians, and from which the message spread to the entire world.
This year, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes on special significance:
It coincides with the end of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Middle East Council of Churches, serving as its crowning event.
It also marks the seventeen-hundredth anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which ratified the Nicene Creed, one of the symbols of Christian unity…
Video – A Christmas Gathering Between the Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs, at the Head of an MECC Delegation, and Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian
This report sheds light on the Christmas visit made by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, on the occasion of Christmas and New Year, to Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family, and his wife Mrs. Maral Haidostian, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the campus of Haigazian University - Beirut.
Video – Highlights on the Visit Made by the Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs, and an MECC Delegation, to the Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Lebanon Father Andraos Al Anthouny
This report presents an overview about the Christmas meeting that brought together the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, at the head of an MECC delegation, and the Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Lebanon Father Andraos Al Anthouny, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the headquarters of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Lebanon.
The Customs and Traditions of the Armenian Orthodox Church and the Achievements of the MECC
In a Special Episode With Dr. Jean Salmanian and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary on Radio Voice of Van
Dr. Jean Salmanian, Member of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), was the guest of an episode within the "Moubadarat" ("Initiatives") program on Radio Voice of Van, with the Media Officer at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Director of the Platform of the Word, and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
In the episode, Dr. Salmanian spoke about the customs and traditions of the Armenian Orthodox Church on Christmas and Theophany, and also presented a detailed vision of the achievements of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) during the Fifty Years since its establishment. He also talked about the importance of the Church unity and the title of the year 2025 “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26).
The Middle East Council of Churches Issues the Ecumenical Calendar for January 2025
And Celebrates the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” Under the Title “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26)
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of January 2025. It includes the Ecclesiastical and Liturgical feasts of the various families of Churches in the Middle East. In addition to international days identified by the United Nations, and which are related to the MECC identity and its spiritual and human mission.
Noting that January includes one of the most important international Ecumenical occasions. It is the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”, which MECC celebrates it in the region and with the world, between 18 and 25 January, every year. Noting that this year the theme of the Week of Prayer is “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26).
A Statement from the Middle East Council of Churches to the Lebanese People
On the Occasion of the Election of General Joseph Aoun as President of the Lebanese Republic
On the occasion of General Joseph Aoun’s election as President of the Lebanese Republic, following two years of presidential vacancy, the Middle East Council of Churches extends its congratulations to all Lebanese from every background. The Council views the election of the head of the executive authority as a step that restores institutional order and prevents the deterioration of the Republic.
The President’s election will inevitably have a positive impact on various aspects of life, easing the psychological pressures the Lebanese have endured due to the dysfunction of many public institutions, and restoring Lebanon’s normal course of affairs. In particular, the inaugural address serves as the cornerstone for a strategic plan and a comprehensive program of action for the upcoming stage.
The challenges are great, and the tasks ahead of you, Your Excellency, are numerous. Still, nothing is insurmountable when faced with national solidarity and a steadfast will.
Video – The Middle East Council of Churches Launches the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” 2025 in a Press Conference
This report presents an overview about the press conference held by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), with the blessings and presence of His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif, Archbishop of the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli and President of the Episcopal Committee for Ecumenical Work at the Assemblée des Patriarches et Evêques Catholiques du Liban (APECL), to launch the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” 2025 under the title “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26). It was held at “The Platform of the Word” in the Middle East Council of Churches – Beirut.
Video - Word of Father Andraos Al Anthouny on the Occasion of the Launching of the Platform of the Word
Father Andraos Al Anthouny, The Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Lebanon and Syria, delivers a word via video on the occasion of the launching of “The Platform of the Word” at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).
Video - Word of Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian on the Occasion of the Launching of the Platform of the Word
Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family, delivers a word via video on the occasion of the launching of “The Platform of the Word” at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).
Video - Aspirations and Hopes from the MECC Team in Daraa, Syria On the Occasion of Christmas and the New Year
Health, peace and security... This is what our colleagues in the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Office in Daraa - Syria wished for, raising their prayers to God, the God of justice and peace, and looking forward to blessed seasons of hope.
The Installation of Reverend Refaat Fikry as Pastor of the Rod El-Farag Evangelical Church - Egypt
Friday, January 10, 2025, at 6 pm
The committee authorized to manage the Rod El-Farag Evangelical Church - Egypt, is honored to invite you to attend the installation ceremony of Reverend Refaat Fikry, the Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as Pastor of the Church, in the presence of Reverend Dr. Andrea Zaki, Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt, Reverend Dr. Ezzat Shaker, President of the Evangelical Synod of the Nile, Reverend Nabil Labib, President of the Cairo Evangelical Assembly, and many Church and Society Leaders. The installation ceremony will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 6 pm.
Together We Pray For Christian Unity
The Theme of the Week of Prayer 2025: “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26)
Video Produced By the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
A Message of Hope During Christmas
From Father Andraos Al Anthouny, The Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Lebanon and Syria
A Message Hope During Christmas
From Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family
The Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Lebanon and Syria Father Andraos Al Anthouny
Receives the Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs and an MECC Delegation
A Christmas Visit and Hopes for a Better Future
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs headed a delegation from the Council on a Christmas visit to the Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Lebanon and Syria Father Andraos Al Anthouny, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the headquarters of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Beirut, in the presence of the Lawyer of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Lebanon Mr. Abdallah Moussallem.
The Secretary General was accompanied by the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Council Fr. Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Coordinator of the Social Capital Rehabilitation Project Dr. Laure Abi Khalil, the Media Officer, the Director of the Platform of the Word and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Council the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Media and Communication Officer at the Communication and Public Relations Department Elia Nasrallah, and Social Media Officer Johnny Antoun.
The attendees exchanged Christmas and New Year greetings, wishing everyone a blessed and glorious season, raising their Prayers for peace in the Middle East and hoping that the people of the region will live in better conditions and with a brighter future.
The MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs Congratulates Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian on Christmas and New Year
A Meeting that Stresses the Importance of the Role of Ecumenical Media in Conveying the Good News
On the occasion of Christmas and New Year, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, visited Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family, and his wife Mrs. Maral Haidostian, in the presence of Reverend Jirair Ghazarian, Pastor of the First Armenian Evangelical Church in Beirut. The visit took place on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the campus of Haigazian University - Beirut.
Professor Dr. Abs was accompanied by an MECC delegation which included the Associate Secretary General Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department Fr. Antoine Ahmar, the Executive Assistant to the Secretary General Mrs. Caroline Haddad, the Coordinator of the Social Capital Rehabilitation Project Dr. Laure Abi Khalil, the Media Officer, the Director of the Platform of the Word and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Council the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Media and Communication Officer at the Communication and Public Relations Department Elia Nasrallah, Social Media Officer Johnny Antoun, and Archive Officer Charbel Bastoury.
Launching the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches in a Historical Step
His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif: We are called in this East to live unity more than ever before, so we must experience it pastorally, socially and humanly
The Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs: The Week of Prayer for Unity is a step on the path of a thousand miles towards social cohesion and civil peace
In a historical step, and with the blessings and presence of His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif, Archbishop of the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli and President of the Episcopal Committee for Ecumenical Work at the Assemblée des Patriarches et Evêques Catholiques du Liban (APECL), the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) held a press conference to launch the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” 2025 under the title “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26). It coincides this year with the 1700th Anniversary of the First Christian Ecumenical Council in Nicaea.
The conference, which was held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in “The Platform of the Word” at the MECC headquarters - Beirut, was attended by Father Tanios Khalil, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at La Sagesse University in Lebanon, and Rapporteur of the Episcopal Committee for Ecumenical Work at the Assemblée des Patriarches et Evêques Catholiques du Liban (APECL), the Journalist George Maalouli, Director of Mariam TV, and colleagues in the MECC General Secretariat.
After His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif blessed the MECC offices and the Platform of the Word by the Holy Water, the conference began with a speech delivered by the Media Officer at MECC, the Director of the Platform of the Word, and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at MECC, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, in which she said, “The Churches have advanced concerning the issue of unity regardless of doctrinal differences, based on the fact that when we talk about Theological dialogue, it will be met with a dialogue of love, and this embrace can only be achieved through doctrinal dialogue and love: love of God and love of others.”
His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif in a Historical Interview from the Platform at the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches
On the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025, and as part of his first and historical visit to the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in the Ras Beirut area, His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif, Archbishop of the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli and President of the Episcopal Committee for Ecumenical Work at the Assemblée des Patriarches et Evêques Catholiques du Liban (APECL), was the guest of a media interview at the Platform of the Word at the MECC. His Eminence was interviewed by the Journalist Lea Maamary, the Media Officer, the Director of the Platform of the Word, and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).
The episode focused on the Unity Week for the year 2025 and its main slogan “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26), as well as the importance of living love, repentance and self-denial.
The Medal of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding Offered to His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif and Father Tanios Khalil
What Are the Details?
In a gesture of love and appreciation, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, offered the Medal of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding to His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif, Archbishop of the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli and President of the Episcopal Committee for Ecumenical Work at the Assemblée des Patriarches et Evêques Catholiques du Liban (APECL), and Father Tanios Khalil, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at La Sagesse University in Lebanon, and Rapporteur of the Episcopal Committee for Ecumenical Work, as a token of respect and thanks for their continuous support.
This presentation took place during the press conference held for the launch of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2025 entitled “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26), at the invitation of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at "The Platform of the Word" in MECC - Beirut.
His Eminence Bishop Youssef Soueif Blesses the Offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut
A Meeting with the MECC Team Emphasizes the Importance of Strengthening the Ecumenical Spirit
In a historic station and within the journey of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif, Archbishop of the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli and President of the Episcopal Committee for Ecumenical Work at the Assemblée des Patriarches et Evêques Catholiques du Liban (APECL), visited the MECC headquarters in Beirut for the first time, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. He was accompanied by Father Tanios Khalil, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at La Sagesse University in Lebanon, and Rapporteur of the Episcopal Committee for Ecumenical Work.
They were received by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, and colleagues in the MECC General Secretariat.
Upon his arrival, His Eminence blessed the offices of the General Secretariat and “The Platform of the Word” at MECC by sprinkling the Holy Water, offering his Prayers on the intention of the MECC work and the peace in Lebanon and the region.