His Holiness Pope Theodoros II Receives the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, and an MECC delegation, at the Patriarchate Headquarters in Alexandria

Word Praising the Council’s Work and Its Future Aspirations

Alexandria, 16-3-2024

As part of his tours and meetings in the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, and an MECC delegation visited His Beatitude Pope Theodoros II, Greek Orthodox Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, at the headquarters of the Patriarchate - Alexandria.

The MECC delegation included the Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Gergis Saleh, the Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikri, the Communication Coordinator in Church Media Relations the journalist Lea Adel Maamary, and students from the Institute of Coptic Studies - Department of Ecumenical Relations.

The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs was received by His Beatitude Pope Theodoros II, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, and the Patriarchal Agent His Eminence Metropolitan Narcissus, Metropolitan of Port Said.

After the reception, Dr. Michel Abs delivered a speech in which he thanked His Beatitude for his loving fatherly reception, providing a detailed explanation about the MECC, its activities, and the Fiftieth Year of its Founding, saying: “

The Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the MECC is a year of reflection on the past, achievements, and aspirations for the future. Therefore, we decided to implement various intellectual and cultural activities. We also want to link our activity in Egypt to the symbolism of the Entry of the Holy Family into Egypt. In this context, the Council will prepare a symposium on the Fiftieth Year of the its Founding, centered around the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt.

In turn, His Holiness presented his thanks and praised the MECC work, which plays an essential role among the Churches. He said that "the Council always seeks to find paths and an effective role in solving problems and challenges, and we as a Church support and bless the efforts of everything you are doing."

Then, His Beatitude gave an explanation about the Church of Alexandria and All Africa, including Church social and humanitarian achievements, activities, and programs.

At the end, everyone prayed on the intention of ending wars and replacing them with the language of love and peace.

His Beatitude Pope Theodoros II offered Dr. Michel Abs an icon of Saint Theodoros and souvenirs for the accompanying delegation.