Preparations for an International Congress on Interfaith Dialogue

What Are the Details?

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Lebanon Mr. Rasul Jumaly, and Mr. Yerjan Kalekenov, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Lebanon, on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

This visit came after the invitation received by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs from the Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of World and Traditional Religions Mr. Mäulen Äşimbaev, to participate in the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which will be held under the theme "Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future," between 17 and 18 September in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana.

During the meeting at MECC, Ambassador Rasul Jumaly renewed his invitation to the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs to participate in the Congress, asking him to deliver many lectures on managing diversity in multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multi-ethnic societies.

In his turn, Professor Abs thanked the Ambassador, commending the importance of the Congress in promoting dialogue, convergence, and building bridges between the various components of society. He also addressed the goals of the Middle East Council of Churches in bridging distances and enhancing love and peace among all. Professor Abs also highlighted the MECC work and its most prominent programs and activities.

Norwegian Church Aid

Enhancing Cooperation in Humanitarian Service

A delegation from the international humanitarian organization Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), which is partner organization with the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Council's General Secretariat offices in Beirut. The meeting was attended by the Director of the Lebanon’s Office in the Diakonia Department Ms. Nina Hallak.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs explained the current circumstances that Lebanon and the region are passing through, speaking about the difficult economic and social crises that pose numerous challenges and hinder the normal activity in many areas.

A Webinar Organized by the Middle East Council of Churches

Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: While we find artificial intelligence a means of improving human dignity in some areas, its negative effects are not insignificant, and will gradually become apparent as this new logic sweeps across all areas of life

As part of the “Dialogue, Human Dignity and Social Cohesion” program, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized a new webinar entitled "Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence", on Thursday, March 27, 2025, with the participation of specialists, academicians, and interested attendees in the topic at hand.

The symposium, which was broadcasted live on the MECC platform, included two interventions, moderated by Professor Laure Abi Khalil, the Coordinator of the “Dialogue, Human Dignity and Social Cohesion” program, who, in her opening speech, highlighted the concept of artificial intelligence and the concerns it poses to the issue of justice and human dignity, which are now facing numerous threats.

The symposium began with a speech delivered by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, entitled "Technology, This Enemy Friend." He said, "We must first acknowledge that the elitism produced by artificial intelligence separates people into those who are part of this cultural movement and those who are not, and separates a single society into those who are integrated into this new path and those who are not. This creates a rift and marginalization at both the international and local levels, and separates people as it separates the children of a single society. This is considered the greatest challenge to equal opportunities, which are praised by modern societies that advocate for justice and human rights"…

On the occasion of the Blessed Season of Lent, His Grace Anba Antonios, Metropolitan of Jerusalem and the Near East for the Coptic Orthodox Church, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Eastern Orthodox Family, was the guest of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in an episode of the program "From Misery to Healing."

The episode focused on the meanings of Lent and its dimensions in our lives today, as well as the traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Church during this Holy Season.

The episode is produced by the Platform of the Word at MECC and will soon be broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, and the MECC platform.

In addition to recording the episode, the MECC team met with His Grace, seeking his paternal blessing and listening to his Pastoral guidance.

Noting that His Grace is visiting Lebanon, where he participates in many Prayers and meetings.

The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Participates in the USJ’s 150th Anniversary Celebration

Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and University Professor at Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Lebanon, participated in the University's celebration on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary at the Technology and Sciences Campus - Mar Roukoz - Dekwaneh. The celebration was held under the patronage of the President of the Lebanese Republic General Joseph Aoun, represented by the Minister of Energy and Water and President of the Board of Trustees of Saint Joseph University in Beirut Joe Saddi. Attendees were official figures, His Beatitude the Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, and the Superior General of the Jesuit Order worldwide Father Arturo Sosa Abascal, who came to Lebanon with an accompanying delegation to participate in the celebrations. The Jubilee was also celebrated by the Regional Superior of the Jesuit Order for the Near East and the Maghreb Father Michael Zamit Mangion, His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio Paolo Borgia, as well as current and former Ministers and Deputies, Ambassadors, Bishops, official personalities, and the Jesuit family.

An Episode with Father Kamel Kamel

From the Platform of the Word at MECC

In this episode, Father Kamel Kamel, a Priest in the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli, talks about the meanings of Lent.

"From Misery to Healing" is prepared and presented by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).

Project for those in Power?

Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: February 2025

Over the centuries the Middle East seemed to be one giant chess board in which powerful world players clash and every time power shifts in the region the board itself changes. As a result, we have observed map reshuffles such as Sykes–Picot which have created the current region we live in. Today, we are observing somewhat of a repetition of History. What’s more, the Middle East is now being looked at one real estate project that aims to displace millions of people just to quench to thirst of the egos of world leaders.

Together we Pray and Work to Enhance the Ecumenical Spirit

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) General Secretariat continues its weekly meetings. This meeting, which constitutes a time for Prayer, reflection, and work, brings together colleagues with hearts filled with faith, hope, and determination to work together for the Ecumenical mission and the humanitarian service.

The last meeting, held by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, coincided with the Feast of Saint Joseph, the honest carpenter, the partner of Mary, and the righteous father who was distinguished by his humility, silence, and obedience. He is the Patron Saint of fathers and families, and he dedicated his life to service and acts of charity.

One of the most prominent strategic goals of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) is to empower its team and develop its skills to expand their mission and enhance its capabilities. The MECC Human Resources Section, with the support of the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, organized a two training courses with the Lebanese Red Cross – Emergency Medical Services, with the participation of colleagues from the MECC General Secretariat.

The course program included various parts about first aid, how to deal with minor injuries and emergency health conditions, and how to maintain personal and collective safety. The course also provided meaningful and essential experiences for daily life and practical exercises in a lively, interactive, and professional atmosphere.

At the end of the course, the colleagues, who will receive a certificate of participation, expressed their joy at participating in this course, given the diverse information and experiences they had gained.

Father Kamel Kamel, a Priest in the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli, met with Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut. The meeting was attended by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches.

During the meeting, Father Kamel spoke about the Church's initiatives in the Lebanese Governorate of Akkar and the challenges it faces in light of the difficult living conditions that the country is passing through. He also talked about the Church's work in standing with the neediest people and healing their wounds.

An Episode with Father Kamel Kamel, a Priest in the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli, About the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Together in an Ongoing Media Cooperation and Service to the Ecumenical Mission!

Here Are the Details

A Journey of Prayer and Lent Towards the Joy of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ

With the organization and invitation of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), headed by Fr. Antoine Al-Ahmar, and hosted by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Kyrillos Babi, the Patriarchal Vicar for the Syriac Orthodox Charitable Institutions in Atchaneh, the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate - Atchaneh hosted a Spiritual Retreat for the Council’s General Secretariat team headed by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Alongside the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, participants were the MECC Associate Secretary General Fr. Dr. Nicolas Bustros, the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Fr. Antoine Al-Ahmar, and colleagues from the Council's team in Lebanon.

With 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)

A Ceremony Emphasizes the Need to Preserve Human Dignity and Enhance Cooperation and Solidarity

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

The Sisters of Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Gemmayzeh, Beirut, held a ceremony to launch an initiative by John Paul II Foundation, which has provided the hospital, as well as many hospitals in Lebanon, with essential medical machines for their hospital services. The donation was made with the support of associations and donors in Italy.

The ceremony, held on Monday, March 17, 2025, was an initiative to support the hospital sector, particularly the Sisters of Our Lady of the Rosary, given their lofty mission. This is not the first such initiative, especially that hospitals in Lebanon are in dire need of essential support amidst the difficult circumstances that the country is passing through, which often hinder their normal work in serving people.

Continuous Prayers During the Blessed Season of Lent

In an Ecumenical spirit filled with fraternity and love, the family of the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) lives the blessed Season of Lent by working and praying together on the intention of every person on this earth, during the meetings in which colleagues gather weekly to follow up on the developments of their work.

In this context, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, presided over the latest weekly meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut, in the presence of the MECC General Secretariat team from various departments that strive to achieve the desired Ecumenical and humanitarian goals.

Meets with the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

And Participates in an Episode within the Program "From Misery to Healing" Produced by the Platform of the Word

As part of his participation in an episode within the program "From Misery to Healing" produced by the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Reverend Dr. Hadi Ghantous, the Secretary of the Ecclesial and Spiritual Affairs Committee in the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, met with Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

Both parties discussed the latest developments in the work of MECC in light of the circumstances that the region is passing through, in addition to the most prominent challenges surrounding the MECC mission, as well as aspirations to enhance the Ecumenical spirit. They also discussed the importance of the media in spreading the values ​​of love, peace and dialogue, emphasizing the role of the Platform of the Word in conveying the good word.