The Greek Orthodox Parish Priest of Ibl Al Saqi in Lebanon

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, was a guest on the Egyptian ME Sat TV Channel, to talk about the health condition of Father Gregorios Salloum, the Greek Orthodox Parish Priest of Ibl Al Saqi in Lebanon, after he was injured as a result of a raid that targeted his town. Dr. Abs also highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian circumstances in Lebanon and the relief work of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).

Developing Youth Skills Towards Healthy Societies

They are the backbone of societies and an essential part for building a brighter future. They are also a source of vitality, health and well-being... They are the youth, carrying many energies and creativity with which they may benefit their communities and societies. However, young people today, in light of all the development that the world is witnessing amidst a wave of conflicts, are exposed to many challenges and difficulties that may limit their usual activity. Therefore, it has become necessary to care for them, educate them, develop their abilities, and protect them from all the pressures that surround them.

Hence, and in the context of supporting the youth, a new program was launched entitled “Youth Leadership Building”, which is a joint project organized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in partnership with Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization, Bible Society, Youth for Christ (YFC), and Ithraa Center in Lebanon. The program aims to develop youth skills, motivate them to serve, and train them on the foundations of leadership. It also contributes to the formation of youth networks capable of making positive change in their communities.

On the occasion of the reception of the incorrupt body of the Servant of God Cardinal Patriarch Krikor-Bedros XV Aghajanian, the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate of Cilicia, held a national and official celebration on Thursday, September 12, 2024, in the Martyrs’ Square in Downtown Beirut, with the blessings and presence of His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian, Catholicos Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church of Cilicia, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Catholic Family.

The celebration was attended by Lebanon's Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, His Beatitude Patriarch Mor Ignatius Youssef III Younan, Syriac Catholic Patriarch of Antioch, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Al-Absi, Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the UAECNE, President of Haigazian University in Lebanon and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family, Their Eminences Bishops, Heads of Sects, and clergy, as well as official, political, religious, cultural and social figures, and believers from various Churches and sects.

As well as, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs participated at the head of a delegation that included the Member of the MECC Executive Committee Lawyer Mr. Ibrahim Traboulsi, the MECC Associate Secretary General Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, and the MECC Media and Communication Officer Elia Nasrallah.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), represented by Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department, participated in the General Assembly of the “Danmission” organization held in the Danish city of Nyborg, between 31 August and 1 September 2024.

The first meeting was with the “Danmission” Board, in the presence of the new Secretary General of the organization Mrs. Julie Koch, and the participation of representatives of the organizations invited to the General Assembly, including Reverend Dr. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Churches in Egypt and the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, and Dr. Nayla Tabbara, Director of Adyan Foundation.

The General Assembly included a special session entitled “Tour of the World,” during which each of “Danmission’s” partners gave a presentation about the organizations and regions they represent, accompanied by the regional Directors of these regions. During this session, the part dedicated to the Middle East region was moderated by Mrs. Kristen Auken, the Director of the region in “Danmission”, where she highlighted the circumstances that the Middle East is passing through.

In his turn, Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar spoke about the history of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), its structure, goals, and the activities it implements, in addition to the experience of cooperation with “Danmission” and the aspirations for future joint work. He also talked about the situation of the Church in the region and the challenges it faces, especially in responding to the crises taking place in the Middle East.

After a two-year journey in the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), our colleague Sub-Deacon Chady Chata, the Social Media Officer, leaves the Council, carrying in his heart a lot of hope and moving to a new Ecumenical phase, where he will continue his Ecumenical studies at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas – Angelicum, in Rome.

The family of the MECC General Secretariat felicitates Chady on the occasion of embarking on this path full of love, joy and humanity, as it bids farewell to a colleague who was known for his service, dedication, and zeal for the Council’s mission, as well as his kindness and support for all colleagues, partners and friends.

In this context, the MECC General Secretariat team held a farewell gathering for Chady, on Tuesday 10 September 2024, at the General Secretariat Offices in Beirut, where the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel thanked him for his efforts and dedication, praising his hard work and continuous diligence, and stressing his competence and the progress he has achieved in the Council and the Ecumenical world. He also wished him success in his new step.

During his stay at the Holy Monastery of Pendeli - Inter-Orthodox Center, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches, Dr. Michel Abs, attended Vespers, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Ioannis of Thermopylae, Director of the Center, in the monastery church.

It is worth mentioning that His Eminence gave lectures at the John of Damascus Institute of Theology in the Antiochian See and still holds beautiful impressions of this period.

The Inter-Orthodox Center of the Church of Greece (www.intero.gr) is a conference, seminar and spiritual retreat center located in an easily accessible area and provides various services for various spiritual activities for those who visit it.

As part of his visit to the residence of His Beatitude the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, the Secretary-General of the Middle East Council of Churches, Dr. Michel Abs, met with the team of the Archbishop's Aparchi TV Station. He gave a lengthy interview in which he spoke about the ecumenical movement, the Council—its identity, programs, and aspirations—as well as the Council's relationship with the churches and the role of church councils in uniting churches at both regional and international levels.

In this context, the Secretary-General refuted many preconceptions about the churches and the ecumenical movement, unequivocally explaining their positive role and respect for the specificity, independence, identity, history, and heritage of the member churches.

The recording is currently being edited and will be published at a later date.

The Secretary-General of the Middle East Council of Churches, Dr. Michel Abs, paid a visit to His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece at his headquarters in Athens. He met with him in the presence of Father Emmanuel, Secretary to His Beatitude.

At the outset, the Secretary-General conveyed the greetings of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, to the Archbishop. His Beatitude reciprocated the greetings.

After that, the Secretary-General gave a detailed presentation on the Middle East Council of Churches, its structure, and activities to further acquaint His Beatitude with the Council. His Beatitude offered comments and praise.

Cairo, September 15, 2024

As part of his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs participated in the Worship Prayer Service held by Reverend Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General for the Evangelical Family, in the Evangelical Church - Rawd El Faraj - Shubra - Egypt, in the presence of the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Mrs. Rania Morris, John Refaat and believers.

The Prayer Service included songs and praises to the Lord, which confirmed through their content that the Lord Christ is the source of our light and joy.

In his Sermon, Reverend Refaat Fikry talked about promoting the virtue of love and devoting the concept of forgiveness, supporting others, and standing by them regardless of the circumstances.

Then, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs talked about the Council: its establishment, goals and programs. He also spoke about his visit to Egypt and his participation in the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding.

His Eminence Bishop Anba Ermia, General Bishop, President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, received and hosted on Saturday evening, September 14, 2024, Professor Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations.

This meeting comes on the occasion of the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which carries within it a rich history of cooperation and growth between Churches in the region.

The meeting was attended by Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Honorary Secretary General, Mr. Bassem Saad, the General Director of the MeSat TV Channel, and Mr. Michael Bahij, the General Coordinator of Church Relations for the Channel in the Middle East.

 The Light Was Lit Again, And A Procession Took Place in the Streets of Aleppo with the Icon of Our Lady of Guidance

The Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Participates in the Conclusion of the Event and Finishes His Visit to Aleppo

Aleppo, September 6, 2024

“It is more blessed to give than to receive. You have given a lesson in culture and creativity and established a school of light and joy over the course of an entire week. This school will be registered in the records of your giving and love.”

These words summarized the week of “Light from Aleppo,” which lit the light of Aleppo with knowledge, culture, and creativity until it reached a moment of joy with the Mother of Light, the Mother of God. Here, the rebirth of the event began.

Yes, the sun of justice shone in the city of Aleppo with the icon of Our Lady of Guidance from which the faithful people were blessed at the conclusion of the “Light from Aleppo” event. The icon is one of the icons of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Al Jdeideh Neighborhood in Aleppo. It was drawn by the Monk John from the Monastery of Kasropotamo from the Cell of Saint Athanasius, on Mount Athos - Greece, dated 1895 AD.

The Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Rev. Dr. Refaat Fikry, devoted a segment in his program “Kadaya Sakhina” (“Hot Issues”) on Alkeraza Egyptian TV Channel, to shed light on the extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which was held under the chairmanship of its Presidents, on Friday 30 August 2024, at Our Lady of Balamand Patriarchal Monastery for the Greek Orthodox and the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology, in Lebanon. During the meeting, Professor Dr. Michel Abs was unanimously re-elected as MECC Secretary General for a second term of four years. 

Within the context of the episode that you can watch in the video, Rev. Dr. Refaat Fikry talked about the details of the meeting’ sessions, in addition to its agenda and the most prominent topics and issues that were discussed. He also highlighted the final statement issued by the meeting and the most important points that it included. 

Aleppo, September 5, 2024

As part of his official follow up visit to the city of Aleppo, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, accompanied by the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, visited the Syriac Catholic Archdiocese of Aleppo.

They were received by His Eminence the Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo Antoine Shahda, His Eminence the Episcopal Vicar Bishop Mounir Sakal, and Father Ephraim Al Makaabri.

At the beginning of the meeting, Bishop Shahada welcomed the Secretary General, wishing that his new term would be full of achievements as the previous one was, and praising the role of Dr. Abs and his distinguished performance for the good of the entire Church.

Afterwards, His Eminence Bishop Antoine Shahada gave an extensive presentation about the Syriac Catholic Church in Aleppo and the initiatives and activities it implements for its people despite the challenges. He stressed that the challenges are many amidst the economic crises, but the biggest one is the issue of presence in this country as a result of the emigration dilemma that the country is witnessing. Thus, this is what puts us in front of an existential challenge.

A Church, Social, and Educational Workshop Marked the Visit with the Honoring of the Secretary General

Aleppo, September 5, 2024

The visit of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, to the headquarters of the Presidency of the Armenian Protestant Community in Aleppo, included a spiritual, social and educational workshop that was combined with a lovely and warm reception which reflects the Church’s respect and love for the Secretary General and its appreciation for his work and performance in the Council.

Dr. Michel Abs was accompanied by the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

They were received by the President of the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria Reverend Dr. Haroutune Selimian, as well as Priests and Directors of the Community’s schools and institutions.

The meeting began with the Lord's Prayer inside the Bethel Church, which was followed by laying a wreath in front of the commemorative monument of the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide in honor of their memory.

Then, a meeting was held between the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs and Reverend Dr. Selimian, in which discussions centered around the most prominent MECC activities in the fields of development and relief, achieving effective communication between various components of the society, in addition to the aspiration to prepare courses and lectures that include Church, social, and educational issues.

Praising the Performance of the MECC Role and Honoring the Secretary General

Aleppo, September 5, 2024

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs continued his official follow up visit to the city of Aleppo, and visited the Armenian Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo at the head of a delegation that included the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

They were received by His Eminence the Armenian Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo Magar Ashkarian, and the Engineer Dikran Bedrossian.

During the meeting, Bishop Magar Ashkarian congratulated the Secretary General on the occasion of his re-election for a second term of four years. He also thanked the Council for all its initiatives towards the Church, and expressed his pride in the performance of the MECC Secretary General over the past years, stressing the Bible Verse, “You Will Know Them by Their Fruits.”

The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Honored by His Eminence Bishop Ephraim Maalouli

Aleppo, September 4, 2024

From the Apostolic Antioch, which witnessed and bears witness to Jesus Christ, and in a dramatic theatre play filled with the fragrance of faith and hope for the future, within the week of “Nour Men Halab” (“Light from Aleppo”) event, and under the patronage and presence of the Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta and their Dependencies His Eminence Bishop Ephraim Maalouli, the Prophet Elias Theater Team in the Orthodox Youth, held a play that raised questions about the essence of one truth, and presented the conflict between logic and madness. It also answered several questions of human concern amidst the virtual world and artificial intelligence that have entered into the concerns of families and society. One of the most prominent questions that were raised, was: What does the general call, which is the call to holiness, mean to us? How do we live it? What are the most important challenges it faces?

These questions were answered in the most important dramatic play that inflamed the hearts of the attendees, with a bold and strong direction, written by Brother Houssam Abdallah. It was performed by many actors and actresses from the Prophet Elias Theater Team.

The play was held on the stage of the Prophet Elias Cathedral and was based on the lives of the Hieromartyrs Damascene Saints Fathers Nicolas Khasha and his son Habib, which ended with martyrdom.

Aleppo, September 4, 2024

His Eminence the Mufti of Aleppo Dr. Mahmoud Akam received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, in Dar Al-Fatwa in the city of Aleppo, at the head of a delegation that included the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

During the meeting, the bonds of Christian-Islamic relations were emphasized as a cornerstone in consecrating the values of citizenship and love and preserving common moral values, which are the result of participation in life among the various components of society.

Both sides denounced what is happening in the region, especially in Gaza, which violates human rights and destroys people and stone.

Words Praising the MECC Role and Its Purposeful Programs

Aleppo, September 4, 2024

As part of his official follow up visit to the office of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in Aleppo, the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs met with the Church Authorities at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, at the invitation of the Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta and their Dependencies.

Attendees were alongside His Eminence Bishop Ephraim Maalouli, the Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo His Eminence Archbishop Boutros Marayati, the Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo His Eminence Bishop Antoine Audo, the Maronite Archbishop of Aleppo His Eminence Bishop Youssef Tobji, the Armenian Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo His Eminence Bishop Magar Ashkarian, the Head of the Armenian Protestant Community in Aleppo Reverend Dr. Harutyun Suleiman, Father Raymond Girgis, the Episcopal Vicar of the Latin Church in Syria, Father Bahjat Karakach, the Head of the Latin Monastery in Aleppo, Father Kommidas Dadaglian, Armenian Catholic Archdiocese, Father Gabriel Azar, the Director of MECC Office in Aleppo Lamis Makhoul, the MECC Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

Aleppo, September 3, 2024

Within the framework of his official visit to the Syrian Arab Republic, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs visited the Governor of the City of Aleppo Mr. Hussein Diab, at the Governorate headquarters. Dr. Abs headed a delegation that included the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

Firstly, the Governor Mr. Hussein Diab received Dr. Michel Abs with great warmth, expressing his happiness with this visit, which reflects the love of the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs for the city of Aleppo and his follow-up of the MECC work and projects. He congratulated him on his re-election for a new term of four years.

In his turn, Dr. Michel Abs thanked Mr. the Governor for his lovely reception, and talked about the goals of his visit to the city of Aleppo and the program that will include.

Dr. Michel Abs, the General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited the Council's Office in Damascus today, Monday, September 2, 2024. He was welcomed by Eng. Ghassan Shaheen, the Council’s Program Director in Syria, and the staff of the Council’s Office.

This visit to the Damascus Office is part of Dr. Abs’ tour in the Syrian Arab Republic to follow up on the activities of MECC and the implementation of its programs.

Eng. Ghassan Shaheen welcomed Dr. Michel Abs and congratulated him on his re-election as General Secretary for a second four-year term. He commended Dr. Abs' efforts in managing the Council over the past four years.

Dr. Abs then addressed the Damascus Office team, providing an overview of the goals and future strategies of the projects undertaken by MECC. Among these activities, the most significant project is the Church Agricultural Dimension Project, which involves rural housing complexes dealing with agriculture and crafts. The aim is to help the Church withstand Christian emigration, as providing housing and food reduces the likelihood of people considering emigration.