The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Visits the Armenian Catholic Archdiocese of Aleppo
Aleppo, September 6, 2024
For the fourth consecutive day, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs continues his follow up visit to the city of Aleppo.
The fourth day began with a visit to the Armenian Catholic Archdiocese of Aleppo, in which he was accompanied by the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, and the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul.
They were received by the Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo His Eminence Archbishop Boutros Marayati, Father Komidas Dadaghlian, Father Zareh Der Sarkissian, and the Media and Relief Officer in the Archdiocese Mr. Tony Charki.
Following the reception, Archbishop Boutros Marayati delivered a speech in which he welcomed Dr. Michel Abs in his home and Church, congratulating him on his re-election for a new term of four years.
Then, he spoke at length about the history of the presence of the Armenian Catholic Church in Aleppo, highlighting its institutions and humanitarian, social, educational, cultural and relief activities. He thanked the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in general and the MECC Office in Aleppo for supporting the Church in many projects that benefit its children.
His Eminence stressed: “The challenges have been great since the beginning of the crisis and the earthquake, but the Church was able to heal the wounds of its children with its available capabilities. He hoped that these difficult days will pass so that Syria can recover and return to what it was.”
In his turn, Dr. Michel Abs thanked Archbishop Boutros Marayati for his warm reception and great love, and presented a detailed explanation of the MECC work and future projects, stressing the need for work in the MECC Office in Aleppo to develop the Ecumenical and Theological work and enhance the shared values and spaces.
Afterwards, the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs made a tour in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Help and checked some of the Church’s institutions.
At the end, His Eminence presented souvenirs to the Secretary General and the accompanying delegation, some books, Aleppo craft souvenirs, and a model made of the Cathedral wood that expresses the state of transition from suffering to Resurrection.
