A Webinar Organized by the WCC

MECC Highlights the Church’s Response in the Region to the Environmental Crises

In a world burdened by environmental disasters that have cast their shadows on the planet, the World Council of Churches (WCC) held an international webinar entitled “Churches in the Mediterranean: Addressing Desertification Through Responsible Banking,” in order to raise awareness about the various environmental issues that threaten human life.

The webinar, which was held on Monday, December 9, 2024, featured speakers from Member Churches in the region, experts from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) represented by Deacon Garen Yosolkanian, the Coordinator of the MECC Eco-Justice Unit, the Conference of European Churches (CEC), and All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), as well as Dr. Mercedes Caron, Scientific Researcher at the European Forest Institute.

Attendees were also specialists and concerned participants from various countries around the world. The sessions focused on the issue of desertification in the Mediterranean region, its causes and repercussions, in addition to ways to confront it and reduce its negative effects. In this context, the speakers presented various facts and data about this worsening issue due to the ongoing increase of CO2 emissions, and how Churches respond to this problem.

He calls for Ongoing Work to Preserve the Environment:

“The gift of being created in the image of God also carries the responsibility of caring for all creation”

“In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss, while a mighty wind swept over the waters.” (Genesis 1: 1-2). This is how God created Earth and everything on it, and gathered all of them in one environment, thus creating Man in His image, and after His likeness, making him guardian of the Earth "Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground." (Genesis 1:26).

On the occasion of the “Season of Creation” 2024 which carries this year the theme “To hope and act with Creation”, His Eminence Metropolitan Anba Thomas, Bishop of Al-Qusiyah and Primate of the Coptic Orthodox Church, founder of the Anafora Center in Egypt, presented a spiritual reflection full of hope, faith and an emphasis on the need to continue working to preserve the Earth and everything on it, based on the responsibility that God has entrusted human to it.

This reflection came within the international Ecumenical celebration that was held online on the first of September 2024, at the invitation of His Holiness Pope Francis, His Beatitude the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, His Beatitude Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and Head of the Anglican Church, as well as many Heads of Churches and Ecumenical Leaders from around the world, in addition to the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and concerned organizations and institutions.

In the “Season of Creation”:

“The environment is the most significant gift the Creator has bestowed upon us. Let us protect it out of respect for the One who gave it to us”

It is true that the world is struggling as a result of conflicts, wars and crises that have cast their shadows all over the earth, especially in the wounded Middle East, but clinging to hope remains a source of strength and determination amidst all the challenges that surround human. Hence, the “Season of Creation” comes to constitute a Season of Prayer and hope to praise the Lord, the God of justice and peace. The Season calls us to continue praying and working together in order to preserve creation and protect our common home.

On the occasion of this environmental and Ecumenical Season, which extends between 1 September and 4 October of each year, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, delivered a word to the people of the Middle East and the world, entitled “Crisis Creation and the Forgiving Creator,” in which he talked about the importance of the environmental issue. He stressed the necessity of the environmental advocacy and concerted efforts to protect creation, and condemned all actions that threaten it. Dr. Abs also shed light on the environmental and Theological activity being implemented by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in addition to its work for the “Season of Creation.”

Dr. Abs began his word by highlighting the environmental reality and said “There is a frantic race in the world between those who strive to protect the environment, willing to sacrifice everything for its sake, and those who, driven by selfishness and armed with ignorance, persist in its destruction to secure interests that prioritize profit above all else.”

Friday 4 October 2024 - 4 pm Beirut Time

Amidst a world mired in wars and conflicts, the “Season of Creation” 2024 ends on 4 October, with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of ecology, as is customary annually, after it had started on 1 September, with the Feast of Creation.

On this occasion, the Ecumenical Youth Committee in the “Season of Creation” is organizing an international online celebration to Pray and praise God the Creator and thank Him for all His abundant Gifts and graces. It will be held on Friday 4 October 2024, at 4 pm Beirut time, and you may join it by clicking here, through the “Season of Creation” YouTube channel.

Let us participate together in this celebration and unite in Prayer on the intention of creation and our common home, hoping to achieve peace, truth and justice in the Middle East and the world.

The Ecumenical Lebanese Youth Raise Their Prayers from the Heart of Taanayel’s Nature to the Heart of God

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (Psalm 104 :24). With these sacred words from the Book of Psalms and with a heart full of hope, a group of Lebanese and Ecumenical youth united in Prayer on the occasion of the “Season of Creation.”

This season, which extends between 1 September and 5 October annually and internationally, calls us to Pray and work together to protect our common home and care for God’s creation. we share a common call to care for creation. We are co-creatures and part of all that God has made. Our well-being is interwoven with the well-being of the Earth.

They woke up early and went with all enthusiasm to the Lake Taanayel, where they walked in the middle of an integrated natural oasis to Pray together, glorify God the Creator, and contemplate all His creatures, on Friday 6 September 2024. They are the participants in the Ecumenical camp “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. Noting that the camp was held between 2 and 7 September 2024, at the Monastery of Our Lady of Consolation for the Jesuit Fathers, Taanayel - Lebanon.

Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), was the guest of the Journalist Zouhour Abou Mansour, in an episode of her program “Hawana Hawak,” broadcasted on Charity Radio TV, to talk about the “Season of Creation.”

During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Father Dr. Antoine hughlighted the meanings of this Season, its goals, and the theme it carries this year, which is “To hope and act with Creation.” He also discussed about the environmental activities implemented by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in addition to the Council’s future aspirations.

Archdeacon Garen Yosolkanian, the Coordinator of the EcoJustice Unit at the Middle East Council of Churches and environmental activist, was the guest of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Coordinator of Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches, in an episode within her program “Moubadarat” (“Initiatives”), on Radio “Voice of Van”, to talk about the “Season of Creation.”

During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Archdeacon Garen shed light on the meanings of this Season, its goals, and the theme chosen for this year, which is “To hope and act with Creation,” in addition to the environmental work of the Middle East Council of Churches in various countries of the region.

The “Season of Creation” 2024 was launched in the world and the Middle East with the theme “To hope and act with Creation” and the symbol of “The firstfruits of hope.” On the occasion, an international Ecumenical celebration, was held online on Sunday 1 September 2024, at the invitation of His Holiness Pope Francis, His Beatitude the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, His Beatitude Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and Head of the Anglican Church, as well as many Heads of Churches and Ecumenical Leaders from around the world, in addition to the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and concerned organizations and institutions.

The celebration, which you can watch on the official “Season of Creation” channel on YouTube, by clicking here, included an Ecumenical Prayer Service and various reflections about the “Season of Creation,” the theme of this year and the meanings it carries.

The Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar was the guest of an episode within the program “Al Nour Maana” (“The Light Is with Us”) program broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat, on Wednesday 28 August 2024. The topic centered around the “Season of Creation,” which extends annually between September 1, the Feast of Creation, and October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Ecology.

During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Father Dr. Antoine presented a historical overview about the “Season of Creation,” and talked about its importance, goals and the meanings that it carries, in addition to the theme that was chosen for this year, “To hope and act with Creation”. He also highlighted the work of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) within the framework of the “Season of Creation,” especially since that MECC is a member of the international Ecumenical Steering Committee which is charged of preparing the resources of this Season’s guide.

There is a frantic race in the world between those who strive to protect the environment, willing to sacrifice everything for its sake, and those who, driven by selfishness and armed with ignorance, persist in its destruction to secure interests that prioritize profit above all else.

Environmental advocates have only two human weapons: knowledge and morality. They seek advocacy to amplify their voice and grow their support, but their influence remains limited against their opponents, who are armed with vested interests and their consequences.

The enemies of the environment are relentlessly destroying it, embarking on an irreversible path. If they are aware of their actions, it is a calamity; if they are unaware, the calamity is even greater.

In “The Season of Creation”: 

“It is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all Creation through worship, repentance, and commitment together” 

On the occasion of the celebration of the “Season of Creation” 2024, His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Orthodox Family, addressed a word via video to the believers in the whole world, in which he spoke about the importance of renewing our relationship with God the Creator and all Creation, stressing the necessity of solidarity, communication, and responding to the cry of creation. 

At the beginning of his word, His Beatitude pointed out that the “Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all Creation through worship, repentance, and commitment together. The “Preparation” stage for Season of Creation this year begun in February.” 

In the “Season of Creation”:

"We have to say STOP somewhere to the damage we are inflicting on purpose to the creation, blinded by our greed and lust for profit"

In celebration of the “Season of Creation” 2024 and given its Ecumenical and environmental importance, a group of Heads of Churches and Ecumenical Leaders from around the world addressed words of hope and faith to the international Ecumenical family. These words, which were published in this year’s season guide, emphasized that caring for our common home is not just an environmentalist or technocratic cause, but a more holistic, integral, human, spiritual vision, as well as a matter of integral ecology. 

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs addressed a word on the occasion which is published in the guide. He condemned all the crises, corruption and greed that creation is exposed to. He pointed out, "We should not disappoint the Creator by spoiling His creation, with which He entrusted us from the dawn of the times and keeps protecting us from ourselves. We have to say STOP somewhere to the damage we are inflicting on purpose to the creation, blinded by our greed and lust for profit.” 

Together We Unite in Prayer and Supplication to God the Creator

The Ecumenical family in the Middle East and the world gathers during an awaited annual Ecumenical and environmental season, which is the “Season of Creation.” It extends between September 1, the Feast of Creation, and October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Ecology. 

In celebration of this season, you can find below the text of the 2024 “Season of Creation” Prayer: 

Triune God, Creator of all,

We praise you for your goodness, visible in all the diversity that you have created, making us a cosmic family living in a common home. Through the Earth you created, we experience love and nourishment, home and protection. 

Who is the Committee Charged with Preparing It? 

The Middle East Council of Churches

The world and the Middle East celebrate the “Season of Creation” between September 1 and October 4 of each year, during which the Ecumenical family unites in Prayer and work for the creation care. For this occasion, every year a special guide for the season is issued including all the details and information about the season and the theme of the year, in addition to Prayers and suggestions for participating in the celebrations... Noting that the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) translate each year this guide, which is available in different languages, into Arabic. 

In this context, it is worth noting that the resources for the “Season of Creation” guide are being prepared by an Ecumenical Steering Committee which is comprised of the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, Laudato Si’ Movement, Anglican Communion Environmental Network, the Lausanne World Evangelical Alliance Creation Care Network, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches, the European Christian Environmental Network, ACT Alliance, A Rocha International, World Methodist Council, and Christian Aid.  

What Are the Meanings of the Season’s Theme for This Year?

The Middle East Council of Churches 

In preparation for celebrating the “Season of Creation” around the world between September 1 and October 4 of each year, the Ecumenical Steering Committee for the Season proposes each year a theme for this Ecumenical and environmental station. This year, the committee chose the theme “To hope and act with Creation” and the symbol is “The firstfruits of hope”, inspired by the Epistle to the Romans 8: 19-25. So. what are the meanings of this theme? 

Together We Unite in Prayer and Work to Protect Our Common Home! 

The Middle East Council of Churches 

The Ecumenical family around the world is preparing for an environmental Ecumenical season, a season that holds a lot of hope for glorifying, praising and thanking God the Creator for all His blessings and gifts. It is the “Season of Creation,” a station that extends annually between September 1, the Feast of Creation, and October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Ecology. 

The Season of Creation is an Ecumenical celebration for praying and responding together to the cry of creation. Hence, its calls on us to renew our relationship with the Creator and creation by learning and working, through studying the Holy Bible and delving deeper into the Teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as through commitment to the environmental issue and making efforts to protect our common home, Oikos of God. 

“To hope and act with Creation”

Under the theme “To hope and act with Creation” and the symbol of “The firstfruits of hope” based on the Epistle to the Romans 8: 19-25, the Ecumenical family in the Middle East and the world unites to celebrate the “Season of Creation” 2024. An Ecumenical, Christian and environmental season that begins every year on 1 September, with the Feast of Creation, and ends on October 4, with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of ecology.

In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) issues the guide for the “Season of Creation” 2024 in Arabic after finishing its translation, as is customary annually. It includes all the details and information about the season and the slogan of this year, in addition to Prayers and suggestions for participating in the celebrations... Hence, you can find below the guide in Arabic, as well as in English.

It Declares Qattine Azar as the Largest Cave in Lebanon and the Eastern countries

MECC Participates in the Celebration

The Lebanese Association for Speleology (ALES) held a celebratory gathering to launch its new publication, SpéléOrient Hors-Série, and to announce the Qattine Azar cave in Aintoura El Matn, the largest cave in Lebanon and the Eastern countries. It was held on Friday 7 June 2024, at Salle Montaigne in the French Cultural Center - Beirut.

The celebration was attended by members of the Association, political, social, and cultural figures, as well as university Professors and students, caving enthusiasts, and representatives of many associations and organizations, including the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), on behalf of which the media and communication officer Elia Nasrallah participated. Noting that MECC seeks, through its various programs, to follow up on the environmental issue at various levels in order to work towards preserving and protecting God’s creation.

Following the Lebanese national anthem, the mistress of the celebration, Mrs. Helene Rechmani Maasry, delivered a speech in which she welcomed the audience, stressing the importance of the occasion as well as the importance of the cave in terms of depth, size, length and breadth.

A New Environmental Activity in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all” (Psalm 104: 24)… The Lord created the earth and everything in it, the mountains, plateaus, seas, and all the creation in which we live in and with it. He has entrusted us with a great and important responsibility towards it.

Hence, and stemming from its belief that we are part of all that God has made, and our wellbeing is interwoven with the wellbeing of the Earth, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) is keen to continue its environmental activity in various countries of the region, emphasizing the necessity of working and praying together in order to protect our common home.

In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Theological and Ecumenical Relations Department, EcoJustice Unit, in cooperation with the Danmission organization and the Society of Jesuit Fathers, were able to establish a fourth Miron Orchard in the Middle East, specifically in the Taalabaya region at the Lebanese’s Bekaa Valley. The aim was encouraging agriculture and raising awareness about the importance of taking care of the land.

Together for a Cleaner and Safer Environment!

Environment, justice, climate, reducing environmental injustice... are all issues that the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) is keen to raise awareness about, stemming from its belief in the importance of preserving the creation that God has entrusted us with and protecting our common home. Therefore, within the series of “Environmental Days” that MECC had previously launched, the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department, EcoJustice Unit, continues its environmental work in various countries of the Middle East, emphasizing the need to join hands and pray together for a safer and more prosperous future.

In this context, MECC implemented several environmental activities in Egypt, including awareness campaigns on environmental justice, which were held by the Archdeacon Garen Yosolkanian, Manager of the MECC EcoJustice Unit. This is in addition to ecotheological think-meeting held by Yosolkanian with many groups, associations, Theological centers, and interested people with the aim of empowering Church leaders, servants, and educational workers and developing their environmental capabilities.