Within the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium

Between the environment and Theology, researchers and specialists gathered at the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium organized by The Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME). Its sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon, following an Ecumenical Prayer Service for the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.

During the Symposium, speakers and participants explained that the issue of creation is at the core of our faith. They also stressed the importance of the Church’s role in reducing injustice to the environment. Hence, you will find, in the video, some opinions and aspirations from the Symposium’s participants.

Details about the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Symposium’s first day

Details of the Symposium’ second day

The “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium, organized by the Middle East Council of Churches in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was an important opportunity to shed light on the role of the Church towards the environment, based on the environmental Theology and our Christian faith. This is what the Symposium’s participants focused on. Thus, you can find some of their opinions and experiences in the video.

Noting that the Symposium’s sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon, following an Ecumenical Prayer Service for the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.

Details about the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Symposium’s first day

Details of the Symposium’ second day

And the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium

On Télé Lumière and Noursat

On the occasion of the “Season of Creation” 2023 ending, the Middle East Council of Churches organized an Ecumenical Prayer Service under the title “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, on Wednesday 4 October 2023, hosted by the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) – Lebanon, with the participation of Church Leaders from various Ecclesiastical Families.

Stemming from its belief in the importance of preserving God’s creation, working to protect our common home, and enhancing environmental Theological awareness, the Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), organized a Symposium entitled “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”. Its sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.

The video presents a report broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat, which includes a highlight of the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Opening of the Symposium. The report was prepared by the journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

Organized by MECC in Cooperation with ATIME

Environmental Lectures Combining Theology and Science

For the second day in a row, the symposium “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”, continued its sessions at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut, at the invitation and organization of the Middle East Council of Churches in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME). It was held in the presence of their Eminences Bishops and Priests, Nuns and Monks, the President of the Saint Joseph University in Beirut Father Professor Salim Daccache, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Professor Michel Abs, alongside Deans, Professors and students from different Institutes of Theology, as well as specialists in the topic of environment and climate, and attendees concerned with the issue of climate and social justice.

The first part of the second day began with a speech delivered by Father Professor Salim Daccache, President of the Saint Joseph University in Beirut, in which he said “Your initiative is truly appreciated amidst the environmental problems that are threatening our world and the countries of our region. You have made a lot of efforts to organize this symposium. I am certain that the solidarity and cooperation of the Middle East Council of Churches and ATIME has led to this achievement that we witness today, which encourage the Church to prepare a policy of initiatives that concern the environment. The environmental issue is not marginal, but rather a responsibility to protect nature and creation."

With an Ecumenical Prayer Service at USEK - Lebanon

The Council Inaugurates in Cooperation with ATIME

The Symposium “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) concluded the “Season of Creation” for this year with an Ecumenical Prayer Service under the title “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, on Wednesday 4 October 2023, hosted by the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon.

“Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”

Organized by MECC and ATIME

Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was the guest of the journalist Roula Zeidan, in an episode of the morning show “Al Nour Maana” (the Light is with Us), on Télé Lumière and Noursat, on Thursday 21 September 2023, which you can watch it in the video.

During the episode, Father Dr. Kanbar highlighted the Symposium which is being organized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), under the title “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”. It will be held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at 5:30 pm Beirut time, in the Pope John Paul II Amphitheater at the Holy Spirit University – Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, starting 9 am Beirut time until 5:30 pm Beirut time, at the François Bassil Amphitheater in the Saint Joseph University (USJ) – Beirut.

Global Ecumenical Prayer with the World Council of Churches

The Middle East Council of Churches Participating in the Prayer

A global Ecumenical Prayer hosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC) on 18 September focused on the World Week for Peace in the Holy Land, and the meaning of finding a spiritual home in the Holy Land, with the participation of concerned and Church parties, alongside the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) which was represented by the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar who gave the final blessing.

After the Prayer, the World Council of Churches published on its website the following press release:

People gathered online and in-person to pray, advocate, and stand in solidarity with people in the Holy Land.

The World Week for Peace in the Holy Land is being observed this year from 16-23 September under the theme “No place to lay my head,” a theme that reflects the challenge for Palestinian families as well as other people facing difficulties to a uniting home.

WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay opened the Prayer with a greeting, noting that the theme is “deeply rooted in the suffering of the Palestinian people.”

They Pledge to Strengthen the Environmental Work in the Bekaa Valley

The Ecumenical family in the Middle East and the world unites in an environmental Christian season which is the “Season of Creation,” that starts, as every year, on September 1, and ends on October 4, aiming at praying and working together to protect God’s creation and our common home. Based on the theme of this year’s season which is “Let Justice and Peace Flow” and its symbol “A Mighty River,” the world celebrates God’s creation through a series of various events and activities that enhance spiritual and environmental awareness.

Since the Middle East Council of Churches launched this season in the region, Churches, Christian, Ecumenical and youth groups in the Middle East are implementing several initiatives to celebrate the season and glorify God the Creator. In Lebanon, specifically in the Bekaa Valley, which is considered a place of resources for the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf, the youth of the Ebleh Church organized an environmental activity through which it established the first Church youth group concerned with environmental issues. The group decided to develop the environmental work in the Bekaa Valley, and took the name of “Our Lady of Ebleh Youth.”

Talks About the Forestation Campaigns Implemented by the Council in an Interview with “Danmission” Organization

On the occasion of the “Season of Creation,” “Danmission” organization, a partner of the Middle East Council of Churches, made an interview with Deacon Garen Yosolkanian, a member of the MECC Eco Justice Committee, and expert in the environmental issues, in which he talked about the forestation campaigns that MECC implements as part of its environmental activities. He also highlighted its importance, especially in environmental awareness, as well as the forestation campaign organized by MECC in Mhardeh, Syria, with a group of youth.

Highlights the Importance of the “Season of Creation” in an interview with “Danmission” Organization

As part of the “Season of Creation” 2023 activities, “Danmission” organization, a partner of the Middle East Council of Churches, made a video interview with Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department, during which he highlighted the meanings and goals of the “Season of Creation.” He also talked about the importance of celebrating this season in the Middle East and the MECC mission in this context, especially in environmental awareness.

An Environmental Theology Lecture Delivered in Arabic by Archimandrite Euthymios Faqas

A Priest at Saint Elie Chouaya Patriarchal Monastery - Lebanon

With the beginning of the “Season of Creation” 2023, Archimandrite Euthymios Faqas, a Priest at the Greek Orthodox Saint Elie Chouaya Patriarchal Monastery – Lebanon, delivered a spiritual lecture about Environmental Theology with an Orthodox view, under the title “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come” (2 Corinthians 5: 17), which you can find its full text in Arabic. The lecture was part of a Spiritual Retreat organized by the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches on Friday 1 September 2023, which also marks the beginning of the Ecclesial Year. It was hosted by His Eminence Bishop Costantine Kayyal, the Head of the Saint Elie Chouaya Patriarchal Monastery, at the Monastery.

A Spiritual Retreat Hosted by Bishop Constantine Kayyal

Head of the Greek Orthodox Saint Elie Chouaya Patriarchal Monastery in Lebanon

Together We Glorify God the Creator!

The “Season of Creation” 2023 started around the world on 1 September, bringing a lot of hope to the world and the Middle East. It is a Christian environmental season during which the Ecumenical family around the world unites in Prayer and working together to protect our common home. The season ends, as every year, on 4 October. Noting that the theme of the Season for this year is “Let Justice and Peace Flow” and its symbol is “A Mighty River”.

In celebration of God’s creation, the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches organized a Spiritual Retreat on Friday 1 September 2023, which also marks the beginning of the Ecclesial Year. It was hosted by His Eminence Bishop Costantine Kayyal, the Head of the Greek Orthodox Saint Elie Chouaya Patriarchal Monastery - Lebanon, at the Monastery.

Participants in the Retreat were, alongside the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs, the Associate Secretaries General of the Council, Father Nicolas Bustros and Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, as well as the MECC General Secretariat’s team from various departments in Beirut, and online with the colleagues from the Council’s offices in the countries of the region.

A Spiritual Retreat at Saint Elie Chouaya Patriarchal Monastery in Lebanon

How Great are your Deeds, O Lord, All of them are Wisely Done (Psalm 103)

With the beginning of this year's "Season of Creation" around the world, the family of the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches gathered in a Spiritual Retreat, on Friday 1 September 2023, at the Greek Orthodox Saint Elie Chouaya Patriarchal Monastery in Lebanon. Hence, you can find some highlights about the Retreat in the video.

The Retreat included the participation in the Season of Creation Ecumenical Prayer Service, and a tour in the Monastery. This is in addition to a dialogue with His Eminence Bishop Costantine Kayyal, Head of the Saint Elie Chouaya Patriarchal Monastery, and a Spiritual lecture with Archimandrite Efthimios Fakis. As well as another lecture with Archdeacon Garen Yosulkanian.

Spiritual and Psychological Support Sessions in Syria Following the Earthquake that Hit the North of the Antiochian Levant

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the North of the Antiochian Levant, amidst the severe crises that cast a shadow over the Middle East, the Middle East Council of Churches continues to support the people of the region by accompanying them spiritually and psychologically in order to heal their wounds and relieve the daily pressures that surround them.

In this context, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches implemented a new phase of the Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling Program which sessions were dedicated to Parishes’ ministers and their associates, both ordained and non-ordained, in Syria, who were affected by the repercussions of the earthquake or worked to help and accompany the affected people. Hence, 24 attendees from different Church Families participated in the course, which was held between Sunday 18 and Friday 23 June 2023, at Saint Christophoros Monastery in Saydanya, Syria.

“Let Justice and Peace Flow”

Under the title “Let Justice and Peace Flow” and the symbol of “A Mighty River” from the Biblical text of Amos 5: 24, the Christian family in the Middle East and the world unites to celebrate the “Season of Creation.” A Christian and environmental Season that starts on the 1st of September and ends on the 4th of October yearly, as it invites us to pray and work together to protect our common home.

Monday 5 June 2023 - 4 pm Beirut time

The world and the Middle East will be soon celebrating an annual Christian and environmental which is the "Season of Creation". This season, which extends between September 1 and October 4 of each year, was launched by the Middle East Council of Churches for the first time in the Middle East in 2021. As for this year, the season bears the title “Let Justice and Peace Flow” based on the biblical text about the “Mighty River” (Amos 5: 24).

In preparation for the celebrating this annual season, let us participate together, by clicking here, in the international launching ceremony of the "Season of Creation" for this year, during a webinar that will be held, with the organization of the Laudato'Si movement, on Monday 5 June 2023, at 4:00 pm Beirut time. Noting that June 5 is also the World Environment Day.

Youth Bringing Life Back to the Heart of Nature

MECC Implements a Forestation Campaign in Al Wassieh, Jordan

Since the Middle East Council of Churches launched the “Forestation Days” project as part of the “Season of Creation” program, the Council has been keen to enhance environmental knowledge and green culture, especially among youth in the region. Hence, MECC aims at highlighting the youth’s role towards God’s creation and motivating them to work for the preservation of the environment and the common home in which we all live.

Thus, the Middle East Council of Churches pursues its environmental activities through a new forestation campaign implemented in Jordan, specifically in the Latin Patriarchate High School in Al Wassieh, on Saturday 25 March 2023. It was organized in coordination with His Eminence Bishop Jamal Khader, Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan, and in partnership with the humanitarian international organization “Danmission”.

MECC Implements an Afforestation Campaign in Kfar Falous, Lebanon

Together for a Safer Home!

With the aim of enhancing environmental awareness and working to protect nature and God's creation, the Middle East Council of Churches continues its green activities with the Ecumenical youth in various countries of the Middle East. Thus, MECC implemented a new forestation campaign, in cooperation with the international humanitarian organization "Danmission", in Kfar Falous region in Lebanon, under the slogan "Plant a tree that will protect ten trees", on Saturday 18 March 2023, with the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elie Haddad of the Greek Catholic Melkite Diocese of Sidon and Deir El-Qamar.

A Forestation Campaign in Mahrada, Syria, with MECC

Together for a Green Environment!

Amidst all the dangers that threaten the environment and human life today, it is necessary to enhance environmental awareness and increase green activities with the aim to build a better future and a more sustainable environment. Hence, and as part of the "Season of Creation" program, the Middle East Council of Churches works with the youth in various countries of the Middle East in order to achieve the desired goals through environmental awareness and activities.

Within its ecological mission, the Middle East Council of Churches organized, with the support of the humanitarian international organization “Danmission”, a forestation campaign in the Mahrada region in Syria, as part of the “Forestation Days” project, on Saturday 11 March 2023. Participants were 50 young women and men from the Church accompanied by Father Elias Najjar and Reverend Maan Bachour.

Spiritual and Psychological Support Sessions in Lebanon for Parishes’ Ministers and their Associates from Various Churches of the Middle East

As part of strengthening the spiritual and psychological accompaniment amidst the difficult living conditions that the region’s people are passing through due to the different deepening crises casting a shadow on them, the Middle East Council of Churches continues to implement the Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling Program. It is organized through various sessions aiming at training Parishes’ ministers to help people overcome the daily challenges with great hope and deep faith.

Hence, and under the title of “Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (Mark 6: 31), the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department implemented the second phase of the program, which sessions were dedicated to Parishes’ ministers and their associates from the Middle Eastern countries. It was held with the participation of 28 attendees from different Church Families, between Sunday 12 and Saturday 18 February 2023, at the St. Augustine Center in Kafra region, Lebanon.