Professor Michel Abs

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches

During this period, fasting seasons begin in Lebanon and the Arab world, and it happens that fasting is being observed by people of all faiths in this region, a land rich in diverse religious, ethnic, intellectual, and political affiliations.

Fasting, which is a cornerstone of religious practice, involves believers imposing voluntary deprivation on themselves. They exercise self-restraint and abstain from many foods and pleasures as an act of faith aimed at refining the self and curbing impulses by restraining the desire for indulgences, or, at least, regulating them in a way that elevates human behavior toward a higher moral plane.

Beyond tempering one’s urges, fasting seeks to enhance a person’s capacity for reflection, on life and its purpose, on the blessings and generosity of the Creator, and on those less fortunate who live in daily hardship due to their financial situation.

Opposite this “school of deprivation” stands another approach: a “school of excess” that encourages overindulgence in pleasures to the point of saturation. Its results have thus far proven detrimental, whether in terms of uplifting the human spirit, maintaining healthy economic mindsets, honoring human values, or preserving the environment.

This “school of excess” urges people to spend more, acquire more, and consume more, sometimes purchasing multiple items to meet a single need, driven by competition among manufacturers. Often, people buy things they don’t actually need simply because of marketing promotions or tempting discounts, leading to cluttered homes, burdens on family budgets, and the rapid depletion of credit card limits…

Receives the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, and an MECC Delegation

Between the Middle East Council of Churches and the Episcopal Committee for Christian-Islamic Dialogue in Lebanon Emanating from the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received His Eminence Bishop Mar Matthias Charles Mrad, the Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Catholic Archdiocese of Beirut and the Head of the Episcopal Committee for Christian-Muslim Dialogue in Lebanon, accompanied by Mr. Charles Karnabi, a Member of the Board of Directors of Caritas for the Syriac Catholic Church and Vice President of the Charitable Society of the Syriac Catholic Church in Lebanon, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

The meeting was attended by Father Dr. Antoine Ahmar, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at MECC, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at MECC, and Dr. Laure Abi Khalil, the Coordinator of the Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Rehabilitation of Human Dignity Programs at MECC.

Speaks About the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

About the Campaign "At this Moment, Your children Are At Risk... The Internet Is Not Always Safe"

A campaign by the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs Through the National Program for the Protection of Family and Childhood and the Higher Council for Childhood

MECC Media Sheds Light on it in a Special Interview with the Secretary General of the Higher Council for Childhood Mrs. Rita Karam

"At this Moment, Your children Are At Risk... The Internet Is Not Always Safe." This is the title of the campaign launched by the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs, through the National Program for the Protection of the Family and Childhood and the Higher Council for Childhood. It is a very important campaign, especially since it comes amidst the increasing presence of the Internet phenomenon that is sweeping the professional and private lives of all family members, including children.

It is true that the Internet offers many educational and entertainment benefits, especially in building children's capacities and developing their skills, but it also imposes many risks that threaten their lives and put them in danger. Therefore, awareness has become necessary and essential, as well as protecting children from any electronic violence they may be exposed to.

Sheds Light on the Visit of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, to Egypt, the Media Cooperation with the Ecumenical Christian Media Institutions, and the New Media Aspirations, Through Charity Radio TV

Hosted the Humanitarian Dinner in Support of "La Takhaf" (“Don't Be Afraid”) Program on Télé Lumière - Noursat, Prepared by Father Charbel El Khoury, at the Casino du Liban, in the Presence of Many Personalities

As Part of the “Restoration Fund for Rehabilitation of Faith-based Social Services & Religious Infrastructure Damaged During the Crisis in Syria”

The Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized a new environmental day in the Bekaa, specifically in the Ablah village, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, as part of its “Season of Creation” program implemented by the department with the support of “Danmission” Organization.

The youth of the village and its residents from the three Parishes in the town participated in this activity. Local bodies and institutions also played a prominent role in preparing and inviting for this popular gathering. Among them were the Municipality, Parishes, civil defense, scouts, schools, and the “Think Environmentally” section at the Daher Foundation. The event coincided with an exceptional drought period that Lebanon suffered from, so it was an occasion to raise Prayers to God for the blessing of the year and rainfall. On the other hand, this day coincided with the eve of the Feast of Lights (February 2), which crowns the special environmental period, i.e. the forty days between Christmas and the Feast of the Entry of Jesus Christ into the Temple. There is an ancient tradition, whereby people on this occasion hold a popular procession in the streets, including singing and dancing, in addition to Worship ceremonies in the Churches.

The Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Honors Colleagues Pierre Tanios and Ghada Traboulsieh in Appreciation of their Contributions in MECC

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things" (Matthew 25:23)

How great is giving when it is translated into words and deeds through service, faithfulness and love. With these words we can describe the service of our colleagues in the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Mr. Pierre Tanios, the Treasurer, who has been loyal for MECC for nearly 50 years, and Mrs. Ghada Traboulsi, the Administrative Assistant and Insurance Delegate, who has been the caring mother for nearly 25 years.

Colleagues Pierre and Ghada were honored by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, in a general meeting for the team of the MECC General Secretariat held today, Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

A Special Issue of Momentum Newsletter About the visit of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, and an MECC Delegation, to the Arab Republic of Egypt and Their Participation in the Celebrations of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025

Highlights the MECC Environmental Activities on Charity Radio TV