زار الأمين العام لمجلس كنائس الشرق الأوسط البروفسور ميشال عبس، غبطة البطريرك روفائيل بدروس الحادي والعشرين ميناسيان، كاثوليكوس بطريرك بيت كيليكيا للأرمن الكاثوليك، ورئيس مجلس كنائس الشرق الأوسط عن العائلة الكاثوليكيّة، وذلك يوم الجمعة 30 أيّار/ مايو 2025، في مقرّ البطريركيّة في الرميل – بيروت.

خلال اللّقاء، رحّب غبطته بالأمين العام مطّلعًا منه على آخر مستجدّات عمل مجلس كنائس الشرق الأوسط على مختلف الصعد ومثنيًا على كلّ المشاريع والمبادرات والبرامج الّتي تقوم بها دوائر المجلس. كما شدّد غبطته على ضرورة بناء الجسور وتضافر الجهود والعمل معًا لما فيه خير الكنيسة والمجتمع.

Organizes a Regional Workshop as Part of the of the “Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling” Program

The Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Visits the Participants and Supports Them

The Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) implemented a new workshop to train the trainers, as part of the regional program "Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling". It took place between May 25 and 30, 2025, at the Monastery of Notre Dame du Puits in Beqanaya - Lebanon.

Participants were a group of Clergy, Nuns, lay people, and pastoral workers, representing various Church Families and countries of the Middle East such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt. Noting that they had previously participated in national workshops organized in their countries as part of the same program, and are now trained to develop their capacities to provide support within their communities.

This workshop was held in response to the urgent psychological and spiritual needs of communities suffering from crises and instability in the region. Therefore, the program aimed to enhance participants' awareness of the concept of trauma and ways to heal it through pastoral ministry, as well as to empower them to support others in similar areas.

MECC Presents the Constantinople Hymn

Praying for the Ascension Thursday

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs presided over the weekly meeting of the MECC General Secretariat, with an online participation of the Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, and colleagues from various departments, in person and online. The meeting took place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

As is customary, the meeting began with a Biblical Reading, which this week focused on the Gospel of Luke 46: 24-53 and Acts 1: 1-14. The attendees then raised their Prayers on the occasion of the Ascension Thursday, saying together, "Lift with you, O Lord, our souls and minds from emptiness and temporal concerns to divine understanding and truth."

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs received Deacon Royce Bahjat Samir Malak Hanin, Head of the Committee of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Lebanon, appointed by His Grace Anba Antonios, Metropolitan of Jerusalem and the Near East for the Coptic Orthodox Church, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Eastern Orthodox Family. The meeting took place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

Attendees were Ms. Nina Hallak, the Director of the Beirut Office in the Diakonia and Social Service Department at MECC, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and Director of the Platform of the Word at MECC, and the Council's Media Team.

The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Participates in the Graduation Ceremony of the Near East School of Theology in Beirut

In the presence of Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family, Dr. Martin Accad, President of the Near East School of Theology (NEST), and Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah, Dean of NEST, the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs participated in the graduation ceremony of the Near East School of Theology (NEST) in Beirut, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, in the NEST Church.

During the ceremony which was attended by Professors, parents and friends, Mr. John Sagherian delivered a word in which he called the graduates to consider their primary task to make Jesus' presence felt through their service.

The ceremony included various hymns and ended with a toast for the occasion.

The Middle East Council of Churches and the Romaion Cultural Association

The 1700th Jubilee of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea

Speech of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs

Distinguished guests, those interested and following the affairs of the Council of Nicaea, and members of the media,

Welcome to the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches, in the first year after its fiftieth anniversary, and after decades of tireless work towards unity among the churches, as well as social unity, promoting and defending the values of justice and peace.

This is the first joint project between the Middle East Council of Churches and the Romaoin Cultural Association, and it marks the beginning of promising joint activities in the field of intellectual interaction, openness, and dialogue among the components of Christianity in our region and the world.

It is also the fifth scientific conference of this association, which is active in the field of Romaion culture, now and in the future, and whose members include an elite group of scholars and thinkers from our country, with some of the MECC’s staff as its members.

It is a given in faith-based cultural work that those concerned with unity initiatives meet around an intellectual and research project of such historical importance, as this represents a consolidation of Christian faith unity and brings believers closer together based on shared faith aspirations.

On the thirty-first of May 2025, more than two thousand years after the birth of Christianity in our blessed and troubled East, and seventeen centuries after the Council of Nicaea was held, Christians are gathering around this great event in the history of the Christian mission. They will review its details, dynamics, and the events surrounding it, shedding new light that will increase the understanding of believers and scholars of this chapter in the Church's life…

Based on the importance of capacity building in line with modern developments, the Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) participated in a training on "Artificial Intelligence and Its Use in Publishing" with the Jordanian trainer Mr. Emad Hanna. The course was organized by the Christian Publisher League (CPLL) at the Bible Society in Lebanon on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Society's headquarters in Beirut.

This course is the sixth in a series of training sessions on the subject of Christian publishing, bringing together representatives from various organizations and publishing houses.

Strengthening Christian Faith Unity: The 1700th Jubilee Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea

Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: It was a decisive Council for faith, settling doubt with certainty and producing the Creed, which the Church continues to follow to this day

Professor Najib Jahshan: Our duty as a cultural Society that sheds light on our ancient Roman heritage, we are holding this international conference to highlight this unique historical event

Engineer Abdallah Hayek: The conference will include sessions focusing on the historical situation and Church issues that preceded the Council, the Council's convening and agenda, and its near- and long-term outcomes

Dr. Elie Mouwakadie: During the conference, Dr. Asad Rustum will be inscribed in the Golden Register of Roman Creators during the conference

At the invitation of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and the Romaian Cultural Society, a press conference was held to announce the “The Fifth Scientific Conference - Strengthening Christian Faith Unity: The 1700th Jubilee Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea”, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, live from the Platform of the Word at the MECC headquarters in Beirut. Noting that the Fifth Scientific Conference will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Liqaa Center in Rabweh, Metn, Lebanon.

Attendees in the press conference, which was broadcasted live on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, and the MECC Facebook Page, were the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at MECC Fr. Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, and the Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity" program at MECC Dr. Laure Abi Khalil.

Following the Lebanese National Anthem, the press conference began, and was hosted by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at MECC.

"The Status and Role of Women in Christianity and Islam"

Within the framework of the “Cooperation Protocol”, the “Meeting for Religious and Social Dialogue” and the “Lebanese Council of Women” organized a symposium entitled "The Status and Role of Women in Christianity and Islam" on Tuesday, May 23, 2025, at the Auditorium of the Child and Mother Welfare Association in Beirut.

Attendees were the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, represented by Dr. Laure Abi Khalil, the Coordinator of the MECC "Dialogue, Social Cohesion and Human Dignity" Program, along with intellectuals, researchers, experts, and interested people.

“Praying and working together” is a motto that the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) General Secretariat team has always embodied in a journey of faith, hope, and joy, aiming to consolidate the Ecumenical spirit and serve every human being with dignity. Hence, the weekly meeting, presided over by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, with the participation of colleagues from various departments, in person and online, provides a new opportunity for reflection, supplication to the Lord, and exchange of experiences.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut, began with a reading from the Gospel of John about the call of Peter the Apostle (John 21: 15-19), followed by a Biblical reflection delivered by Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at MECC. He spoke about the qualities of the Good Shepherd, his care for the sheep, and his vigilance for their safety. He also touched on the enthronement of Pope Leo XIV and the importance of the responsibility he bears in caring for the Catholic Church.

Then, the attendees raised their Prayers for the Pastors, remembering the new Pope and emphasizing life with Christ and serving the Church and humanity with boundless love.

On the Occasion of the Inauguration of Our Lady of Unexpected Joy Church in Zahle

Exclusive Photos for the Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

With the beginning of the countdown to the inauguration of Our Lady of Joy Church and the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum, a press conference was held at the Archdiocese in Zahle, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), the Most Reverend, Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Zahle, Baalbek and Its Dependencies, and Member of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC); at the invitation of the Media Committee, which is covering the event, and in the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali), the Representative of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East at the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia. The press conference was attended by the Venerable Priests, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, Engineer Christina Saikali, the Heads and Members of the Committees in charge of the preparations, and representatives of the media outlets and social media platforms.

The conference began with the National anthem, which was followed by a speech delivered by the Head of the Media Committee, Father Seraphim Makhoul, priest of the Saint George Parish in Zahle, Hawsh Al-Umara. He thanked the Lord for His abundant gifts and blessings that spread the fragrance of faith throughout the beloved land of Lebanon. He emphasized that the inauguration event is a jewel of faith that reflects light in Zahle, noting that the city of Zahle after May 18, 2025, will never be the same again. He then presented a detailed explanation of the inauguration Mass, which will be held with the blessing and presence of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, who will consecrate the Church of Our Lady of Joy and inaugurate the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum. The ceremony will be attended by Metropolitan Antonios (Volokolamsk), Head of the Department of External Relations of the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia, representing His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, as well as Priests, and a high-ranking diplomatic personalities. The inauguration will take place on Sunday, May 18, at 8:30 a.m. The inauguration of the Museum will follow the Mass at 12:30 p.m.

Prayer and Hope on the 1700th Commemoration of the Council of Nicaea

As every week, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, presides over a meeting for the colleagues in the General Secretariat team. The meeting begins with spiritual readings and reflections that reflect the reality we live in today, in addition to Prayers for achieving peace, truth and justice.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut, attendees read a Biblical Text from the Gospel of Mark about the life of Joseph of Arimathea and reflected on its dimensions and spiritual implications, which reflect consolation and resurrection in our lives today.

In the second part, attendees also addressed the 1700th Commemoration of the Council of Nicaea, discussing the dimensions of this Council and its importance in the life of the Church. They also delved into the life of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, a common Saint for the East and West and considered one of the Four Great Fathers, as well as the Father of the Coptic Church and its first Teacher of faith.

An Ecumenical Event with the Organization and Participation of MECC and Ecumenical International Organizations

Under the title “Creation Day & The Nicaea Centenary: Crystallizing the Ecumenical Dream of the New Liturgical Feast”, and with the aim of developing a common Liturgical Feast to celebrate the creation together, an Ecumenical conference was held from May 5 to 7, 2025, in Assisi, Italy.

The conference was held in partnership with the World Council of Churches, the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the World Methodist Council, the Laudato Si' Research Institute, and the Middle East Council of Churches, represented by the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department and Member of the International Steering Committee of the “Season of Creation” Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar.

The event was attended by a representative of the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate and representatives of Church Leaders from various Church Families and Eastern and Western Church traditions.

The gathering included daily prayers, speeches, and various sessions focused on the Theological foundations and history of the “Feast of Creation”, in addition to Biblical Readings and Liturgical prayers. It is worth noting that the Day of Creation is traditionally celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox tradition on September 1 of each year. The Middle East Council of Churches also participated in several activities, adding value to the conference.

With His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III in Amman

Discussions Centered Around the Council's Work for the Good of the Church and Society

During the conference "Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment" held in Amman under the patronage and presence of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs met with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine and Jordan, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Christoforos Atallah, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan, and President of the Council of Heads of Churches in Jordan

At the meeting, both sides discussed many issues related to the MECC work and mission, as well as ways to develop its working mechanisms to achieve the desired Ecumenical and humanitarian goals for the good of the Church and society. They also agreed to hold future meetings to follow up on various issues related to the Council's work.

Moreover, the Secretary General offered His Beatitude a book about the Monasteries of the Antiochian See, produced by the University of Balamand in Lebanon, as well as the logo of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding as a token of love and respect.

His Eminence Bishop Qais Sadiq at the Center for Ecumenical Studies – Amman

Emphasizing the Importance of Promoting the Ecumenical Spirit

As part of his visit to Amman to participate in the conference " Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment," the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs visited the Center for Ecumenical Studies, where he met with its Founder and President His Eminence Bishop Qais Sadiq, Bishop of Erzurum and Patriarchal Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East.

During the meeting, ways of future coordination were discussed, particularly regarding the Ecumenical dialogue and activities aimed at developing the Ecumenical spirit among the youth in the Churches of the Middle East.

At the end, the Secretary General offered His Eminence the logo of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding, praising the cooperation between the Council and the Center for Ecumenical Studies.