As part of his visit to the residence of His Beatitude the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, the Secretary-General of the Middle East Council of Churches, Dr. Michel Abs, met with the team of the Archbishop's Aparchi TV Station. He gave a lengthy interview in which he spoke about the ecumenical movement, the Council—its identity, programs, and aspirations—as well as the Council's relationship with the churches and the role of church councils in uniting churches at both regional and international levels.

In this context, the Secretary-General refuted many preconceptions about the churches and the ecumenical movement, unequivocally explaining their positive role and respect for the specificity, independence, identity, history, and heritage of the member churches.

The recording is currently being edited and will be published at a later date.

The Secretary-General of the Middle East Council of Churches, Dr. Michel Abs, paid a visit to His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece at his headquarters in Athens. He met with him in the presence of Father Emmanuel, Secretary to His Beatitude.

At the outset, the Secretary-General conveyed the greetings of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, to the Archbishop. His Beatitude reciprocated the greetings.

After that, the Secretary-General gave a detailed presentation on the Middle East Council of Churches, its structure, and activities to further acquaint His Beatitude with the Council. His Beatitude offered comments and praise.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people” (Ephesians 1 :18).

 With great joy, the General Secretariat team of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) received the announcement of the unanimous re-election of Dr. Michel Abs as Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches for a second term of four years, during an extraordinary meeting held by the MECC Executive Committee, headed by its Presidents, on Frida 30 August 2024, at Our Lady of Balamand Patriarchal Monastery for the Greek Orthodox and the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology, in Lebanon.

Dr. Michel Abs is one of the pillars of the Council and a constant supporter for its Ecumenical mission and humanitarian work for decades. He carries within him many talents, as he has worked to invest them over the past four years in the Ecumenical work, the service of the Christian presence, as well as promoting the Ecumenical culture. He carries now new talents that he plans to invest in the next phase at various Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, cultural and media levels…

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs, is the faithful servant who inspires many believers and activists, carrying the MECC in his heart in order to convey its message to the whole world so that it can be a shining beacon and a crying voice in the wilderness.

“Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”

Thursday 26 September 2024 - 7 pm Beirut Time

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) invites you to participate in its monthly webinar, entitled “Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, on Thursday 26 September 2024, at 7 pm Beirut time.

You can participate in the webinar via the following Zoom link https://rb.gy/6vem5i, and live on the MECC Facebook Page.

The webinar, which includes two interventions, will start with an opening speech by its moderator Dr. Chawki Attieh, which will be followed with a speech by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Prof. Dr. Michel Abs.

During these dire circumstances that the region is passing through as a result of conflicts and crises that burden its people, job opportunities are becoming increasingly limited, especially when it comes to Syrian refugees. As heads of households are either unable to secure a livelihood or are depending on low-paying jobs that disallow them from making ends meet, refugee families are increasingly being subjected to high levels of poverty. To make matters worse, humanitarian aid is continuously declining forcing them to adopt negative coping strategies to survive.

For this reason, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s office, launched a program to empower Syrian refugee women and enhance their capabilities, through implementing soft skills sessions that would teach them new skills enabling them to better support their families. Hence, by developing skills that allow them to make decorative and useful handcrafts, they can sell these products to earn some money. The interesting matter is that these products can be put together using materials that are either easy to find or that are recyclables.

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.

This video report, prepared by the Egyptian COC channel, presents an overview about the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which was held in the Arab Republic of Egypt, hosted by the Coptic Orthodox Church, and in the presence of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and Heads and Representatives of the Member Churches, on Saturday 14 September 2024, at the Papal Residence in St. Mark’s Cathedral in Abbasiya.

The video also includes excerpts from the speech delivered by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II at the celebration, in addition to interviews with His Beatitude Patriarch Anba Ibrahim Isaac, the Coptic Catholic Patriarch, and the President of the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Egypt, His Eminence Bishop Anba Thomas, Coptic Orthodox Bishop of Al-Qusiya and Mir, Assiut, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, and the Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Gergis Ibrahim Saleh.

Its Journey and Path in Its Fiftieth Year

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II,
Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, Patron of the Celebration,

His Beatitude Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac,
Patriarch of the Coptic Catholic Church,

Honorable Rev. Dr. Andre Zaki,
President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt,

Your Holinesses, Eminences, Beatitudes, Pastors, and Respected Fathers,
Ladies and gentlemen,

At the outset, I must thank His Holiness, who blessed and sponsored this initiative and achievement. This is not the first time that His Holiness has shown His unlimited support for joint Christian action—that is, ecumenical action—and for the Middle East Council of Churches in particular.

I also pray and ask for mercy for the righteous martyrs of the Church. The chapter of martyrdom remains wide open, where believers offer their souls as a testimony to the message of the Incarnate, whose kingdom has no end. I say to everyone: Happy Norouz and may the blessings of the Coptic year 1741 for the martyrs be upon us all. 

During half a century full of struggle and witness, the Middle East Council of Churches has formed a diverse identity that reflects the diversity of its components and the elements of the region in which it originated.

The MECC was able to define itself, which influenced Christians in the Middle East. It has been working for half a century, through delicate and dangerous stages, and has succeeded in redefining its identity, its role, and its position at every step and every stage.

On the occasion of the Arab Republic of Egypt’s celebration for the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), His Eminence Bishop Anba Ermia, General Bishop, President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, received the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, accompanied by the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, on Saturday 14 September 2024.

Attendees were Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Honorary Secretary General, Mr. Bassem Saad, the General Director of the MeSat TV Channel, and Mr. Michael Bahij, the General Coordinator of Church Relations for the Channel in the Middle East.

As part of his tour program in the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, participated in the Worship Prayer Service held by Reverend Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General for the Evangelical Family, on Sunday 15 September 2024, in the Evangelical Church - Rawd El Faraj - Shubra – Egypt, in the presence of the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Mrs. Rania Morris, John Refaat and believers.

Following the Prayer Service, which included a Sermon addressed by Reverend Refaat Fikry, and a speech delivered by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, the MECC Secretary General met with the Parishioners, where he listened to their concerns and challenges and gave them his advices and guidance, based on the words of Jesus Christ, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

Following the media coordination made between the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and the Ecumenical Christian media, and within the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding at the New Papal Headquarters in Anba Royce, the Coptic Orthodox Media Center covered the events of the celebration and gave a copy of what was filmed to the Council so it can benefit from this fruitful media materials.

As part of his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt to participate in the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs was the guest of Reverend Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General, in an episode of his program “Kadaya Sakhina” (“Hot Issues”), broadcasted on Al Keraza TV Channel - Egypt.

During the episode, which you can watch in the video, Professor Michel Abs spoke about his re-election for a new term, presenting what he achieved in the Council during the past four years of his term. Professor Abs also spoke about his experiences in the Council and his future aspirations, in addition to the MECC most prominent programs and new projects.

In the same episode, the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary was also the guest to explain in details the establishment of an Ecumenical media network and the launch of a special studio for the MECC in cooperation with Télé Lumière and the Near East School of Theology, with the aim of activating the message of purposeful and constructive media that contributes to building nations and people.

As part of his tour in the Arab Republic of Egypt to participate in the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs was the guest in an episode of “Masa’ El Kher” (“Good Evening”) program, broadcasted on ME Sat - Egypt.

During the episode, which you can watch in the video, Professor Michel Abs spoke about his re-election for a new term, and gave a detailed presentation on what he achieved in the Council during the past four years of his term. Professor Abs also highlighted his various experiences in the Council, as well as his future vision, in addition to the MECC most prominent programs and new projects.

In the same episode, the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary was also the guest to present in details the project of the establishment of an Ecumenical media network and the launch of a special studio for the MECC in cooperation with Télé Lumière and the Near East School of Theology, with the aim of activating the message of purposeful and constructive media that contributes to building nations and people.

The “Copts United” website published a news and a video including some excerpts from the speech delivered by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, at the Egypt’s celebration on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding.

You may read the news in Arabic by clicking here, and you may also watch the following video.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) working group is meeting in Athens from 16-18 September. 

The working group was elected at the WCC executive committee meeting in November 2023, upon recommendation from the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe in 2022 that the WCC should consider whether the word “apartheid” is appropriate to describe [Israel] and if the WCC policy on Palestine and Israel is still applicable. 

The working group will deliberate on these matters and give special attention to the current situation in Palestine. The group, led by co-moderators Rev. Dr Susan Durber, WCC President from Europe, and Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, South African Anglican archbishop of Cape Town, will offer recommendations on the way forward to the WCC general secretary, who will then bring those recommendations to the WCC governance structures.

Cairo, September 15, 2024

As part of his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs participated in the Worship Prayer Service held by Reverend Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General for the Evangelical Family, in the Evangelical Church - Rawd El Faraj - Shubra - Egypt, in the presence of the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Mrs. Rania Morris, John Refaat and believers.

The Prayer Service included songs and praises to the Lord, which confirmed through their content that the Lord Christ is the source of our light and joy.

In his Sermon, Reverend Refaat Fikry talked about promoting the virtue of love and devoting the concept of forgiveness, supporting others, and standing by them regardless of the circumstances.

Then, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs talked about the Council: its establishment, goals and programs. He also spoke about his visit to Egypt and his participation in the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding.

His Eminence Bishop Anba Ermia, General Bishop, President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, received and hosted on Saturday evening, September 14, 2024, Professor Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations.

This meeting comes on the occasion of the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which carries within it a rich history of cooperation and growth between Churches in the region.

The meeting was attended by Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Honorary Secretary General, Mr. Bassem Saad, the General Director of the MeSat TV Channel, and Mr. Michael Bahij, the General Coordinator of Church Relations for the Channel in the Middle East.

Words Witnessing the Council’s Achievements

Cairo, September 14, 2024

Two expressions summarized the celebration that was held on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) at the New Papal Headquarters in Anba Royce: love and fraternal relations between the Churches.

The celebration was held under the patronage, blessings, and presence of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and in the presence of His Beatitude Patriarch Bishop Anba Ibrahim Ishak, Coptic Catholic Patriarch, Reverend Dr. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt, representatives of various Churches, Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Reverend Yachouh Ayoub, the Secretary General of the Egyptian Council of Churches, Honorary and Associate Secretaries, Fathers Priests and Pastors, Nun Sisters, personalities and invitees.

The celebration began with a Prayer on the intention of the Council and its work.

The Prayer was followed by a speech addressed by the Presenter of the ceremony the Journalist Ibrahim Ezzat, in which he spoke about the importance of the occasion.

Then, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II delivered a speech in which he welcomed the audience and expressed his happiness that the Coptic Orthodox Church is embracing this important event. His Holiness described the Middle East Council of Churches as a planted tree that gives its fruit at the right time, according to what was stated in the First Psalm, praising what the Council has accomplished over fifty years. He mentioned that the Coptic Church, in its liturgical Prayers, asks: “to end the divisions of the Church” and “to reach the unity of Faith.”

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs delivered a speech at the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding held in the New Papal headquarters at Anba Royce, under the title: “The Middle East Council of Churches, Its Journey and Path in Its Fiftieth Year.” He said:“

At the beginning of my speech, I must thank His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, who blessed this initiative and achievement which is under his patronage. This is not the first time that His Holiness has presented his unlimited support for joint Christian work, that is, Ecumenical, and for the Middle East Council of Churches in particular.

I also pray and ask for mercy for the righteous martyrs of the Church, noting that the issue of martyrdom is ongoing, as believers offer their souls as a testimony to the message of the Incarnate One Whose Kingdom will have no end. I say to everyone, Happy Feast of Nayrouz, and extends my congratulations on the Coptic year 1741 of the martyrs.”

Friday, September 13, 2024

As part of his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt to participate in the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, was the guest of a media interview with Reverend Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General and Journalist at Al Keraza TV Channel - Egypt, within " Kadaya Sakhina" ("Hot Issues") program."

Firstly, Professor Michel Abs talked about his re-election for a new term, stressing that this election is a well-recognized proof in the trust of the Churches in the work of the MECC team, speaking at length about what he achieved in the Council over the past four years of his term.

Professor Abs also spoke in an emotional language about his experiences in the Council and the stages he went through until he assumed the responsibility of the MECC General Secretariat.