Participates in the Annual Mass of the Association “Roots Never Die”

At the invitation of the Parish Priest of St. Behnam and Sarah Syriac Catholic Church and President of the Association “Roots Never Die,” Father David Melki, a delegation from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) participated in the Association’s Annual Mass, which included the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, Professor Laure Abi Khalil and Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

The Mass was held at St. Behnam and Sarah Syriac Catholic Church in Fanar. It was presided over by the Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Catholic Archdiocese of Beirut and the Head of the Episcopal Committee for Christian-Muslim Dialogue, Bishop Mar Matthias Charles Murad, with the participation of the Parish Priest Father David Melki and Deacons, in the presence of notable figures and faithful attendees.

What Meanings Does It Carry?

The khachkar is more than just a carved stone; it is a testimony of faith, memory, and identity. In the Armenian tradition, the Cross is engraved in stone surrounded by motifs symbolizing life, resurrection, and eternity, becoming a sign of hope and of Christ’s victory over death.

In this monument, the sculptor sought to give another meaning to the carved Cross by transforming it into a Tree of Life. This tree recalls the Armenian people, who have passed through trials yet have not lost their roots. The tree’s roots, planted deep in the rock, symbolize steadfast faith; its branches reaching toward the sky are a sign of unceasing hope; and its fruits are holiness, witness, and new life born from the heart of suffering.

This commemorative monument is dedicated to Saint Ignatius Maloyan, and the tree also reflects his image. His roots were firmly grounded in Christ, so trials could not uproot him; his spirit rose toward heaven with uncompromising faith; and his martyrdom bore the fruit of holiness that continues to give life and hope to generations.

“Momentum”

12-6-2026

This issue includes reports, videos, news, articles, and a full coverage of the latest developments of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as well as the Church, Ecumenical, and social events…

This is in addition to the weekly word of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs which is entitled in this issue “Saint Rafqa and Social Cohesion”.

You can check the issue via the following link: https://us14.campaign-archive.com/?u=1db32cafe9ea32b38eb90480a&id=1f8825ca2a.

You can also subscribe to the Momentum Newsletter via the following link:
https://mecc.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?id=fd3381352a&u=1db32cafe9ea32b38eb90480a.

Professor Michel Abs

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Saint Rafqa is considered one of the saints who have profoundly shaped the identity of people in Lebanon and the East, not only because of her remarkable spiritual life, but also because of her deep social and cultural influence on society. Her life can be viewed as a model of the social and religious values that contribute to strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing collective identity.

Born in 1832 in the village of Hemlaya in Mount Lebanon, Saint Rafqa lived a life marked by challenges and suffering. She lost her mother at an early age, endured difficult economic and social circumstances, and later entered religious life, dedicating herself to prayer and service. She is especially known for accepting illness and pain with patience and faith, becoming a symbol of sacrifice and perseverance.

Saint Rafqa embodies values that are highly cherished in Eastern societies, such as patience, solidarity, faith, and selflessness. Communities need symbolic figures who personify moral principles that contribute to social stability. Through her life story, Rafqa has become a source of inspiration for many believers facing difficult circumstances, whether economic, social, or health-related.

She also plays an important role in strengthening the religious and cultural identity of broad segments of the faithful. Places associated with her life, particularly the Monastery of Saint Joseph in Jrabta, where her body rests, have become centers of pilgrimage that attract thousands of visitors each year. This religious activity contributes to strengthening social bonds among individuals and groups, as people gather around shared values and beliefs, fostering a sense of belonging to one community.

Furthermore, Saint Rafqa exemplifies the role that sacred figures play in building social solidarity. Religion often unites members of society through common symbols and practices. In this context, Rafqa serves as a religious symbol that brings believers together and strengthens their sense of solidarity…

Headed by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

Visits His Eminence Sheikh Al-Aql of the Unitarian Druze Community, Sheikh Dr. Sami Abi Al-Muna

Words Emphasized the Strengthening of Cooperation Between the Two Sides for the Benefit of People and the Nation

His Eminence Sheikh Al-Aql of the Unitarian Druze Community, Sheikh Dr. Sami Abi Al-Muna, received at the Druze Community House in Beirut, a delegation from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). It included Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, Associate Secretaries General Father Dean Nicolas Bustros and Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Dr. Laudy Khoury, Mrs. Caroline Haddad, Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Mrs.Maha Samaan, Mr. Richard Sassine, Mr. Rabih Abu Rjeily, and Mr. Elia Nasrallah.

The delegation affirmed the MECC support for the statement issued by the recent Christian-Muslim Spiritual Summit held at the Druze Community House, as well as for the general framework outlined by His Eminence Sheikh Abi Al-Muna. The delegation noted that this framework strengthens communication among all spiritual and national components in Lebanon and promotes dialogue outcomes that contribute to spreading awareness, fostering a culture of tolerance, preserving values, consolidating stability, and safeguarding civil peace.

The delegation also praised His Eminence Sheikh Al-Aql’s initiative in meeting the Heads of State with a delegation representing Religious Authorities within the framework of a spiritual and national partnership aimed at rescuing the State and protecting the nation.

A Meeting that Emphasized the Importance of Strengthening the Ecumenical Spirit

As part of his visit to Lebanon, 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, received the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Beirut.

Attendees were the Archpriest Father Arsanius Al-Orachalimi, Father Athanasius Resto, the Lawyer of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Lebanon Mr. Abdallah Moussallem, and Mr. Albert Jonki.

Lebanon’s Righteous Daughter: The Story of an Entire Nation

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

In a time when events accelerate and challenges intensify, people remain in need of guiding lights to show them the way, and of exceptional figures whose lives embody the meanings of perseverance, faith, and hope. Lebanon, this small country in size but great in its mission, has offered the world not only a rich cultural and civilizational heritage, but also Saints who, through their lives, reflected the image of a faithful person deeply rooted in their land and open to heaven.

Among these luminous figures stands Saint Rafqa, Lebanon’s righteous daughter, whose life story has become the story of an entire nation. In her life, we can read many of Lebanon’s defining traits: faith that cannot be broken, patience that transcends hardship, and hope that springs from the heart of suffering. Rafqa lived in a simple Lebanese village, yet she carried a human and spiritual message that went far beyond geographical boundaries, becoming a Saint of the universal Church and a beacon of light illuminating the paths of believers around the world.