MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Participates in the Ceremony at the Head of an MECC Delegation

On the occasion of the launch of the two books on the Second Vatican Council and the Analytical Index, the Missionary Society of Saint Paul in Lebanon held a ceremony to present the books, and honored the Dean of the Association Father George Baliki, the Paulist. The event took place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena in Jounieh, Lebanon.

Attendees were His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Absi, Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), represented by His Eminence Metropolitan Cyril Salim Bustros, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, represented by His Eminence Bishop Elias Nassar. As well as, attendees were the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, MECC Executive Committee Member Lawyer Professor Ibrahim Traboulsi, and the Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity" Programs at MECC Professor Laure Abi Khalil, along with Bishops, General Superiors, Priests, Experts, and guests.

Produced by MECC

“Ecumenical Horizons” is a weekly program that features spiritual, cultural, intellectual, educational, youth and environmental topics.

Solidarity with Displaced Families and Hosting Shelters

Based on the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)’ commitment to follow up on the field the humanitarian response in Lebanon amidst the repercussions of the war in the country, the team of the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office made field visits to the Municipality and to the Melkite Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Prophet Elijah – the Episcopal Vicariate in of Deir El Qamar.

These visits aimed to assess displacement situations and identify the most urgent humanitarian needs of affected families, as well as to distribute vouchers to internally displaced people in Deir El-Qamar and deliver first aid kits to collective shelters and displaced communities.

Distribution of First Aid Kits to Collective Shelters in Lebanon

As part of strengthening emergency preparedness and support frontline community response efforts, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) distributed 216 first aid kits to municipalities across Tyre, Saida, and Marjeyoun Districts as well as collective shelters hosting IDP’s in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, namely Deir El Amar, Ajaltoun, Rabwe and Rawshe/Lebanese University.

The kits were provided to areas hosting displaced families, collective shelters, and villages facing challenges in accessing healthcare services and medical supplies. In many of these communities, municipalities and local actors remain the first point of support during emergencies and periods of instability.

In a powerful act of solidarity with the people of South Lebanon, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized a humanitarian convoy to the hard-to-reach villages of Marjeyoun District, where communities continue to endure isolation, uncertainty, and limited access to essential services.

With the generous support of Tearfund, Danmission, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Church of Scotland, and in coordination with the Lebanese Army, the convoy delivered 595 hygiene kits and 1,040 food kits to vulnerable families in Bourj El Moulouk, Kleyaa, Jdeidet Marjeyoun, and Ibl El Saki.

This convoy was not merely about aid. But it represented presence in times when people feel forgotten, dignity when hardship becomes part of daily life, and a reminder to every family in the South that they are not alone.

In-Kind and Relief Assistance Alleviating the Burden of Crises

Amidst the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is passing through as a result of the war’s repercussions in the country, the will to live remains stronger, and the commitment to hope remains a light, strength, and consolation despite all challenges. In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its “Light of Hope” campaign, which it launched in response to the humanitarian situations in Lebanon, in order to heal the wounds of the neediest people and stand by their side.

In light of these events, the Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office at the Middle East Council of Churches worked to secure and distribute new assistance to support displaced families and collective shelters in various Lebanese regions.

On one hand, the Diakonia Department provided cleaning kits to a shelter in Ajaltoun serving around 280 people, as well as to another shelter at St. Joseph Church in Beirut serving more than 250 people.

On the other hand, diesel was distributed to collective shelters in Tyre, in order to ensure the continuity of essential services for displaced communities, improve living conditions inside shelters, and reduce pressure on municipalities.