In-kind and Cash Assistance for the Most Vulnerable Families in Syria

The Society of St Vincent de Paul in Damascus distributed food baskets, hygiene kits, and cash assistance to 272 of the most vulnerable families in the city, in cooperation with the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office.

MECC continues to implement projects supporting local community associations, with the aim of strengthening their role in serving society and empowering the most vulnerable groups, emphasizing the importance of partnership in serving humanity and promoting human dignity.

In-Kind Assistance Contributes to Supporting Displaced People in Lebanon

Amidst the escalating daily challenges in Lebanon resulting from the repercussions of the war that has cast its shadow over the country, the human cause remains a priority above all other issues. Therefore, it has become essential to continue supporting and accompanying the neediest people in order to sow hope in their hearts, especially since the will to live remains the strongest.

In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its “Light of Hope” campaign, which it launched with the aim of supporting the affected people by the war and helping them overcome the hardships surrounding them with great hope.

As part of the latest developments in the MECC work, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office distributed multi-purpose cash assistance to 820 families, averaging 3 individuals per family, reaching a total of 2,460 individuals. This activity was directly carried out with the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs – per their policy and procedure to include lists of internally displaced people (IDPs) families.

Conducting a Field Assessment for the Displaced People’s Conditions in a Shelter in Beirut

As part of following up on the conditions of displaced people in Lebanon who are suffering from the repercussions of the war, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) was selected as a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) actor to conduct a GBV Safety Audit at St. Joseph Shelter in Ashrafieh - Beirut, which hosts around 280 residents.

In coordination with the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and the GBV sector, and following the MoSA’s authorization for Protection (PRT), GBV, and Child Protection (CP) partners to implement such audits in collective shelters, MECC proceeded with the visit and conducted the assessment on site.

A Joint Online Webinar Organized by the World Council of Churches and Middle East Council of Churches

Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: “A diaconal Church does not wait for peace before acting. It creates small signs of peace in the middle of war”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) held an online Joint webinar entitled “Role of the Church in Times of War: A Diaconal Response in the Middle East,” with the participation of representatives from Church-based humanitarian organizations and actors engaged in relief and humanitarian work in the region.

The webinar was moderated by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, who delivered an opening word. He noted that, “A diaconal Church does not wait for peace before acting. It creates small signs of peace in the middle of war. It lights candles where there is darkness. It breaks bread where there is hunger. It listens where there is pain. It reminds every person, whatever their religion or background, that they are not abandoned. This is the Church’s calling: to be the presence of Christ among the wounded people of the Middle East.”

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, continues to implement projects that support local and community-based associations, aiming to strengthen their role in serving society and empowering the most vulnerable groups.

In this context, and under the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch Youssef Al-Absi, Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), together with Father Youhanna Boutros, spiritual guide of Iman and Nour Syria, and in the presence of MECC, the “Iman and Nour” workshop for the production of dairy products was inaugurated and consecrated in the Al-Midan area of Damascus. The workshop is dedicated to supporting families in Damascus and its countryside.

This achievement comes as a result of concerted efforts and faith in the abilities of individuals, with the support of MECC and the Don Bosco Center, reaffirming the importance of partnership in serving humanity and promoting human dignity.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance health awareness among students, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, in cooperation with the “Danmission” organization, implemented a hygiene promotion activity for students on the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and handwashing to prevent diseases. The activity took place in three schools in Dara’a Governorate.

The activity included an introductory session highlighting the importance of personal hygiene in disease prevention, particularly proper handwashing with water and soap, as handwashing is considered the first line of defense and one of the most effective ways to protect individuals from diseases such as hepatitis, respiratory illnesses, and others.

Students also learned about the key times when they should wash their hands, in addition to the importance of maintaining cleanliness at school and at home. They were encouraged to bathe regularly, trim their nails, and use tissues when sneezing or coughing, among other personal hygiene practices.

An Initiative Reaching 80 Families in Damascus and Rural Damascus

Amid the pressures of daily life responsibilities, women often forget to give themselves a moment of care for their psychological well-being. As women are the cornerstone of the family and a key element in building a healthy and balanced society, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria Office, organized health awareness and psychosocial support sessions for women.

Twenty women from Damascus and its countryside participated in these sessions.

The six-day training witnessed strong engagement from the participants, who were eager to gain medical knowledge about various diseases and healthy nutrition practices.

These sessions aimed to empower women to better understand their physical and psychological needs and equip them with the necessary tools to improve their quality of life, positively impacting their families and communities.

The psychosocial support sessions also provided valuable insights that helped participants adjust their behavior within their families and increased their awareness of the importance of self-care, thereby enhancing their ability to care for their loved ones.

In response to the urgent humanitarian conditions in Lebanon, and within the framework of the “Light of Hope” initiative it has launched, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office, continues its relief work on various field, material, and psychosocial levels, in order to support those affected by the war and provide assistance.

As part of its in-kind assistance, the Middle East Council of Churches contributes to accompanying displaced families psychologically and morally, with the aim of instilling hope in their hearts and reducing social issues that may arise from daily pressures.

In this context, MECC implemented awareness sessions on gender-based violence (GBV) at the collective shelter in Achrafieh, at Saint Joseph Church, benefiting 45 displaced women and girls, alongside a recreational activity for children. This intervention was supported by the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) organization in response to the protection needs of displaced populations.

As part of the “Light of Hope” initiative launched by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in response to the repercussions of the war in Lebanon, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, distributed diesel to collective shelters and municipalities in the South, Beirut, and Mount Lebanon. This intervention aided displaced populations and responded to urgent needs related to electricity and basic service provision. It was supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hannover (ELCH) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and aimed to help maintain essential operations in sites hosting displaced families.

The provision of diesel contributed to powering generators used for lighting, water pumping, and other critical services, supporting adequate living conditions within shelters and easing pressure on municipalities managing high numbers of displaced individuals.

While the humanitarian circumstances in Lebanon continues to worsen daily due to the repercussions of the war, which has led to the displacement of many families across the country, the will to live remains stronger, and the determination of the Lebanese people to persevere continues to be the greatest motivation to face all challenges.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has launched the “Light of Hope” initiative in response to the humanitarian situations in Lebanon and continues its field support for the most affected families, in order to help them overcome life’s hardships with hope.

As part of the assistance provided to displaced persons, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, distributed water bottles to 1,400 beneficiaries across several locations, including two collective shelters. This intervention was supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hannover (ELCH) in response to the ongoing needs of families affected by displacement and to enhance access to safe drinking water.

Amidst the difficult circumstances that the people of Lebanon are facing due to the repercussions of the war that have heavily burdened them, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its relief and field work to ease the suffering of the most vulnerable and affected. This comes within the framework of the “Light of Hope” initiative, which MECC launched in response to the challenging humanitarian situations in the country.

In this context, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, continues to distribute in-kind assistance to meet urgent needs, particularly in collective shelters that have received large numbers of displaced people.

Recently, winter blankets were distributed to 700 beneficiaries from displaced families across several locations, both inside and outside collective shelters. This intervention was supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hannover (ELCH), with the aim of assisting families affected by displacement and helping them overcome the daily challenges that they surround them.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has launched "Light of Hope," a new bulletin series dedicated to documenting the ongoing ordeal in the Middle East, with a primary focus on the catastrophic situation in Lebanon. This publication serves as a "cry" for the people of the Antiochian Levant who have endured decades of pain.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has launched "Light of Hope," a new bulletin series dedicated to documenting the ongoing ordeal in the Middle East, with a primary focus on the catastrophic situation in Lebanon. This publication serves as a "cry" for the people of the Antiochian Levant who have endured decades of pain.

As part of its capacity-building and skills development efforts, the Media Team and the Diakonia Team, Lebanon’s Office, at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), participated in an online training organized by ABAAD organization on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). The course aimed to promote safe working environments and human rights accountability.

Participants were also staff working in humanitarian and social organizations, who enhanced their knowledge and skills in identifying the risks of sexual exploitation and abuse and understanding prevention mechanisms.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has launched "Light of Hope," a new bulletin series dedicated to documenting the ongoing ordeal in the Middle East, with a primary focus on the catastrophic situation in Lebanon. This publication serves as a "cry" for the people of the Antiochian Levant who have endured decades of pain.

Report from the Diakonia Department at the Middle East Council of Churches

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received a delegation from the international organization Tearfund, in the presence of a team from the MECC General Secretariat, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

Strengthening coordination and cooperation was the focus of the meeting, during which the participants discussed the current challenges that the region is facing, presenting their suggestions, concerns, and aspirations.

Discussions centered also about how to improve the work mechanisms, particularly in operational and financial aspects, in order to achieve the desired goals.

As part of its drive to support children’s health, the Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) launched free weekly vaccination sessions for all families with children under 18, at Our Lady Dispensary, affiliated with the Middle East Council of Churches, in the Sabtiyeh area - Mount Lebanon.

While adhering to the requirements of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, the activity was held in coordination with members from the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) organization which is an MECC Partner. In this way, vaccines were supplied free of charge while helping families access safe and essential immunization.

Tearfund Holds Coordination Meeting with MECC and Partners in Syria

MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs from Balamand:

Let us work to strengthen cooperation to ensure a better future for all people of the region

With the blessings of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Orthodox family, the international organization “Tearfund” held a general meeting with its new leadership, represented by CEO Silas Balraj, International Director Claire Tiffen, Regional Director Safa Hijazeen, Country Director for Syria and Lebanon Jamie Abraham, and Regional Advisor for Church and Community transformation Rami Kaskas. The meeting took place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the conference hall of the St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology in Balamand, Lebanon.

The Middle East Council of Churches participated in the meeting, represented by its Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, at the head of a delegation that included Ms. Nina Hallak, Director of the Lebanon’s Office of the Diakonia and Social Service Department, and Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Coordinator of Media and Church Relations.

The meeting also brought together Leaders and representatives from the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, Greek Orthodox Church, Maronite Church, Syriac Orthodox Church, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and Evangelical Union Church. Attendees were also the Executive Directors of the Evangelical “Tahanan” Association, the Department of Ecumenical Relations, and the St. Ephrem Patriarchal Development Committee.

Words Emphasized the Importance of Upholding Human Dignity

As part of its visit to Lebanon, a delegation from the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUSA), a partner of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited the Council's headquarters in Beirut, on Thursday, January 22, 2026. They were received by the MECC General Secretary Professor Michel Abs, and of the General Secretariat team from various departments.

The meeting began with an opening Prayer raised by the visiting delegation on the intention of peace in the Middle East and the world, thanking God for the opportunity to work and cooperate with the Middle East Council of Churches. The delegation also expressed their pleasure at visiting MECC and their desire to learn about the latest developments in the region, as well as updates on the MECC work of, particularly as the delegation is part of a Syria and Lebanon Partnership network.

And Contributes in the Development of the SouthConnect Initiative

As part of empowering women in Lebanon and developing their capabilities, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) organized a workshop entitled "SouthConnect," with the participation of women from various social fields and sectors. The workshop took place on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Sidon and South Lebanon.

This workshop was held in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, the "Al Majmouaa" Foundation, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Lebanese Economic Institute, private sector companies, financial entities, and microfinance institutions (MFIs).

The Middle East Council of Churches Participates

What Are the Details?

The Lebanon Forum of the international ACT Alliance held its Yearly meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, hosted by the Protestant Compassion Society at its headquarters in Rabieh, Lebanon.

The meeting brought together participants both in person and online, representing ACT Alliance member organizations in Lebanon from diverse Church families, associations, and local, regional, and international institutions. Among the attendees was the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), represented by Ms. Nina Hallak, Director of the Lebanon Office of the Diakonia and Social Service Department, and Dr. Laudy El-Khoury, Financial Director.

Participants reflected on the increasingly challenging living conditions in Lebanon and across the Middle East, and explored ways to strengthen their humanitarian responses to address the urgent and growing needs of affected communities. Discussions also highlighted recent achievements, alongside opportunities to further enhance coordination and collaboration among members for the implementation of joint humanitarian and social initiatives in the future.

Amidst the rising incidence of breast cancer, which poses a serious health issue in societies, the Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with MCC (Mennonite Central Committee), held breast-awareness sessions at the community center of the Armenian Orthodox Archdiocese in Bourj Hammoud.

2 groups of 74 women were brought together in a warm and supportive environment where they were given the opportunity to learn about the subject and discuss the subject openly.

The sessions emphasized the importance of early detection, regular screenings, and recognizing physical changes related to breast health. The purpose of the session was to also address the emotional and psychological journey that many cancer patients and survivors experience, highlighting how fear, resilience, and hope often intertwine.

Contribute in the Restoration of "Jesus the Worker" Convent Affiliated with the Latin Church in Aleppo

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