An Ecumenical Workshop Organized by the Middle East Council of Churches and Tearfund in Beirut

As part of efforts aimed at strengthening the preparedness and capacity of Churches to anticipate and respond to crises amidst the challenges that Lebanon is facing, the Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Tearfund, held a training workshop on “Churches And Preparedness” from 28 to 30 September 2026 in Beirut. The workshop brought together an Ecumenical group of clergy and laypeople representing various Church Families.

The workshop was facilitated by a specialized trainer from Tearfund, and focused on the role of the Church in responding to crises and challenges affecting communities, as well as ways to strengthen the skills of Church workers. It addressed the various stages of disaster risk management, from prevention, risk reduction, and preparedness to response and recovery.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, implemented remedial classes for 9th grade students at “Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery Orphanage School”.

200 male and female students from Saidnaya and the surrounding towns, benefited from the remedial classes, which aimed to support students and help them prepare for the upcoming academic year, as well as equip them to take the 9th grade certificate examination with confidence.

The remedial classes provided students with the essential curriculum knowledge needed. Students also received school kits, including a school bag and stationery.

As part of the partnership and cooperation program between the Municipality of Kfarhara and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), a meeting entitled “How to Communicate with Others” was held at the municipal building, under the supervision of Mr. George Rizk.

The meeting included discussions and interactive activities with women from the town, focusing on the importance of positive communication, understanding others, and promoting dialogue and cooperation among members of the community.

The meeting was distinguished by the women’s active participation and engagement, creating an atmosphere of dialogue and exchange of ideas that contributes to strengthening women’s role and developing their social and personal skills.

The Municipality of Kounin extends its sincere thanks and deepest appreciation to the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for its generous humanitarian initiatives, its support for our affected and displaced residents, and its commitment to supporting local communities amidst these difficult circumstances.

These initiatives reflect a spirit of humanitarian responsibility and underscore the importance of collective efforts in confronting crises and standing by people, particularly during the exceptional circumstances our community is experiencing.

The Municipality of Kounin highly appreciates the efforts of the Middle East Council of Churches and its leadership, and we pray that God may grant you success as you continue your noble humanitarian mission.

Beirut – September 18, 2026

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and Anba Abraam Charity in Jerusalem signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening coordination and joint efforts in the humanitarian and Ecclesiastical fields, supporting initiatives and programs that serve local communities, and enhancing Christian communication, presence, and role in the Middle East.

The agreement was signed 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, and President of Anba Abraam Charity in Jerusalem, together with the MECC Secretary General Anba Abraam Charity. The signing took place on September 18, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Hamra, Beirut.

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received the Mayor of Kounin in the South of Lebanon Mr. Khalil Al-Dabak, accompanied by a delegation from the Municipality, on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

Attendees were the Director of the Lebanon’s Office at the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department Ms. Nina Hallak, and the Coordinator of the Diakonia Department in the South of Lebanon Ms. Sara Hasrouni.

During the visit, Mr. Al-Dabak expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Council, particularly to its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office, for the assistance it has provided to residents of the town of Kounin, as well as to families and individuals who were forced to flee the town, and to displaced people who sought refuge there amidst the current circumstances.

Discussions Focus on Strengthening Future Partnership

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, welcomed, on Wednesday 9 September 2026, a delegation from Kerk in Actie (KIA), including Mr. Dick Loendersloot, the new KiA's Humanitarian Representative for the Africa Region, and Mrs. Kirsten Kok, the new KiA's Humanitarian Representative for the MENA Region. They also visited the Council on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the MECC General Secretariat offices in Beirut.

The visit aimed to strengthen the existing partnership between KIA and the MECC. The delegation met with the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, in addition to holding meetings with many colleagues from the MECC various departments. The visit also provided an opportunity to meet Mrs. Kirsten Kok, who has recently assumed her new responsibility, succeeding Mr. Dick Loendersloot.

As part of its efforts to strengthen the livestock sector and enhance livelihoods and food security in rural areas, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, continues to support cattle breeders.

In this context, 76 cattle breeders in Taybeh village, in rural Dara’a, were supported through the distribution of 100 fodder kits sufficient to 111 cows. Each kit consists of 900 kilograms of pelleted fodder fortified with mineral salts and 720 kilograms of hay, in addition to providing veterinary services, as well as medicines and vaccines for the livestock.

The beneficiaries also attended training sessions on proper cattle care, ways to manage common livestock diseases, and optimal nutrition practices to improve the quality and quantity of milk production.

Awareness Sessions for Displaced People and Women from Host Communities

A Safe Space for Children to Develop their Skills and Make Positive Use of their Time

A Summer Club Organized by MECC in Syria

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, organized a summer club for 102 children, aged between 5 and 14, in the city of Erbin in Rural Damascus Governorate.

The summer club, titled “Brave Hearts” included a wide range of interactive activities, including football, basketball, other physical exercises, theatre, choir, drawing, and handicrafts.

It also featured cognitive activities such as Rubik’s Cube and science experiments, as well as household skills, basic first aid principles, and purposeful recreational trips.

The club also offered computer skills courses for children aged 13 to 14 years old, in addition to life skills sessions for children of different age groups, with the aim of strengthening their resilience in dealing with themselves and their surroundings.

Emphasis on the Need to Strengthen Media Cooperation

Father Dr. Rifat Bader, General Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Jordan, Publisher of “Abouna” Website, and Representative of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for Media Affairs, visited the Council’s headquarters in Beirut on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. He was received by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, and the General Secretariat team, in the presence of the Journalist Rafi Sayegh, from “Abouna” Website.

The visit took place as part of Father Bader’s participation in a seminar organized by MECC entitled “Ecumenical Media: Mission and Ethics,” where he delivered a lecture addressing the subject of Ecumenical media and the importance of its role today in serving the Church and society.

A team from Danmission visited Diakonia and Social Service Department office of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in Damascus, on the 10th of August. The visit included an introductory session during which MECC team presented an overview of the projects they implemented in Damascus, Rural Damascus, as well as in Dara’a Governorate, in addition to programs and projects carried out in cooperation between the two organizations.

The MECC team also provided an overview of the mechanisms and channels used to communicate transparently with beneficiaries, including the work of the Complaints and Response Mechanism (CARM), as well as Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) mechanisms that accompany all stages of program implementation.

MECC and Danmission team also discussed the importance of the partnership between them in supporting the most vulnerable groups and contributing to meeting their basic needs.

Seven community initiatives implemented service-oriented projects addressing the basic needs of the community, in the city of Saidnaya in Rural Damascus.

These initiatives were supported by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, within its efforts to strengthen community engagement and improve essential services.

The initiatives included street lighting, along with the renovation and improvement of Ras Al-Amoud Square; the installation of solar panel system in a public clinic, two public schools, to hall for education and social activities, and a library; sport equipment for the sport club, and medical equipment for a local charitable dispensary.

Pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut and President of the National Evangelical Union of Lebanon

By an MECC Delegation Led by Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

Professor Abs: Reverend Rima is a worthy successor to a worthy predecessor, and the Evangelical Church carries a rich heritage of thought, culture, and learning

Reverend Rima: Ecumenical work lies at the heart of our faith and heritage… and it is essential to continue our cooperation with the Council

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, accompanied by an MECC delegation, visited Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah, the Newly Elected President of the National Evangelical Union of Lebanon and Pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at her office in Beirut.

The delegation included the MECC Associate Secretaries General Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros and Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the Lebanon’s Office of the Diakonia and Social Service Department Ms. Nina Hallak, Coordinator of the Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Rehabilitation Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Media and Church Relations Coordinator Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Social Media Officer Johnny Antoun, and Media and Communication Officer Elia Nasrallah. As well as, Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Rifaat Fikry joined the meeting virtually from Egypt.

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.

Through the Diakonia and Social Service Department

Receives Former Lebanese Minister Dr. Hector Hajjar

Discussions centered on Enhancing humanitarian and Relief Work

As part of strengthening humanitarian services, the Former Lebanese Minister Dr. Hector Hajjar visited the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, in the presence of Ms. Nina Hallak, Director of the Lebanon’s Office at the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department. The visit took place on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

During the meeting, discussions centered on the situation of the humanitarian and relief work in Lebanon, with a focus on the persons with disabilities and the challenges that the organizations and actors working in this field are facing, as well as ways to develop development programs aimed at meeting urgent humanitarian needs.

Sessions That Help Women Build Safe and Stable Families

Family and school play complementary roles in providing children with a safe and supportive environment.

Recognizing this role, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) seeks to raise students' awareness of child protection issues while also supporting mothers through positive parenting sessions.

The sessions, implemented by MECC through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, aimed to empower participating women to prioritize their mental well-being and strengthen their self-confidence.

As part of its ongoing efforts to support students in continuing their academic achievement, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, implemented remedial classes for 9th grade certificate students in the city of Jaramana and its surrounding areas.

The remedial classes included providing students with the essential information they need in their curriculum, with the aim of improving their academic level and enabling them to successfully pass the final certificate exam. The students also received hygiene and school kits.

Receives the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

and a Delegation from the General Secretariat

A Meeting that Emphasizes the Importance of Martyrdom in the Church and Strengthening the Ecumenical Spirit

His Beatitude Patriarch Mor Ignatius Joseph III Younan, Syriac Catholic Patriarch of Antioch, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), received the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, at the head of a delegation from the General Secretariat, on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Patriarchal Residence in Mathaf, Beirut.

Attendees from the Patriarchate were Member of the MECC Executive Committee Chorbishop Habib Mrad, and Father Karim Kalash.

The MECC delegation included Associate Secretary General Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Director of the Lebanon’ Office in the Diakonia and Social Service Department Ms. Nina Hallak, Finance Director Dr. Laudy El Khoury, Coordinator of the Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Rehabilitation Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of Media and Church Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Senior Human Resources Officer Mrs. Caroline Haddad, Procurement Officer Richard Sassine, Executive Assistant to the Secretary General Mrs. Maha Samaan, IT Officer Rabih Abou Rjeili, Social Media Officer Johnny Anton, and Communication and Media Officer Elia Nasrallah…

As part of its efforts to develop capacities and enhance skills, colleagues from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) participated in a training workshop entitled “Time Management and the Four Management Personalities”, led by the trainer Mr. Samir Costantine, Director and Founder of “Wazanat”. The workshop was organized by the Christian Publisher League (CPLL) at the Bible Society in Lebanon, on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Society’s headquarters in Beirut.

This workshop was the eighth session in the training series “Effective Christian Publishing and Its Methods,” which brings together representatives from various organizations and publishing houses with the aim of enhancing professional competence and developing the skills of those working in the field of Christian publishing.

A Spiritual Retreat for the MECC General Secretariat Team

From Jrebta to Kfifan and Aabrin

The family of the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) experienced a spiritual and cultural day in the Lebanese villages of Jrebta, Kfifan and Aabrin. The day was marked by a Spiritual Retreat organized by the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department for the General Secretariat team, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, on the occasions of the 25th Jubilee of the Canonization of Saint Rafqa, and the Beatification of Patriarch Elias Howayek.

The Retreat began at Saint Joseph Monastery in Jrebta, at the Tomb of Saint Rafqa, where Sister Marta Bassil welcomed the participants and guided them on a tour of the Monastery, presenting an overview of its history, as well as its spiritual and Ecclesial mission.

Then, a spiritual reflection and discussion with Mother Dolly Chaaya, Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order of Nuns, was made under the title “A Path of Holiness in a Wounded East.” In her presentation, she reflected on the meanings of witness, hope, and holiness amidst the challenges that the East is facing today. Her talk was followed by a discussion and exchange of ideas with the participants.

In Light Construction in Lebanon

In Partnership with the “Safadi” Foundation and supported by “Danmission” Organization

In Partnership with the “Safadi” Foundation and supported by “Danmission” Organization, the Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, launched a Vocational Training in Light Construction for 10 people over a period of one month in the Akkar area/ Deir Dalloum – Lebanon.

The aim of the project was to train people on how to carryout remodeling and renovations for small residential and commercial buildings. Learning such a skill is not only beneficial for finding a job but can also be used in carrying out repairs for their own homes thus reducing economic burdens.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, organized remedial classes for 9th grade certificate students in the city of Erbin, in Rural Damascus.

A total of 150 students benefited from the remedial classes, which lasted for three months.

During this period, students were provided with the essential information they needed in their curriculum, with the aim of improving their academic level and enabling them to successfully pass their final certificate exam.

In order to promote the concept of protection and safety among children, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, implemented awareness sessions targeting students in several private primary schools in Damascus and Rural Damascus.

The sessions focused on raising children’s awareness on personal protection concepts, sexual exploitation and harassment, and empowering them to distinguish between safe and unsafe behaviors. They also aimed to strengthen children’s ability to express themselves, respect the privacy and dignity of others, and understand the importance of speaking up and seeking help when exposed to any inappropriate behavior, without fear.