The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) condemns the barbaric aggression against Lebanon and affirms the right of the Lebanese people to security, dignity, and life. It considers that protecting the homeland is achieved not only by defending its land and sovereignty, but also by safeguarding social unity, closing ranks, and preventing political differences from devolving into civil divisions or campaigns of defamation and abuse.

In this context, the MECC expresses its severe denunciation and categorical condemnation of the insults directed at His Beatitude Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, President of the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon, on social media platforms, affirming its full and unwavering solidarity with him. This targeting does not merely affect a specific individual; rather, it strikes at a national and spiritual authority of historical and religious significance, constituting an assault on the moral values that call for respecting human dignity and safeguarding religious symbols.

While affirming His Beatitude's spiritual and national standing, the Council calls for the respect and preservation of the dignity of all religious authorities, as they are a fundamental part of our society's identity and spiritual values, and a unifying reference in the life of our people…

“Momentum”

30-4-2026

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 "In Antioch: A Present that Mirrors Memory and Future".

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/ed21375c67c2/momentum-mecc-weekly-newsletter.

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)

In our Eastern churches of the Levant, memory plays a fundamental role in maintaining the cohesion of the faithful community and preserving its beliefs, rituals, and traditions.

In the Antiochian Levant, as in Anatolia, attempts were historically made to uproot this presence, from Armenian massacres to massacres of the Syrians, Assyrians, and Anatolian Greeks, which claimed millions of victims and displaced people, destroyed large portions of these peoples’ civilizations, and emptied vast areas of their historical homelands, where roots run deep from prehistoric times.

His Beatitude Patriarch John X, the Most Blessed, the Thirteenth of the Righteous Apostles, fully understands this reality, experiencing it in both past and present, and approaches it with the intent not only to keep memory alive but to link it to contemporary reality, making it a support for a future that is resilient and enduring until the end of time.

In everything He does and says, He ensures that the faithful are fully aware of their memory, reinforces their present with the confidence required to persevere, and opens horizons to a future he envisions as promising in presence and role.

In Damascus, at the Mariamite Patriarchate; in Tel Kawkab, where the Incarnate Lord appeared to Saul; in various regions of Lebanon; and today in the northern Antiochian Levant, through his blessed pastoral visits to Mersin, Antioch, and Alexandretta, His presence continually ties past, present, and future.

In Mersin, surrounded by the Bishops of the Holy Synod, His Beatitude recalled history and consecrated Bishop Paul of Tarsus, honoring the Apostle to the Nations, Paul, who played the greatest role in spreading the salvific doctrine worldwide…

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of May 2026. It includes the Ecclesiastical and Liturgical Feasts of the various Families of Churches in the Middle East. In addition to international days identified by the United Nations, and which are related to the MECC identity and its spiritual and human mission.

مرصد فلسطين – تقرير الخميس 30 نيسان/ أبريل 202

In light of the worsening humanitarian and social conditions in the region due to the escalation of security operations, the Middle East Council of Churches presents a weekly report entitled "Palestine Monitor," which includes the latest developments in Palestine, especially amid the deteriorating living, social, and security conditions in the country. Some texts will be in Arabic, and some others in English, depending on the source.

في ظلّ تفاقم الظروف الإنسانيّة والاجتماعيّة في المنطقة جرّاء تصاعد العمليّات الأمنيّة فيها، يقدّم مجلس كنائس الشرق الأوسط تقريرًا أسبوعيًّا بعنوان "مرصد فلسطين" حيث يتضمّن آخر المستجدّات الّتي تشهدها فلسطين خصوصًا وسط تدهور الظروف المعيشيّة والاجتماعيّة والأمنيّة في البلاد. ستكون بعض النصوص باللغة العربية، وبعضها الآخر باللّغة الإنكليزيّة، وذلك حسب المصدر.

Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: April 2026

The United States and Iran declared a ceasefire so that negotiations can take place. While back and forth talks are underway and ideas are being circulated between involved parties, one cannot help but notice that only minor achievements are being made. Still both sides refuse to bulge and make critical concessions that would put an end to the war. Currently, there is an ongoing maritime blockade enforced by the US on Iran to steer negotiations the way it pleases. Yet, Iran seems to be determined to hold on to its demands at all costs. Whether or not that changes in the future, things remain obscure. What is for certain, things are heading towards a final scenario: conflict or resolution.

Historical Traditions Honoring the Virgin Mary

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

“Hail, Mary! Full of grace, The Lord is with thee; Blessed are thou among women” (Luke 1: 28). Blessed are you, Mary, the greatest and holiest woman! Blessed is your obedience and the fruit of your womb! How great is your motherhood, full of grace!

The Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the entire universe, is the Queen of Peace, the safe haven, and the source of all comfort and love. She accepted with all her heart God's will of salvation: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1: 38), becoming a model of purity, obedience, and holiness. The Mother of God and the Mother of Light is the savior from adversity, the pride of creation, and the ocean of gifts from which we draw all strength and hope.

In honor of her and to glorify her love, the Catholic Church has dedicated an entire month to the Virgin Mary in May of each year. This month bears many Prayers and hymns to the Mother of God, asking for her protection and intercession. Believers flock to her Shrines to seek her blessing. This month is characterized by peace, hope, and purity, sowing joy, reassurance, and tranquility in the hearts of the believers.

But when does this special Marian Month begin?

MECC Implements a Special Workshop in Egypt

A Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling (THSC) workshop was successfully held in Egypt at the Papal Logos Center in Wadi El Natrun, bringing together 27 participants for a deeply meaningful and transformative experience.

The program was organized by the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). Supported by a dedicated team of two spiritual accompanists, two psychologists, and coordinated by Sr. Emily Tannous, the workshop offered a safe and nurturing space for healing.

Each day was carefully designed to support both spiritual and emotional well-being. Mornings began with Prayer, reflection, and grounding, followed by interactive sessions exploring trauma, its impact, and pathways toward healing and resilience. Participants engaged in group discussions, personal sharing, and guided activities, fostering trust, openness, and connection.

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.