MECC Continues to Support the Most Affected People by the Difficult Living Conditions
A New Workshop Within the “Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling for Church Ministers” Program
As part of its commitment to supporting those most affected by the difficult social and security conditions in the region, the Theological and Ecumenical Department of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues the implementation of its two-year program, “Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling for Church Ministers” (THSC).
Within this framework, a new THSC workshop was held at Saydet el Bir Monastery in Lebanon from 7 to 12 December 2025. The workshop brought together participants from different Church Families and diverse contexts marked by conflict and suffering. Participants came from several regions of Lebanon, including the South—particularly Rmeich—as well as religious sisters from Syria currently residing in Lebanon.
The group also included individuals who had lived through multiple wars in Lebanon, including participants directly affected by the 4 August 2020 Beirut Port explosion. Among the participants were a nun from Iraq, sisters engaged in healthcare ministries in Lebanon—particularly in the care of cancer patients—and nuns serving in hospitals who experienced the events of 4 August firsthand. By bringing together these diverse experiences, the workshop created a rich Ecclesial space of encounter, Prayer, and mutual support.
Marked by deep and often painful personal narratives, the workshop was described by the facilitation team as one of the most challenging and emotionally intense sessions held to date. Yet, amid the shared experiences of trauma and loss, the gathering was also characterized by hope. Participants were able to express their emotions freely within a safe and compassionate environment, where attentive listening, solidarity, and spiritual accompaniment were central.
The sessions were facilitated by two psychologists and two spiritual counselors, with whom participants engaged openly and deeply. In addition to the structured sessions, moments of Prayer, fellowship, and shared time contributed to strengthening bonds within the group. The hospitality, accommodation, and service offered by Saydet el Bir Monastery were warmly appreciated, as they strongly supported the objectives of trauma healing and spiritual counseling.
Participants concluded the workshop with gratitude, renewed inner strength, and powerful testimonies of healing, hope, and communion within the Body of Christ.