A Christmas Gathering for the MECC Team at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut
With the Blessing and Presence of His Eminence Bishop Paul Rouhana
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
In preparation for the Glorious Christmas Feast, and with the blessing and presence of His Eminence Bishop Paul Rouhana, Patriarchal Vicar of the Maronite Diocese of Sarba in Lebanon and Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Council's General Secretariat team, headed by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, met for a Christmas gathering held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Near East School of Theology (NEST) in Beirut.
The gathering brought together Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah, Dean of NEST; Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, MECC Associate Secretary General; and colleagues from the MECC General Secretariat team.
The meeting began with a heartfelt address by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs who wished the team continued health, success, and prosperity for the good of the Church and society.
Then, His Eminence Bishop Paul Rouhana delivered a spiritual talk, discussing the true meaning of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ and how to live this blessed time with love, humility, and peace, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ.
His Eminence also spoke about the importance of human fraternity and the necessity of working towards the humanization of humanity and the preservation of human dignity. As well as, he addressed the topic of Christian unity and how to embody it among all people with great love and deep hope.
Moreover, colleagues shared personal testimonies, opinions, and experiences, particularly on various social and humanitarian issues. They also posed their questions and concerns to His Eminence Bishop Rouhana, who provided many explanations and answers.
In addition, the Christmas video message of the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, was shown. This year's message is entitled “A Light in the Darkness of an Age of Decline”.
Afterwards, participants gathered for an Ecumenical Prayer Service at the NEST Grace Chapel, entitled "Light from Light for the Sake of Light," from the booklet of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025. The service was led by His Eminence Bishop Rouhana and presented by Father Movses Garen Yosolkanian, Head of the Department of Ecumenical Relations at the Armenian Orthodox Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia and Coordinator of the MECC Eco-Justice Justice Unit.
A Homily was also delivered by Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah. The participants lit candles and raised their Prayers for peace, justice, and righteousness in the Middle East and the world.
At the end, everyone gathered for the annual Christmas agape that MECC organizes for its team.
