Environmental Day at Azounieh – Lebanon, with the Middle East Council of Churches and the Youth Committee of the Armenian Sanatorium Azounieh
Praying and Working Together for the Creation!
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
On the Feast of Saint Nicholas in the Armenian, Greek, and Latin calendars, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in coordination with the Youth Committee of the Armenian Sanatorium – Azounieh, organized a special Environmental Day entitled “Can Santa Plant a Tree?!”, on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Azounieh.
The event brought together youth from the Armenian Evangelical Churches of Nor Marash and Anjar, Deacons from the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the young people of St. George Melkite Catholic Parish in Zahle.
Adding to the joy of the gathering, Santa Claus—Saint Nicholas—joined the celebration. As the day coincided with his Feast, Santa himself planted numerous plants and trees in the Garden of the Armenian Sanatorium at Azounieh.
The day began with an introduction to the history and mission of the Azounieh Sanatorium, followed by a presentation by Fr. Movses-Garen Yosolkanian, Coordinator of the Season of Creation activities at MECC, on the Season of Creation and the connection between Santa Claus, the natural world, and his commitment to seafarers and gardeners. In keeping with local tradition, participants opened the activity by singing the Lebanese National Anthem, the customary prelude to tree-planting ceremonies.
The youth then planted pine and cypress trees donated by AFDC, along with lavender, rosemary, thyme, cherry trees, and other seedlings across the grounds. These plantings were a heartfelt gift—offered in the spirit of St. Nicholas Day—to the elderly residents and to the institution itself.
After the planting activity, participants gathered in the Church for a time of Worship. Reverend George Sahili opened the Season of Creation Prayer, followed by expressions of gratitude for creation from the Deacons and Ms. Maria Bzdigian, Project Coordinator and Administrative Assistant and the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department, giving thanks for the ecological action carried out on the Feast of Saint Nicholas. The Ecumenical Prayer Service included Worship songs from different traditions, shared intercessions, and a brief reflection on the life and legacy of Saint Nicholas.
The day concluded with a warm community meal of Mante, an Armenian dish traditionally enjoyed on Saturdays during the Advent season. Before leaving, each participant received a small token of appreciation—a mug—serving as a reminder of this meaningful day of fellowship, service, and unity.
