The Ecumenical Family Around the World Celebrates the 2026 Season of Creation and the Living Water
MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs:
“Water-related topics must be integrated into school curricula and public awareness campaigns to cultivate citizens who are concerned about the future of humanity through their concern for water”
As the 2026 Season of Creation is celebrated, believers from various Church Families in the Middle East and the world come together in Prayer, reflection, and action to protect God’s creation. This year, the Season of Creation takes place at a time when the world is facing increasingly severe environmental and climate crises. Therefore, this Season calls for greater care for the environment and creation, with all that it encompasses, in order to ensure a safer future for the inhabitants of the planet.
On the occasion of the Season of Creation, which this year carries the theme “Living Water” and the symbol “Immersion in Living Water,” the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, addressed a message published in the global Season of Creation guide for this year, alongside messages and reflections from Religious and Ecumenical Leaders from around the world. These contributions affirm that caring for creation is not merely an environmental issue, but a shared faith-based and human responsibility.
From the heart of the Middle East, Professor Michel Abs noted in his message that “the Good Friday hymn proclaims, “Today He who hung the earth upon the waters was hung upon the cross,” alluding to the primacy of water over all other elements of nature during creation. Furthermore, the incarnate Lord declared, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” He was baptized in the Jordan River, an act we consider foundational to the doctrine of salvation.”
Professor Abs further pointed out that “Modern science doesn’t adequately address water, its importance, and its critical role in life. Consequently, we find people treating water with alarming and boundless negligence. Water, the essential element of life, must be preserved, protected, and used wisely, as global warming could render it scarce.”
He concluded: “Water-related topics must be integrated into school curricula and public awareness campaigns to cultivate citizens who are concerned about the future of humanity through their concern for water.”
It is worth noting that the “Season of Creation” is observed annually from September 1, the Day of Creation, to October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Ecology.
Guide of the “Season of Creation” 2026: https://www.mecc.org/mecc/2026/6/23/the-middle-east-council-of-churches-issues-the-season-of-creation-2026-guide-in-arabic
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