Seven community initiatives implemented service-oriented projects addressing the basic needs of the community, in the city of Saidnaya in Rural Damascus.

These initiatives were supported by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, within its efforts to strengthen community engagement and improve essential services.

The initiatives included street lighting, along with the renovation and improvement of Ras Al-Amoud Square; the installation of solar panel system in a public clinic, two public schools, to hall for education and social activities, and a library; sport equipment for the sport club, and medical equipment for a local charitable dispensary.

Pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut and President of the National Evangelical Union of Lebanon

By an MECC Delegation Led by Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

Professor Abs: Reverend Rima is a worthy successor to a worthy predecessor, and the Evangelical Church carries a rich heritage of thought, culture, and learning

Reverend Rima: Ecumenical work lies at the heart of our faith and heritage… and it is essential to continue our cooperation with the Council

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, accompanied by an MECC delegation, visited Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah, the Newly Elected President of the National Evangelical Union of Lebanon and Pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at her office in Beirut.

The delegation included the MECC Associate Secretaries General Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros and Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the Lebanon’s Office of the Diakonia and Social Service Department Ms. Nina Hallak, Coordinator of the Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Rehabilitation Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Media and Church Relations Coordinator Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Social Media Officer Johnny Antoun, and Media and Communication Officer Elia Nasrallah. As well as, Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Rifaat Fikry joined the meeting virtually from Egypt.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has launched "Light of Hope," a new bulletin series dedicated to documenting the ongoing ordeal in the Middle East, with a primary focus on the catastrophic situation in Lebanon. This publication serves as a "cry" for the people of the Antiochian Levant who have endured decades of pain.

Through the Diakonia and Social Service Department

Receives Former Lebanese Minister Dr. Hector Hajjar

Discussions centered on Enhancing humanitarian and Relief Work

As part of strengthening humanitarian services, the Former Lebanese Minister Dr. Hector Hajjar visited the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, in the presence of Ms. Nina Hallak, Director of the Lebanon’s Office at the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department. The visit took place on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

During the meeting, discussions centered on the situation of the humanitarian and relief work in Lebanon, with a focus on the persons with disabilities and the challenges that the organizations and actors working in this field are facing, as well as ways to develop development programs aimed at meeting urgent humanitarian needs.

Sessions That Help Women Build Safe and Stable Families

Family and school play complementary roles in providing children with a safe and supportive environment.

Recognizing this role, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) seeks to raise students' awareness of child protection issues while also supporting mothers through positive parenting sessions.

The sessions, implemented by MECC through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, aimed to empower participating women to prioritize their mental well-being and strengthen their self-confidence.

As part of its ongoing efforts to support students in continuing their academic achievement, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, implemented remedial classes for 9th grade certificate students in the city of Jaramana and its surrounding areas.

The remedial classes included providing students with the essential information they need in their curriculum, with the aim of improving their academic level and enabling them to successfully pass the final certificate exam. The students also received hygiene and school kits.

Receives the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

and a Delegation from the General Secretariat

A Meeting that Emphasizes the Importance of Martyrdom in the Church and Strengthening the Ecumenical Spirit

His Beatitude Patriarch Mor Ignatius Joseph III Younan, Syriac Catholic Patriarch of Antioch, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), received the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, at the head of a delegation from the General Secretariat, on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Patriarchal Residence in Mathaf, Beirut.

Attendees from the Patriarchate were Member of the MECC Executive Committee Chorbishop Habib Mrad, and Father Karim Kalash.

The MECC delegation included Associate Secretary General Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Director of the Lebanon’ Office in the Diakonia and Social Service Department Ms. Nina Hallak, Finance Director Dr. Laudy El Khoury, Coordinator of the Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Rehabilitation Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of Media and Church Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Senior Human Resources Officer Mrs. Caroline Haddad, Procurement Officer Richard Sassine, Executive Assistant to the Secretary General Mrs. Maha Samaan, IT Officer Rabih Abou Rjeili, Social Media Officer Johnny Anton, and Communication and Media Officer Elia Nasrallah…

As part of its efforts to develop capacities and enhance skills, colleagues from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) participated in a training workshop entitled “Time Management and the Four Management Personalities”, led by the trainer Mr. Samir Costantine, Director and Founder of “Wazanat”. The workshop was organized by the Christian Publisher League (CPLL) at the Bible Society in Lebanon, on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Society’s headquarters in Beirut.

This workshop was the eighth session in the training series “Effective Christian Publishing and Its Methods,” which brings together representatives from various organizations and publishing houses with the aim of enhancing professional competence and developing the skills of those working in the field of Christian publishing.

A Spiritual Retreat for the MECC General Secretariat Team

From Jrebta to Kfifan and Aabrin

The family of the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) experienced a spiritual and cultural day in the Lebanese villages of Jrebta, Kfifan and Aabrin. The day was marked by a Spiritual Retreat organized by the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department for the General Secretariat team, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, on the occasions of the 25th Jubilee of the Canonization of Saint Rafqa, and the Beatification of Patriarch Elias Howayek.

The Retreat began at Saint Joseph Monastery in Jrebta, at the Tomb of Saint Rafqa, where Sister Marta Bassil welcomed the participants and guided them on a tour of the Monastery, presenting an overview of its history, as well as its spiritual and Ecclesial mission.

Then, a spiritual reflection and discussion with Mother Dolly Chaaya, Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order of Nuns, was made under the title “A Path of Holiness in a Wounded East.” In her presentation, she reflected on the meanings of witness, hope, and holiness amidst the challenges that the East is facing today. Her talk was followed by a discussion and exchange of ideas with the participants.

In Light Construction in Lebanon

In Partnership with the “Safadi” Foundation and supported by “Danmission” Organization

In Partnership with the “Safadi” Foundation and supported by “Danmission” Organization, the Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, launched a Vocational Training in Light Construction for 10 people over a period of one month in the Akkar area/ Deir Dalloum – Lebanon.

The aim of the project was to train people on how to carryout remodeling and renovations for small residential and commercial buildings. Learning such a skill is not only beneficial for finding a job but can also be used in carrying out repairs for their own homes thus reducing economic burdens.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, organized remedial classes for 9th grade certificate students in the city of Erbin, in Rural Damascus.

A total of 150 students benefited from the remedial classes, which lasted for three months.

During this period, students were provided with the essential information they needed in their curriculum, with the aim of improving their academic level and enabling them to successfully pass their final certificate exam.

In order to promote the concept of protection and safety among children, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, implemented awareness sessions targeting students in several private primary schools in Damascus and Rural Damascus.

The sessions focused on raising children’s awareness on personal protection concepts, sexual exploitation and harassment, and empowering them to distinguish between safe and unsafe behaviors. They also aimed to strengthen children’s ability to express themselves, respect the privacy and dignity of others, and understand the importance of speaking up and seeking help when exposed to any inappropriate behavior, without fear.

Based on the important role of the family in building society, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, continues to implement psychosocial and awareness raising programs that aim to strengthen positive parenting skills and effective communication between parents and children.

Within this framework, MECC team organized five- day educational awareness sessions as part of the Safe Family Program for caregivers of the students previously targeted in 9th grade remedial classes in the city of Jaramana and its surrounding areas.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has launched "Light of Hope," a new bulletin series dedicated to documenting the ongoing ordeal in the Middle East, with a primary focus on the catastrophic situation in Lebanon. This publication serves as a "cry" for the people of the Antiochian Levant who have endured decades of pain.

Solidarity with Displaced Families and Hosting Shelters

Based on the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)’ commitment to follow up on the field the humanitarian response in Lebanon amidst the repercussions of the war in the country, the team of the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office made field visits to the Municipality and to the Melkite Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Prophet Elijah – the Episcopal Vicariate in of Deir El Qamar.

These visits aimed to assess displacement situations and identify the most urgent humanitarian needs of affected families, as well as to distribute vouchers to internally displaced people in Deir El-Qamar and deliver first aid kits to collective shelters and displaced communities.