Under the Theme “Living Water”

Ismailia – 23 July 2026

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) officially launched the first activities of the 2026 Season of Creation, celebrated this year under the theme “Living Water,” through a spiritual and environmental day organized by the Council’s Theological and Ecumenical Department under the supervision of Fr. Movses (Garen) Yosolkanian. The event was held in cooperation with the Benedictine Monastery in El-Tal El-Kebir (Ismailia), the Syriac Orthodox Church in Egypt, the Institute of History of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, and the Ecumenical Youth Committee in Egypt. The activity formed part of the three-year “Care for Creation” program implemented by the Middle East Council of Churches with the support of Danmission.

The gathering brought together young people, church ministers, monks, nuns, and representatives of the Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical Churches in Egypt, alongside participants from religious congregations, theological institutes, youth, pastoral, ecumenical, and scouting movements, as well as participants from Lebanon and Syria. The event reflected a vibrant spirit of fellowship, unity, and cooperation among the Churches.

The fourth and final day of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) Student Summer Conference brought to a close an inspiring week of prayer, learning, dialogue, and ecumenical fellowship.

The day opened with morning prayer according to the Byzantine Orthodox tradition, led by Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand, and ATIME Former President. He also offered the biblical reflection on the Gospel account of the Risen Lord's appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, emphasizing that true knowledge of Christ is possible only through a personal encounter with the living Lord.

The third day of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) Student Summer Conference continued its exploration of the relationship between theology and artificial intelligence through a rich program of prayer, academic reflection, and ecumenical dialogue.

The day began with morning prayer prepared by the Evangelical group and led by Rev. Dr. Samuel Rozfy, Dean of the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo and Executive Secretary of ATIME, together with Ms. Basma Hosney, who led the participants in a series of beautiful worship songs, creating a spirit of prayer, joy, and communion among all those gathered.

Continues Its Activities in Cairo

With a Visit from His Beatitude Patriarch Anba Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak

And Explores Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Cairo, Egypt | 14 July 2026

The second day of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) Student Summer Conference began with morning prayer according to the Catholic tradition. The prayer was led by Rev. Fr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), together with Sr. Rose Abi Aad, ATIME Associate Executive Secretary. The biblical meditation was delivered by Dr. Laurent Yacoub (Theology student from Saint Joseph University of Beirut), inviting participants to begin the day in prayerful reflection before entering into the conference sessions.

The Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) Student Summer Conference 2026 officially opened on 13 July 2026 at Our Lady of Peace Guest House in Cairo, bringing together theology students from across the Middle East for a week of ecumenical formation, dialogue, and fellowship.

The conference began with a morning prayer according to the Coptic Orthodox tradition. The prayer was led by Dr. Gergis Saleh, former General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and current Associate Executive Secretary of ATIME, together with Fr. Movses Yosolkanian, representing the Armenian Faculty of Theology. All student participants took part in the prayer, marking the beginning of the conference in a spirit of worship, fellowship, and Christian unity.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”

(Luke 12:32)

With deep faith and great hope, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) releases the Arabic version of the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” booklet 2027, under the theme “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32), based on the Biblical Text Luke 12: 22–34.

The booklet includes Prayers and reflections prepared by the Irish Council of Churches and the Council for Ecumenism and Dialogue of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. The texts were jointly prepared and published by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity in the Vatican and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches (WCC), and were translated into Arabic by the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as every year.

“Living Water”

Carrying the theme “Living Water” and the symbol “Immersion in Living Water,” inspired by Ezekiel 47:9 and 12, the Ecumenical Family in the Middle East and around the world unites to celebrate the “Season of Creation” 2026. This season constitutes an Ecumenical, Christian, and environmental station to contemplate and care for our common home, the Oikos of God.

Each year, the Season’s celebrations begin on September 1, the day that many Church Families celebrate as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and others celebrate as the Feast of Creation. It ends on October 4, with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of ecology.

In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which is a Member of the Season of Creation Ecumenical Steering Committee, issues the guide for the “Season of Creation” 2026 in Arabic, after the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department translated into Arabic, as is customary annually.

Psychological and Spiritual Support Sessions Instill Renewed Hope

A Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling (THSC) workshop was held in Jordan, from June 20–26, 2026, bringing together 22 church ministers from Jordan and the Holy Lands for a meaningful week of healing, renewal, and personal growth.

The program was organized by the Theological and Ecumenical Department of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). Designed for ordained ministers, lay assistants, people who work at Church, social workers, and individuals working directly with traumatized communities, the workshop offered participants a valuable opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and strengthen their capacity to accompany others on their healing journeys.

Supported by a team of spiritual counselors and psychologists, the workshop provided a holistic approach that integrated psychological care with spiritual accompaniment. Each day began with sports activities for those who wanted to do, followed by meditation, reflection, and Prayer, creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity before the start of the training sessions.

“Living Water”

Carrying the theme “Living Water” and the symbol “Immersion in Living Water,” inspired by Ezekiel 47:9 and 12, the Ecumenical Family in the Middle East and around the world unites to celebrate the “Season of Creation” 2026. This season constitutes an Ecumenical, Christian, and environmental station to contemplate and care for our common home, the Oikos of God.

Each year, the Season’s celebrations begin on September 1, the day that many Church Families celebrate as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and others celebrate as the Feast of Creation. It ends on October 4, with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of ecology.

In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which is a Member of the Season of Creation Ecumenical Steering Committee, issues the guide for the “Season of Creation” 2026 in Arabic, after the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department translated into Arabic, as is customary annually.

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.

Mother Dolly Chaaya, Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order of Nuns, During a Spiritual Retreat for the MECC General Secretariat Team:

A Wound Transformed into Hope and Resurrection

During a spiritual and intellectual gathering with the General Secretariat team of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Saint Joseph Monastery in Jrebta, Tomb of Saint Rafqa, Mother Dolly Chaya, Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order of Nuns, delivered a reflection entitled “The Path of Holiness in a Wounded East.”

Drawing from the life of Saint Rafqa and the wounds of the contemporary Middle East, Mother Dolly explored the meaning of holiness in everyday life. She emphasized that holiness is neither a distant ideal nor an image preserved in memory, but rather a daily path lived in the heart of suffering, in the face of fear, and in the continual search for hope.

Her reflection came at a time when many people in the region feel deprived of security and burdened by fear, migration, displacement, and wounded belonging. Yet Mother Dolly urged not to view this reality solely through the lens of defeat, but through the lens of faith, which sees that a wound, when touched by the Mystery of the Risen Christ, no longer remains a sign of death but can become a testimony of love and hope.

Headed by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

Visits His Eminence Sheikh Al-Aql of the Unitarian Druze Community, Sheikh Dr. Sami Abi Al-Muna

Words Emphasized the Strengthening of Cooperation Between the Two Sides for the Benefit of People and the Nation

His Eminence Sheikh Al-Aql of the Unitarian Druze Community, Sheikh Dr. Sami Abi Al-Muna, received at the Druze Community House in Beirut, a delegation from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). It included Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, Associate Secretaries General Father Dean Nicolas Bustros and Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Dr. Laudy Khoury, Mrs. Caroline Haddad, Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Mrs.Maha Samaan, Mr. Richard Sassine, Mr. Rabih Abu Rjeily, and Mr. Elia Nasrallah.

The delegation affirmed the MECC support for the statement issued by the recent Christian-Muslim Spiritual Summit held at the Druze Community House, as well as for the general framework outlined by His Eminence Sheikh Abi Al-Muna. The delegation noted that this framework strengthens communication among all spiritual and national components in Lebanon and promotes dialogue outcomes that contribute to spreading awareness, fostering a culture of tolerance, preserving values, consolidating stability, and safeguarding civil peace.

The delegation also praised His Eminence Sheikh Al-Aql’s initiative in meeting the Heads of State with a delegation representing Religious Authorities within the framework of a spiritual and national partnership aimed at rescuing the State and protecting the nation.

A Joint Online Webinar Organized by the World Council of Churches and Middle East Council of Churches

Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: “A diaconal Church does not wait for peace before acting. It creates small signs of peace in the middle of war”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) held an online Joint webinar entitled “Role of the Church in Times of War: A Diaconal Response in the Middle East,” with the participation of representatives from Church-based humanitarian organizations and actors engaged in relief and humanitarian work in the region.

The webinar was moderated by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, who delivered an opening word. He noted that, “A diaconal Church does not wait for peace before acting. It creates small signs of peace in the middle of war. It lights candles where there is darkness. It breaks bread where there is hunger. It listens where there is pain. It reminds every person, whatever their religion or background, that they are not abandoned. This is the Church’s calling: to be the presence of Christ among the wounded people of the Middle East.”

MECC Implements a Special Workshop in Egypt

A Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling (THSC) workshop was successfully held in Egypt at the Papal Logos Center in Wadi El Natrun, bringing together 27 participants for a deeply meaningful and transformative experience.

The program was organized by the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). Supported by a dedicated team of two spiritual accompanists, two psychologists, and coordinated by Sr. Emily Tannous, the workshop offered a safe and nurturing space for healing.

Each day was carefully designed to support both spiritual and emotional well-being. Mornings began with Prayer, reflection, and grounding, followed by interactive sessions exploring trauma, its impact, and pathways toward healing and resilience. Participants engaged in group discussions, personal sharing, and guided activities, fostering trust, openness, and connection.

At a students’ gathering at the Pontifical School of Theology at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) on Thursday, April 16, 2026, Father Dr. Antoine Al-Ahmar, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), presented the MECC publication "Towards a Common Date for Easter." Its content and objectives were explained, and the publication was distributed to all students.

This meeting coincided with an initiative by the Bible Society to distribute a collection of books specializing in Biblical Studies and Exegesis, in support of the students' academic and scholarly pursuits.

Attendees were His Eminence Archbishop Antoine Awkar, Maronite Patriarchal Vicar, Father Dr. Elias Hanna, Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Micheal Bassous, Secretary General of the Bible Society, as well as Professors, in a rich and fruitful atmosphere.

The video includes messages from His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs.

Organized by the Middle East Council of Churches and the Episcopal Committee for Christian–Muslim Dialogue in Lebanon

As part of an awareness campaign on the Common Date for Easter, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) delivered a lecture at the Dekwaneh Parish in Lebanon, on Monday evening, March 30, 2026, following the Holy Week Prayer Service, with the participation of many Parishioners.

The lecture focused the historical and Theological aspects of Easter, highlighting the common roots of this Feast in various Churches and the importance of working towards a unified date for its celebration, given its spiritual and Ecumenical significance in strengthening shared Christian witness.

As well as, the booklet, "Towards a Common Date for Easter," published by MECC, was also presented. It includes the well-known 1997 Aleppo Statement, along with lectures explaining the background of the differences, proposed solutions, and ongoing efforts in this regard. The booklet also presents the current positions of the Churches on this issue.