On the occasion of World Mental Health Day and the beginning of the week of global celebrations of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in Egypt, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized an environmental science day with members of the Coptic Evangelical Organization and the Bishopric of Public, Ecumenical and Social Services (BLESS) in the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, at the Anaphora Oasis in Egypt. The event took place on Friday, October 10, 2025.

The environmental day began with a gathering of experts from Egyptian universities and the Ministry of Environment at St. Mark's Cathedral in Abbassia. Father Movses (Garen) Yosolkanian welcomed the attendees in the Anaphora Oasis. His Eminence Metropolitan Thomas, Director of the Oasis and Metropolitan of El-Qusiya and Mir, in Assiut Governorate, joined the meeting.

By the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar

“The fortress will be abandoned… until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field… My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”

— Isaiah 32:14-18

The Season of Creation invites us to rediscover our calling as caretakers of God’s creation, and Isaiah’s prophetic vision speaks powerfully to our reality today. He imagines a world transformed: once desolate lands renewed, abandoned cities restored, and God’s Spirit poured out to bring justice, peace, and harmony.

This vision feels particularly urgent in the Middle East, where conflicts and wars have deeply scarred both people and the environment. Forests have been burned, fertile lands abandoned, rivers polluted, and biodiversity threatened. With water scarcity rising, climate change worsening, and displacement increasing, nature has become an unspoken victim of human violence.

The Youth Leadership Building journey that began in Summer 2024, with several encounters throughout the year, has now reached its culmination. Organized by the Theological and Ecumenical Department of the Middle East Council of Churches, in collaboration with Youth for Christ Lebanon, Bible Society Lebanon, Ithraa-Lebanon for Relational Needs, Kerk in Actie (Netherlands) and WSCF Middle East, this program has provided young participants with continuous opportunities for growth, leadership, and fellowship—leading to its closing chapter at the Summer Camp 2025.

The YLB Summer Camp 2025 extended over five unforgettable days, marked by growth, reflection, and fun. It was held at Beit El Safa – in the town of Nabaa El Safa (Aley, Lebanon) – bringing together a group of young participants in a transformative experience that combined leadership skill development with the strengthening of community bonding.

Continues Its Regional Program “Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling”

Spiritual and Psychological Support Sessions in an Ecumenical Framework

Stemming from its belief in the importance of spiritual and psychological support, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues organizing its regional program " Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling." It held a new workshop between June 1 and 6, 2025, at the Monastery of Notre Dame du Puits in Beqanaya – Lebanon, in the presence of the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry.

Participants were a group of Clergy, Nuns, lay people, and pastoral workers, representing various Church Families and countries of the Middle East such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt. Noting that they had previously participated in national workshops organized in their countries as part of the same program, and are now trained to develop their capacities to provide support within their communities.

The workshop aimed to develop the participants' capacities regarding the concept of trauma and ways to heal it through pastoral ministry. It empowered them and provided them with the necessary skills to support others spiritually and psychologically in the face of the challenges imposed by the difficult circumstances casting a shadow over the region due to various crises.

Organizes a Regional Workshop as Part of the of the “Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling” Program

The Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Visits the Participants and Supports Them

The Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) implemented a new workshop to train the trainers, as part of the regional program "Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling". It took place between May 25 and 30, 2025, at the Monastery of Notre Dame du Puits in Beqanaya - Lebanon.

Participants were a group of Clergy, Nuns, lay people, and pastoral workers, representing various Church Families and countries of the Middle East such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt. Noting that they had previously participated in national workshops organized in their countries as part of the same program, and are now trained to develop their capacities to provide support within their communities.

This workshop was held in response to the urgent psychological and spiritual needs of communities suffering from crises and instability in the region. Therefore, the program aimed to enhance participants' awareness of the concept of trauma and ways to heal it through pastoral ministry, as well as to empower them to support others in similar areas.

Praying for the Ascension Thursday

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs presided over the weekly meeting of the MECC General Secretariat, with an online participation of the Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, and colleagues from various departments, in person and online. The meeting took place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

As is customary, the meeting began with a Biblical Reading, which this week focused on the Gospel of Luke 46: 24-53 and Acts 1: 1-14. The attendees then raised their Prayers on the occasion of the Ascension Thursday, saying together, "Lift with you, O Lord, our souls and minds from emptiness and temporal concerns to divine understanding and truth."

An Ecumenical Event with the Organization and Participation of MECC and Ecumenical International Organizations

Under the title “Creation Day & The Nicaea Centenary: Crystallizing the Ecumenical Dream of the New Liturgical Feast”, and with the aim of developing a common Liturgical Feast to celebrate the creation together, an Ecumenical conference was held from May 5 to 7, 2025, in Assisi, Italy.

The conference was held in partnership with the World Council of Churches, the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the World Methodist Council, the Laudato Si' Research Institute, and the Middle East Council of Churches, represented by the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department and Member of the International Steering Committee of the “Season of Creation” Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar.

The event was attended by a representative of the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate and representatives of Church Leaders from various Church Families and Eastern and Western Church traditions.

The gathering included daily prayers, speeches, and various sessions focused on the Theological foundations and history of the “Feast of Creation”, in addition to Biblical Readings and Liturgical prayers. It is worth noting that the Day of Creation is traditionally celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox tradition on September 1 of each year. The Middle East Council of Churches also participated in several activities, adding value to the conference.

Following Up on Work Updates with Great Hope

The General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its weekly meetings, with colleagues uniting in work, Prayer, and reflection in an Ecumenical and fraternal spirit, praying for peace and justice in the region and the world. Today, the team is living the Holy Week with humility and hope in preparation for the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In this context, the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, held the latest weekly meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Council’s headquarters in Beirut, with the presence of the General Secretariat team from various departments and the online participation of colleagues from Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Canada.

At the beginning of the meeting, Professor Michel Abs, delivered, on behalf of the MECC family, a word of consolation, sympathy, and support to the colleague Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at MECC, who lost her life partner. He prayed that the Lord, through His Resurrection, would grant her strength and determination in this new chapter of her life.

The Middle East Council of Churches and its Partners Contribute to Empowering Youth and Developing Their Skills

Believing in the importance of supporting and empowering youth by developing their leadership skills and contributing to building healthy communities, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues to implement the "Youth Leadership Building" program in Lebanon. A new session of this program was organized in March at the ABTS Moore Center – Mansourieh, with the participation of a group of youth and leaders, accompanied by specialized speakers Reem El Khoury and Abd Zein El Din.

Noting that this program is held in partnership with Youth for Christ (YFC), Kerk in Actie (KIA), Ithraa Center in Lebanon, the Bible Society - Lebanon and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF).

The day began with light breakfast snacks, offering a moment of fellowship where participants could reconnect and meet one another again. A series of outdoor icebreakers followed, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the day.

Together we Pray and Work to Enhance the Ecumenical Spirit

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) General Secretariat continues its weekly meetings. This meeting, which constitutes a time for Prayer, reflection, and work, brings together colleagues with hearts filled with faith, hope, and determination to work together for the Ecumenical mission and the humanitarian service.

The last meeting, held by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, coincided with the Feast of Saint Joseph, the honest carpenter, the partner of Mary, and the righteous father who was distinguished by his humility, silence, and obedience. He is the Patron Saint of fathers and families, and he dedicated his life to service and acts of charity.

A Journey of Prayer and Lent Towards the Joy of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ

With the organization and invitation of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), headed by Fr. Antoine Al-Ahmar, and hosted by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Kyrillos Babi, the Patriarchal Vicar for the Syriac Orthodox Charitable Institutions in Atchaneh, the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate - Atchaneh hosted a Spiritual Retreat for the Council’s General Secretariat team headed by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Alongside the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, participants were the MECC Associate Secretary General Fr. Dr. Nicolas Bustros, the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Fr. Antoine Al-Ahmar, and colleagues from the Council's team in Lebanon.

Continuous Prayers During the Blessed Season of Lent

In an Ecumenical spirit filled with fraternity and love, the family of the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) lives the blessed Season of Lent by working and praying together on the intention of every person on this earth, during the meetings in which colleagues gather weekly to follow up on the developments of their work.

In this context, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, presided over the latest weekly meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut, in the presence of the MECC General Secretariat team from various departments that strive to achieve the desired Ecumenical and humanitarian goals.

The Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized a new environmental day in the Bekaa, specifically in the Ablah village, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, as part of its “Season of Creation” program implemented by the department with the support of “Danmission” Organization.

The youth of the village and its residents from the three Parishes in the town participated in this activity. Local bodies and institutions also played a prominent role in preparing and inviting for this popular gathering. Among them were the Municipality, Parishes, civil defense, scouts, schools, and the “Think Environmentally” section at the Daher Foundation. The event coincided with an exceptional drought period that Lebanon suffered from, so it was an occasion to raise Prayers to God for the blessing of the year and rainfall. On the other hand, this day coincided with the eve of the Feast of Lights (February 2), which crowns the special environmental period, i.e. the forty days between Christmas and the Feast of the Entry of Jesus Christ into the Temple. There is an ancient tradition, whereby people on this occasion hold a popular procession in the streets, including singing and dancing, in addition to Worship ceremonies in the Churches.

With the blessing and presence of Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family, the UAECNE hosted an Ecumenical Prayer Service on the occasion of the ending of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2025 entitled “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26), in celebration of the conclusion of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as well as the announcement of the launch of the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the First Armenian Evangelical Church - Kantari, Beirut.

As part of the "Season of Creation" and Environmental Days Celebrations in the Middle East, the EcoJustice Unit at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) prepared an environmental activity and a Christmas celebration in the Anafora Oasis on the Desert Road in Egypt.

For the occasion, the youth of Egypt, in coordination with the youth of the Coptic Orthodox, Catholic, Evangelical and Episcopal churches, the Ecumenical Youth Committee in Egypt and all other youth, celebrated the fourth day of Christmas and Epiphany on January 10, 2025, which is a great and wonderful Feast. Upon arrival, the youth were hosted with ecological welcome drinks.

Then, the Coordinator of the EcoJustice Unit Archdeacon Garen Yosolkanian, welcomed the active youth who are the pulse of life and the leaders of the present in developing the society and studies. He also welcomed the President of the Egypt Council of Churches Reverend Yeshua Yacoub, the Presidnet of the Ecumenical Youth Committee in Egypt Mr. Medhat Fayez, and all the officials and representatives of the Egyptian youth.

Under the title "Awareness Is One of the Foundations of Education and One of the Pillars of the Church Social Work", the EcoJustice Unit invited the Egyptian Church Youth to an environmental day in Wadi El Natrun in the first section of the Anafora Oasis, which helps a lot of young people to find their devotion in their lives.

In this context, the EcoJustice Unit at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) prepared a lecture on Environmental Theology and a celebration of the beginning of the year in the Eastern Julian tradition with His Eminence Bishop Thomas of Qusiya and Church personalities in Environmental Theology.

At the beginning of the discussion, Archdeacon Garen thanked His Eminence for his attendance at the celebrations of the Season of Creation and his continuous cooperation in the Middle East and the world.

With love and one voice, the fragrance of hymns at the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity wafts through the voices of the Ecumenical choir which included members from different Church Families.

End of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

We unite together in Prayer proclaiming “Merciful God, forgive us for the times we have failed to live a common life as Christians. Draw us more deeply to one faith in you so that we may witness to the world” (from the Prayer Service of the Week of Unity 2025).

Opening Ecumenical Prayer Service in celebration of the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”, at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church in the Syriac Catholic Patriarchate in Beirut.

The launching of the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” 2025 in the Middle East, under the title “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26). An Ecumenical Prayer Service is being held live from the Church of St. Ignatius the Antioch in the Syriac Catholic Patriarchate in Beirut, hosted by His Beatitude Patriarch Mor Ignatius Youssef III Younan, Syriac Catholic Patriarch of Antioch, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), with the participation of the Heads of the Churches, and the presence of the MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs.

What Are the Celebrations that Will Be Held on the Occasion?

As we celebrate the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” 2025, let us unite together in Prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ, on the intention of Christian unity and for peace in the Middle East and the world, carrying this year’s theme “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26).

Below you can find in Arabic the Prayer for Christian Unity.

Week of Prayer Booklet 2025 in Arabic and English

Program of the Celebrations in Lebanon