Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

It is the day of the founding and birth of the Church, the day on which it was entrusted with its mission: a community of missionaries and witnesses. The disciples accepted the word of the Lord with great joy to preach it around the world in one language, the language of God... It is the day of Pentecost, the memory of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the apostles who were gathered with the Mother of God in Zion, Jerusalem, following the ascension of Jesus Christ into the heart of the Heavenly Father. It is the celebration of renewal that guides man from darkness and sin to light and chastity. This divine light was mentioned in the Bible of John in chapter 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

Church Families celebrate this divine event fifty days after Easter, each according to its rite and belief. According to Acts 2: 1-11 "And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim…" With the Pentecost, the Church ends the third stage of the New Testament. The first would be the stage from the Annunciation to the Cross, the second, from the Cross to the Resurrection, and the third, from the Resurrection through the Ascension to the Pentecost.

MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Participates in the Ceremony at the Head of an MECC Delegation

On the occasion of the launch of the two books on the Second Vatican Council and the Analytical Index, the Missionary Society of Saint Paul in Lebanon held a ceremony to present the books, and honored the Dean of the Association Father George Baliki, the Paulist. The event took place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena in Jounieh, Lebanon.

Attendees were His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Absi, Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), represented by His Eminence Metropolitan Cyril Salim Bustros, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, represented by His Eminence Bishop Elias Nassar. As well as, attendees were the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, MECC Executive Committee Member Lawyer Professor Ibrahim Traboulsi, and the Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity" Programs at MECC Professor Laure Abi Khalil, along with Bishops, General Superiors, Priests, Experts, and guests.

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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.

Distribution of First Aid Kits to Collective Shelters in Lebanon

As part of strengthening emergency preparedness and support frontline community response efforts, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) distributed 216 first aid kits to municipalities across Tyre, Saida, and Marjeyoun Districts as well as collective shelters hosting IDP’s in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, namely Deir El Amar, Ajaltoun, Rabwe and Rawshe/Lebanese University.

The kits were provided to areas hosting displaced families, collective shelters, and villages facing challenges in accessing healthcare services and medical supplies. In many of these communities, municipalities and local actors remain the first point of support during emergencies and periods of instability.

In a powerful act of solidarity with the people of South Lebanon, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized a humanitarian convoy to the hard-to-reach villages of Marjeyoun District, where communities continue to endure isolation, uncertainty, and limited access to essential services.

With the generous support of Tearfund, Danmission, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Church of Scotland, and in coordination with the Lebanese Army, the convoy delivered 595 hygiene kits and 1,040 food kits to vulnerable families in Bourj El Moulouk, Kleyaa, Jdeidet Marjeyoun, and Ibl El Saki.

This convoy was not merely about aid. But it represented presence in times when people feel forgotten, dignity when hardship becomes part of daily life, and a reminder to every family in the South that they are not alone.

In-Kind and Relief Assistance Alleviating the Burden of Crises

Amidst the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is passing through as a result of the war’s repercussions in the country, the will to live remains stronger, and the commitment to hope remains a light, strength, and consolation despite all challenges. In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its “Light of Hope” campaign, which it launched in response to the humanitarian situations in Lebanon, in order to heal the wounds of the neediest people and stand by their side.

In light of these events, the Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office at the Middle East Council of Churches worked to secure and distribute new assistance to support displaced families and collective shelters in various Lebanese regions.

On one hand, the Diakonia Department provided cleaning kits to a shelter in Ajaltoun serving around 280 people, as well as to another shelter at St. Joseph Church in Beirut serving more than 250 people.

On the other hand, diesel was distributed to collective shelters in Tyre, in order to ensure the continuity of essential services for displaced communities, improve living conditions inside shelters, and reduce pressure on municipalities.

“Momentum”

22-5-2026

This issue includes reports, videos, news, articles, and a full coverage of the latest developments of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as well as the Church, Ecumenical, and social events…

This is in addition to the weekly word of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs which is entitled in this issue “Brother Nour: A Model of Ascetic Simplicity, Leadership, and Achievement, On the Fortieth Day of His Repose”.

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/157f781471e0/momentum-mecc-weekly-newsletter.

You can also subscribe to the Momentum Newsletter via the following link:
https://mecc.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?id=fd3381352a&u=1db32cafe9ea32b38eb90480a.

On the Fortieth Day of His Repose

Professor Michel Abs

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

When ascetic simplicity comes together with leadership, a rare model is born, one that is difficult to repeat. This is what Brother Nour embodied throughout his journey. For him, a position was never an end in itself, but a means to serve people and create lasting impact.

In a time when the spotlight often turns toward those with the most authority, a different kind of model stands out, one that does not need noise in order to be heard. It is a model that turns silence into action, humility into strength, and achievement into the answer to every question. This is the model of Brother Nour.

Ascetic detachment is a hidden strength that creates dignity and reverence.

Asceticism does not mean poverty or isolation. In Brother Nour, it was an inner discipline before it was an outward behavior.

It was detachment in appearance, combined with closeness to people.

His ascetic simplicity was not isolation, but freedom from the outward displays that separate a leader from those who work with him. Brother Nour was known for his simplicity and humility. He was closer to the team than to the chair of authority. This closeness broke barriers and opened the door to trust, because people do not follow titles; they follow those whose sincerity they can feel.

His detachment was also from status. He did not seek visibility or the front place in photos and occasions. He made room for others, and in doing so, he became greater in their eyes.

His detachment was in speech. He spoke little and acted much. This gave weight to his words. When he spoke, everyone listened, because they knew he spoke only when there was a need…

From Beirut to the villages of Marjeyoun district, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues to stand beside vulnerable communities in South Lebanon through the organization of humanitarian convoys reaching hard-to-reach areas with essential assistance.

While many roads in South Lebanon remain difficult and communities continue to endure isolation and uncertainty, MECC continues its commitment to stand beside the people who chose to remain in their villages despite all challenges.

Today, MECC is organizing a humanitarian convoy to the hard-to-reach areas of Marjeyoun district, carrying basic assistance to families living with limited access to essential services and daily needs.

Under the title “Service with Dignity,” Safadi Foundation, in collaboration with MECC-the Middle East Council of Churches and with the support of Danmission, launched two training courses in digital skills and light construction work at Safadi Center for Rural Development in Deir Dalloum, Akkar. This initiative aims to equip young men and women with the necessary skills and provide them with a paid three-month training program, helping them secure job opportunities that enable them to ensure a decent livelihood for themselves and their families.