MECC
Dr. Michel Abs, the MECC Secretary General, Meets with Reverend Nadi Labib - Cairo
Emphasizing the Importance of the Role of Purposeful Media that Educates Generations
Cairo, July 14, 2024
As part of his visit to Egypt, Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), met with Reverend Nadi Labib, Head of the Media Council of the Evangelical Synod of the Nile and Member of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Executive Committee. Dr. Abs was accompanied by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator. The visit took place at the headquarters of the Evangelical Church - Mokattam - Cairo.
The Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil and Dr. Michel Abs Visit the Babylon Fortress in the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George - Cairo
Cairo, July 14, 2024
The Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., and Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), continued their pilgrimage to the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Cairo, affiliated to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa for the Greek Orthodox, and visited the Roman Fortress of Babylon.
They were accompanied by the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, the Head of the Monastery, and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator. The visitors had a look at the Fortress, its sections, and content, as well as visited its Churches, the graves of the Patriarchs and of the new holy martyrs, as well as everything it includes.
Archimandrite Jack Khalil and Dr. Michel Abs Visit the Greek Orthodox Center for Studies and Dialogue in Cairo
The Center Is a Beacon of Interfaith Dialogue and an Embodiment of Common Life
Cairo, July 14, 2024
The Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, Head of the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George affiliated to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator, visited the Greek Orthodox Center for Studies and Dialogue in Cairo, located in the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George.
The delegation had a look at the center, which aims to embody the Church’s Holy message, its love, and openness to our era and its requirements. Hence, Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai confirmed to the MECC media that: “The idea of establishing the Patriarchal Center for Dialogue and Studies for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa came with the aim to have a center for dialogue that is consistent with its extended role through the ages.
Archimandrite Dean Jack Khalil Presided Over the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Cairo, in the Presence of Dr. Michel Abs, the MECC Secretary General
Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai: “The Theological Institute in Balamand is an unparalleled intellectual and cultural oasis, and MECC has proven its presence and distinction through its humanitarian programs and projects”
Cairo, July 14, 2.24
At the invitation of the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, Head of the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa in Cairo, the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand in Lebanon and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery’s Church.
The Mass was served by students from the Theological Institute of Balamand.
The Mass was attended by Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Arlette Michel, President of the Good Shepherd Greek Orthodox Association in Heliopolis, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator, and believers.
An Overview About the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Ancient Egypt, Affiliated to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa
Cairo, July 14, 2024
By: The Journalist Lea Adel Maamary
Attention is drawn to the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Ancient Egypt, located in the Babylon region, which took its name after the settlement of Babylonian prisoners who were brought to Egypt by Pharaoh Ramesses I.
This area is located about five kilometers South of Central Cairo, and opposite the Giza Pyramids. Today, it is one of the most densely populated suburbs of Cairo, which includes many Monasteries, places of worship, and cemeteries.
A Symposium About “Challenges of Theological Education in the Middle East” at the Papal Residence - Cairo
Cairo, July 13, 2024
In our recent era, and amidst the unprecedented developments witnessed in the fields of technology, artificial intelligence, and the digital revolution, which constitutes a new challenge to the educational systems and learning in colleges and institutes in the world, the Deans of the Theological Colleges and Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E., members of the Association, held a symposium at the New Papal Residence in Cairo, presided over by the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Theological Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of A.T.I.M.E. It was hosted and attended by His Eminence Bishop Anba Michael, Bishop of Helwan and Al Masara and Vice Dean of the Seminary Institute - Bishop Anba Royce, delegated by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Secretary General of the Egypt Council of Churches Reverend Yoshua Yacoub, representatives of the Churches in Egypt, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator the journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Professors, and student representatives.
Dr. Michel Abs Participates in the Pilgrimage Trip for the Deans of the Theological Colleges and Institutes in the Middle East
A Prayer in Front of the Relics of St. Mark the Apostle – Egypt
Cairo, July 13, 2024
Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), participated in the pilgrimage visit made by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., headed by its President the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Theological Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., the MECC Honorary Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Associate Secretaries General Reverend Refaat Fikri, Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros, and the Deans of the Theological Colleges and Institutes in the Middle East and their representatives, to the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mark in the Abbasiya area in Cairo. Dr. Gergis Saleh presented to the participants an extensive explanation of the history of the Cathedral and its Icons.
Then, they visited the Shrine of St. Mark the Apostle, prayed and were blessed from his relics.
Two Historical Books from His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to Archimandrite Dean Jack Khalil, Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, and Dr. Michel Abs
Cairo, July 12, 2024
In addition to the work of the General Assembly of the Deans of Theological Colleges and Institutes in the Middle East, Dr. Gergis Saleh, the Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), offered some souvenirs in the name of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, to Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand in Lebanon and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., and Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E.
The General Assembly of the Deans of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East Begins Its Work with the Participation of the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs
Who Delivered a Speech Entitled “Together from the Sources”
Cairo, July 12, 2024
Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), participated in the General Assembly meeting of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., held at St. Mark’s House – El Shourouk, Cairo.
The General Assembly meeting was presided over by the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, the Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of A.T.I.M.E., in the presence of Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., and the presence of the MECC Honorary Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, and the MECC Associate Secretaries General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry and Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros, as well as the Deans of the Colleges and Theological Institutes in the Middle East and their representatives.
Firstly, the President of A.T.I.M.E., the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Dean Jack Khalil, welcomed the attendees, and spoke about the importance of the meeting and what it will include.
Then, Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), delivered a speech entitled “Together from the Sources,” in which he said:
The Association consists of colleges and theological institutes affiliated with the member churches of the Middle East Council of Churches, means that it is truly ecumenical in depth, in goals, approaches and methods…
Students Participating in the Second Annual Conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in
the Middle East Concluded this Conference by A Meeting with His Eminence Bishop George Chihan in Cairo
Bishop Shihan: “We must adhere to the sentence, ‘Do not be afraid’”
Dr. Abs: “A.T.M.E. is a strategic element in MECC”
Cairo, July 11, 2024
The workshops of the second annual conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E. ended. It was held at St. Mark's Conference House in the Obour area - Cairo, under the title "We Witness Together."
In a final phase, the students paid a visit to His Eminence Bishop George Chihan, the Most Respected, Head of the Maronite Diocese of Cairo, Egypt and Sudan. The delegation was headed by the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of A.T.I.M.E., and included Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., Reverend Bishoy Helmi, the Associate Executive Secretary, Reverend Dr. Samuel Rosvi, the Associate Executive Secretary, and the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator the journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
In an atmosphere full of love and fraternity, His Eminence and a group of Priest fathers received the students in the Diocese headquarters.
Students Participating in the Second Annual Conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East Declares to the MECC Media:
“We found in the Conference ‘We Witness Together’ An Opportunity for Meeting, Acquaintance, and True Fraternity”
Cairo, July 11, 2024
The organizers of the workshops of the second annual conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E., held under the title “We Witness Together”, at St. Mark's Conference House - Cairo, organized many pilgrimage visits for the students to Churches and natural landmarks that trace the history of Egypt and its ancient civilization.
The participating students confirmed in a media interview with the Middle East Council of Churches:
“This conference has clear and important implications, as it created an opportunity for acquaintance, meeting, fraternity, and dialogue between students in their various Churches. In fact, the visits and tours that culminated their workshops gave them a new incentive that the love which unites them is the strongest bond. It made them get to know each other more, exchange conversations, and discuss a lot of important issues in the language of true dialogue and great love.”
Dr. Michel Abs Presents a Lecture entitled “Ecumenical Work and Rapprochement Under the Umbrella of the Middle East Council of Churches” at St. Mark’s Conference House – Cairo
He Addresses the Students and Says: “
Your Role, From Generation to Generation, is to Establish a Change in Thinking Style and Mentality”
Cairo, July 11, 2024
The workshops of the second annual conference of Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E. culminated in a fruitful lecture presented by Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), entitled “Ecumenical Work and Rapprochement Under the Umbrella of the Middle East Council of Churches” at St. Mark’s Conference House in the Obour area - Cairo. The conference is held with the participation of forty students, from many Churches and countries.
Alongside the students, participants in the lecture were the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Theological Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of A.T.I.M.E., Father Dr. Michel Kanbar, Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., Reverend Bishoy Helmi, Associate Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., Reverend Dr. Samuel Rozfi, Co-Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E.
We Bear Witness Together: to the Council of Nicaea, Which Brings Us Together as Diverse Churches - and to our Holy Bible
Spiritual Lectures Strengthened the Work of the Second Annual Conference of A.T.M.E. - Cairo
Cairo, July 10, 2024
The second annual conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E., held at St. Mark's Conference House in the Obour area - Cairo, continued its workshops entitled "We Witness Together."
The forty students began their third day with a Prayer according to the ritual of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Launching of the Second Annual Conference “We Witness Together” of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East at St. Mark’s Conference House - Cairo
Cairo - July 10, 2024
The Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E. launched its second annual student conference at St. Mark's Conference House in the Obour area - Cairo.
The conference was organized and attended by The Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of A.T.I.M.E., the Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E. Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, Reverend Bishoy Helmi, the Associate Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., and Reverend Dr. Samuel Rozfi, the Associate Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E.
Attendees and participants were also members of A.T.I.M.E.: Dr. Gergis Saleh, Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Dr. Ishak Ibrahim Ajban Shenouda from the Institute of Coptic Studies, Dr. Michael Edward Abdo Mikhael from the Institute of Care and Education, and forty students from many countries.
Dr. Michel Abs, the MECC Secretary General, Arrives in Cairo to Participate in the Conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East - A.T.M.E.
Cairo - July 10, 2024
Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), arrived in Cairo to participate in the second annual conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E under the title “We Witness Together.”
He was accompanied on the visit by the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator the journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
They were received at St. Mark's Conference House in the Obour area by the The Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack (Khalil), Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand in Lebanon and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E.
Video - Father Dr. Michael Kanbar Sheds Light on the ATIME and the Gathering of the Students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon
On Charity Radio TV
Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was the guest of the journalist Zouhour Abou Mansour, in an episode within the program “Hawana Hawak”, broadcasted on Charity Radio TV, on Monday 19 February 2024.
During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, highlighted the ATIME, its goals and the most prominent programs it implements, especially with students of Theological Institutes in the region. He also talked about the gathering organized by the ATIME for the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It.” It was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University, Furn Al-Chebbak - Beirut.
Video - Father Dr. Michael Kanbar Talks About the Annual Gathering that Will Be Organized by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME)
for the Students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon
On Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel
Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was the guest in an episode within the program “All Nour Maana” (which means “The Lights Is with Us”), broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, on Thursday 15 February 2024, to talk about the annual gathering that ATIME will organize for the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University, Lebanon.
During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Father Dr. Michael presents an introduction about the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), highlighting its mission and the projects it is implementing in the Middle East region. Father Dr. Michael also talks about the goals of the gathering that ATIME will hold for the Theological students in Lebanon and its program.
An Ecumenical Sports Day Bringing Together Students from the Theological Institutes in Egypt
Organized by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME)
Hosted by the Coptic Catholic Seminary in Maadi, Headed by Father Bishoy Rasmi
With the aim of building bridges between students of Theological institutes and as part of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), the Association organized a sports day that brought together students from Theological institutes in Egypt, under the title “So that they may be one,” based on the Priestly Prayer of Jesus: “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one” (John 17: 11). This sport day took place on Saturday 25 November 2023, and was hosted by the Coptic Catholic Seminary in Maadi, headed by Father Bishoy Rasmi, Dean of the Seminary.
Participants were His Eminence Anba Michael on behalf of the Coptic Orthodox Theological Seminaries at Bishop Royce, Reverend Dr. Samuel Rozvy Dean of the Evangelical Theological Seminary, Father Dr. Andrew Fahmy Dean of the Coptic Catholic Theological Seminary in Sakakini, Reverend Dr. Sherif Salah from the Evangelical Theological Seminary, and Father Yacobos Anba Bishoy the Spiritual supervisor of the day unit at Bishop Royce. As well as, participants were Dr. Gergis Ibrahim Saleh, Honorory Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Dr. Isaac Ajban, and Dr. Michael Adwar.
Video – Environmental and Theological Researchers and Specialists Explain that the Issue of Creation Is at the Core of Our Faith
Within the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium
Between the environment and Theology, researchers and specialists gathered at the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium organized by The Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME). Its sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon, following an Ecumenical Prayer Service for the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.
During the Symposium, speakers and participants explained that the issue of creation is at the core of our faith. They also stressed the importance of the Church’s role in reducing injustice to the environment. Hence, you will find, in the video, some opinions and aspirations from the Symposium’s participants.
Details about the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Symposium’s first day
Video – The Importance of Environmental Theology in the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium
The “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium, organized by the Middle East Council of Churches in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was an important opportunity to shed light on the role of the Church towards the environment, based on the environmental Theology and our Christian faith. This is what the Symposium’s participants focused on. Thus, you can find some of their opinions and experiences in the video.
Noting that the Symposium’s sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon, following an Ecumenical Prayer Service for the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.
Details about the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Symposium’s first day