MECC
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, And Many Guests, in a Special Episode of the "Initiatives" Program
About the Inauguration of the Church of Our Lady of Unexpected Joy in Zahle
Via Voice of Van Radio
The Episode Is Prepared and Presented By the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary
The Family Is in Danger and Its Rescue Is Urgent
On Its World Day, Major Challenges Burden the Family
The Church Accompanies It
Exclusive: Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
Amidst international developments, the Middle East is experiencing crises, divisions, and conflicts that have imposed many social changes, negatively impacting family life and its growth its societies. In fact, this year's International Day of Families, which falls on May 15th of each year, bears a high level of injustice, violence, and hate speech...
Today, families face many challenges that impose repercussions on home education and the preservation of human values, which places them facing an uncertain future. Consequently, families are facing a wave of complexities that cast a shadow over their lifestyles and the interactions of their members.
A dangerous reality that families are facing today... a bitter truth we cannot ignore! The solution? Stand still.
The Region of Zahle in Lebanon Is Preparing, and a Press Conference Launched the Program of the Inauguration of Our Lady of Joy Church and the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum
With the beginning of the countdown to the inauguration of Our Lady of Joy Church and the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum, a press conference was held at the Archdiocese in Zahle, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), the Most Reverend, Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Zahle, Baalbek and Its Dependencies, and Member of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC); at the invitation of the Media Committee, which is covering the event, and in the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali), the Representative of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East at the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia. The press conference was attended by the Venerable Priests, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, Engineer Christina Saikali, the Heads and Members of the Committees in charge of the preparations, and representatives of the media outlets and social media platforms.
The conference began with the National anthem, which was followed by a speech delivered by the Head of the Media Committee, Father Seraphim Makhoul, priest of the Saint George Parish in Zahle, Hawsh Al-Umara. He thanked the Lord for His abundant gifts and blessings that spread the fragrance of faith throughout the beloved land of Lebanon. He emphasized that the inauguration event is a jewel of faith that reflects light in Zahle, noting that the city of Zahle after May 18, 2025, will never be the same again. He then presented a detailed explanation of the inauguration Mass, which will be held with the blessing and presence of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, who will consecrate the Church of Our Lady of Joy and inaugurate the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum. The ceremony will be attended by Metropolitan Antonios (Volokolamsk), Head of the Department of External Relations of the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia, representing His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, as well as Priests, and a high-ranking diplomatic personalities. The inauguration will take place on Sunday, May 18, at 8:30 a.m. The inauguration of the Museum will follow the Mass at 12:30 p.m.
The Media Team of the Middle East Council of Churches Covered the Press Conference to Launch the Inauguration Program
of the Church of Our Lady of Unexpected Joy and the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum in Zahle
Video - A Special Episode About the Inauguration of the Church of Our Lady of Unexpected Joy and the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum in Zahle
Entitled "The Dream Comes True"
On Mariam TV
The Episode Is Prepared and Presented By the Journalists Lea Adel Maamary and George Maalouli
Between the Dream of Peace in the World and the Preservation of Human Dignity
Pope Leo XIV Begins His Papacy with A Hopeful Human Vision
Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
A heavenly joy is being witnessed by believers around the world. An awaited joy was manifested by the white smoke that rose from the Sistine Chapel. The new Supreme Pontiff appeared and, with his compassionate smile, blessed the people of God who eagerly awaited his first appearance. He is Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, the first Augustinian Pope, who today succeeds the Late Pope Francis.
A great responsibility falls on the Pope of the Catholic Church amidst a world witnessing turmoil, conflicts, and painful events. The people of the earth are thirsty for someone to heal their wounds and ease the burden of the crises that weigh them down. The world is in danger, and the new Pope faces enormous challenges. Since his election, the media has been publishing analyses and data that identify the issues he might address.
But how true is the information circulating? Are the analysts more knowledgeable than the Vatican?
The Holy See is fully aware of the current and urgent issues facing the world. Let us await the latest official developments and pray for the Supreme Pontiff, so that God may grant him His grace in fulfilling his lofty mission.
Today, Pope Leo XIV guides the Church against which the gates of hell will not prevail. He is inspired by the life of his predecessor, Pope Francis who was dedicated to service, and renews his commitment to the path that the universal Church has been following for decades, enlightened by the Second Vatican Council.
Church Leaders from Around the World Gather in Assisi to Launch a Joint Feast of Creation
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.
