“Momentum”

23-5-2025

This issue includes reports, videos, news, articles, and a full coverage of the latest developments in the MECC activities, as well as the Church, Ecumenical, and social events, particularly the Mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, and the Meeting of the Patriarchs of the Eastern Orthodox Churches in the Middle East in Egypt، and other Church News.

This is in addition to the weekly word of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs which is written in this issue on the occasion of the press conference to announce the joint scientific conference between the Middle East Council of Churches and the Romaion Cultural Association, entitled “Strengthening Christian Faith Unity: The 1700th Jubilee Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea”.

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/ab2f7994b5f2/momentum-mecc-weekly-newsletter.

"Strengthening Christian Faith Unity: The 1700th Jubilee Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea"

Based on the importance of capacity building in line with modern developments, the Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) participated in a training on "Artificial Intelligence and Its Use in Publishing" with the Jordanian trainer Mr. Emad Hanna. The course was organized by the Christian Publisher League (CPLL) at the Bible Society in Lebanon on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Society's headquarters in Beirut.

This course is the sixth in a series of training sessions on the subject of Christian publishing, bringing together representatives from various organizations and publishing houses.

Strengthening Christian Faith Unity: The 1700th Jubilee Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea

Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: It was a decisive Council for faith, settling doubt with certainty and producing the Creed, which the Church continues to follow to this day

Professor Najib Jahshan: Our duty as a cultural Society that sheds light on our ancient Roman heritage, we are holding this international conference to highlight this unique historical event

Engineer Abdallah Hayek: The conference will include sessions focusing on the historical situation and Church issues that preceded the Council, the Council's convening and agenda, and its near- and long-term outcomes

Dr. Elie Mouwakadie: During the conference, Dr. Asad Rustum will be inscribed in the Golden Register of Roman Creators during the conference

At the invitation of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and the Romaian Cultural Society, a press conference was held to announce the “The Fifth Scientific Conference - Strengthening Christian Faith Unity: The 1700th Jubilee Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea”, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, live from the Platform of the Word at the MECC headquarters in Beirut. Noting that the Fifth Scientific Conference will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Liqaa Center in Rabweh, Metn, Lebanon.

Attendees in the press conference, which was broadcasted live on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, and the MECC Facebook Page, were the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at MECC Fr. Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, and the Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity" program at MECC Dr. Laure Abi Khalil.

Following the Lebanese National Anthem, the press conference began, and was hosted by the 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.

An Episode Within the "Community Knowledge" Series

Invite You to Participate in a Press Conference, Today, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, To Announce:

The Fifth Scientific Conference

Strengthening Christian Faith Unity:

The 1700th Jubilee

Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea

An Episode Within the "Community Knowledge" Series

A Plan of Work Towards a More Peaceful World

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

“I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for he wants us all to be united in one family.” With these words, Pope Leo XIV announced the approach of his Pontificate as a program filled with service, love, and fraternity, during the Mass marking the beginning of his Petrine Ministry on Sunday.

"One family," the Supreme Pontiff emphasized, fully aware of the extent of the suffering of the human family today as a result of wars, conflicts, and crises, which he denounced in his meeting with the Representatives of Churches, other Christian Denominations, and Representatives of other Religions. Between "no" and "yes," the Missionary Bishop and Grandson of Migrants called for the need to be free from all ideological or political conditioning.

“No” to war and “yes” to peace, “no” to the arms race and “yes’” to disarmament, “no” to an economy that impoverishes peoples and the Earth and “yes” to integral development. This is what the Pope said to his guests, stressing that the witness of fraternity will inevitably contribute to building a more peaceful world.

While peace has become a dream for many people suffering from woes and tragedies, Christian and human unity has become essential to overcome life's difficulties and challenges. Is there anyone who truly understands the importance and gravity of this issue? This is a question we pose to the concerned world leaders and decision-makers!

May 18, 2025

Details In This Report

An Episode Within the "Community Knowledge" Series

Invite You to Participate in a Press Conference Announcing:

The Fifth Scientific Conference May 31, 2025

Strengthening Christian Faith Unity:

The 1700th Jubilee

Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea

Hosts the Ceremony of the Inauguration of Our Lady of Unexpected Joy Church in Zahle

Exclusive Photos for the Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)