Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Martyrs' Square – a square that encapsulates the history and essence of Lebanon – was chosen in the heart of Beirut, a city that rose from its suffering to remain a beacon of peace and dialogue, and a permanent platform for encounter among the people of one faith and one humanity.

Martyrs' Square embodies coexistence among all the components of the nation. It has always been a space that brings together Lebanese people of all affiliations and honors all of Lebanon's martyrs who fell for freedom and national unity. Furthermore, the exceptional proximity between the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and the Maronite Cathedral of Saint George constitutes a unique symbol in the world of spiritual coexistence and interfaith dialogue.

This meeting is not merely a symbolic celebration, but a living embodiment of the spirit of Beirut, which has united people of all backgrounds with love and embraced their diversity as a unique human and spiritual value. Beirut Chants El-Sistema Choir, the Imam Musa Al-Sadr Foundation Choir, and the Islamic Orphanage Choir will participate in this gathering, performing beautiful hymns and chants specially composed for this event.

A Meeting Emphasizing the Importance of Strengthening Dialogue, Respect, and Fraternity

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs received Colonel Attilio Cortone from the Italian Army, Representing the Italian Bilateral Military Mission in Lebanon (MIBIL), at the head of a delegation that included Mr. Emiliano Stornelli, Founding Chairman of the Religion & Security Council (RSC), Ms. Katia Fawzi Haddad, the Colonel's Public Relations Officer with the Lebanese, and Ms. Sally Abou Chakra, the Colonel's Translator. The meeting took place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

A team from the MECC General Secretariat also attended the meeting. It included Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Associate Secretary General, Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion and Preservation of Human Dignity" Projects, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Coordinator of Media and Church Relations, Mrs. Maha Semaan, Executive Assistant to the Secretary General, Elia Nasrallah, Communication and Media Officer in the Communication and Public Relations Department, and Mr. Johnny Antoun, Social Media Officer in the Communication and Public Relations Department.

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Photos: World Council of Churches (WCC)

Several weeks have passed since the Sixth World Conference of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches (WCC), held under the theme "Where Now for Visible Unity?" This historic Ecumenical event, held in the Arab Republic of Egypt, specifically at the Papal Logos Center in Wadi El Natrun, instilled much hope and Ecumenical optimism throughout the world.

While many weeks have gone, it is essential to reiterate the significance of the outcomes of this conference, which took place from October 24 to 28, hosted by the Coptic Orthodox Church, under the blessings and with the presence of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark.

In its endeavor to embody its slogan, "Building Bridges, Standing Together," to be a unifying platform for Church and Religious Families and all components of society, reflecting the Christian reality in the Middle East with a unified Church voice emanating from the cradle of Christianity to the entire world within a shared life with all components of society,

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its Ecumenical and humanitarian mission and to shed lights on the Church in the Middle East through all available media platforms and digital technologies,

The Middle East Council of Churches has launched a WhatsApp channel, entitled “MECC News”.

We invite you to join this channel and follow the MECC news via the following link: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbB2Ym05a240L8hfFv0s.

This is in addition to episodes, reports, videos, and articles produced by MECC, about various Christian, Ecumenical, humanitarian, and social issues.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II at the Church of St. George the Martyr in Khomaraweya

12-11-2025

As part of the ongoing psychosocial support (PSS) project implemented by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Deparrment, Lebanon’s Office, in cooperation with the “Danmission” organization, and their joint mission to inspire change within our society, support sessions were held for 2 groups of 24 women to promote emotional healing, social cohesion, and personal empowerment.

The beneficiaries attended throughout October and September, 6 sessions that offered a safe and supportive space for participants to express emotions, share experiences, and strengthen self-awareness and confidence. Through interactive discussions on communication, conflict resolution, and self-care, participants explored ways to rebuild trust, manage stress, and reconnect with their communities.

Three Historical Sites that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV Will Visit as Part of His Program in Lebanon

What Are their Significance and the Stations They Have Passed Through?

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

The countdown to the hopeful encounter has begun! From the Vatican, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV carries his peace to Lebanon, which awaits him with longing and faith. The Holy Father comes to the Land of the Cedars for a historic visit, one for which the Lebanese are preparing with hearts full of joy and Prayer.

The visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, under the motto "Blessed Are the Peacemakers," is a sign of hope in a time when Lebanon is experiencing difficult circumstances. A visit that will confirm that the light of Christ truly dispels worldly darkness.

As the anticipated date draws near, Church, security, and logistical preparations are in full swing to ensure the Pope's arrival in Lebanon between November 30 and December 2.

The Pope's program in Lebanon includes several stations where he will unite with the Lebanese people in Prayer for peace, justice and truth and righteousness, and for all humanity on this earth. What is remarkable about his program is his visit to the Shrine of Saint Charbel in the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya, the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, and the Sisters of the Cross Hospital in Jal El Dib. Three sites that hold within their walls a rich history of faith, service, and love.

Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: October 2025

Despite the US announcing a ceasefire in Gaza, to this day, multiple violations are being recorded. The occupier continues to bomb targets while inflicting hundreds of civilian casualties. The US is trying to maintain an image that it is the one making sure that deal works and that it is one in charge. However, it fails to contain the actions of the occupier which continues to strike with impunity throughout Gaza. As its hunger for blood continues without any relevant resistance, this begs the following question: Will the bloodshed end in Gaza or will it expand to include other areas?

Within the "Second Angle" Program on SAT7 TV Channel