Faith Doctrine and Church Traditions

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

The Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Mother of Life, and Queen of Peace, is the Daughter of the Father, Mother of the Son, and Spouse of the Holy Spirit. She is the source of all hope and consolation. Churches dedicate fasts, Prayers, and glorifications to honor her and proclaim the sanctity of her glory, for through her the Father's plan of salvation was fulfilled.

With the Mother of God and Mother of Light, the mystery of the infinite greatness of divine love is revealed and embodied in her repose and transition to the heavenly temple, body and soul, so that the work of divine redemption could be fully accomplished in her. According to Church tradition, the Virgin Mary was not subject to the law of remaining in the corruption of the grave, but rather ascended to the glory of the Heavenly Father, crowned by the angels as Queen on the heavenly throne.

Sign a Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen Ecumenical Work and Empower Youth

As part of their commitment to strengthening Ecumenical partnership, particularly in the field of youth, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) in the Middle East, signed a cooperation agreement aimed at supporting youth and enhancing their role in both the Church and society. The agreement was signed on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Middle East Council of Churches by its Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, and on behalf of the World Student Christian Federation by its Regional Secretary Ms. Melissa Bridi, in the presence of the newly elected President of the WSCF Middle East Regional Committee Mr. Sarkis Magarian, as well as a team from the MECC General Secretariat.

Produced by MECC

“Ecumenical Horizons” is a weekly program that features spiritual, cultural, intellectual, educational, youth and environmental topics.

Pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut and President of the National Evangelical Union of Lebanon

By an MECC Delegation Led by Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

Professor Abs: Reverend Rima is a worthy successor to a worthy predecessor, and the Evangelical Church carries a rich heritage of thought, culture, and learning

Reverend Rima: Ecumenical work lies at the heart of our faith and heritage… and it is essential to continue our cooperation with the Council

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, accompanied by an MECC delegation, visited Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah, the Newly Elected President of the National Evangelical Union of Lebanon and Pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at her office in Beirut.

The delegation included the MECC Associate Secretaries General Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros and Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the Lebanon’s Office of the Diakonia and Social Service Department Ms. Nina Hallak, Coordinator of the Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Rehabilitation Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Media and Church Relations Coordinator Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Social Media Officer Johnny Antoun, and Media and Communication Officer Elia Nasrallah. As well as, Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Rifaat Fikry joined the meeting virtually from Egypt.

Father Georges Al-Amil, Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish in Ain Ebel, visited the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs at the Council's General Secretariat headquarters in Hamra, Beirut. Their meeting focused on the current situation in the villages of Southern Lebanon and the social, economic, and humanitarian challenges that their residents are facing.

During the meeting, Father Al-Amil outlined the difficult living situations endured by the residents of Rmeish, Debel, and Ain Ebel, as well as the situation of displaced families from the villages of Qawzah, Alma Al-Shaab, and Yaroun. He conveyed what the people of the region are suffering from in terms of escalating crises and the repercussions of the current circumstances on their daily lives and livelihoods.

Both sides also reviewed the latest developments in Southern Lebanon and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the Middle East Council of Churches, the Church, municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders. Their discussions focused on supporting local communities, enhancing the resilience of residents, and helping them remain on their land.

"O Giver of Light, Glory to You…"

Troparion of the Transfiguration

The Video is Produced By MECC

A Reflection by Fr. Dr. Nicolas Bustros, MECC Associate Secretary General

“Momentum”

3-8-2026

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 "The Social, Economic, Educational, and Humanitarian Responsibility of the Church In Preserving Values and Virtues and Building the Human Person (Part 2)".

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/a8f7f45a8480/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.

Organized By MECC

You can join this webinar through the following Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86864203294?pwd=7KJDrYiNKaSuFtViTB3BlKwTaxUOah.1

Under the Theme “Living Water”

Between Spirituality, Culture, and Faith: Armenian Catholic Youth from Around the World Gather in Lebanon

His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian: “You are not only the future of the Church, but also its present… Be People of Initiative”

Amidst the daily challenges that Lebanon is facing due to the crises affecting the country, the nation continues to affirm that the will to live is the strongest and that the new generation has a great determination to build a better future.

Hence, Lebanon hosted one of the most significant youth gatherings of the Armenian Catholic Church, with the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian, Catholicos Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church of Cilicia, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Catholic Family.

Filled with hope and held under the theme “One Heart in Christ (WAYD 2026),” the event was organized by the Armenian Catholic Youth Union in Lebanon (ACYU), and took place from July 29 to August 3, 2026, between the city of Anjar and the Monastery of Our Lady of Bzommar.

The gathering brought together spirituality, culture, and faith in an experience that reflected Lebanon’s historic and spiritual vocation as a land of encounter and dialogue. More than 250 young men and women from six countries participated, bringing with them a rich cultural diversity while remaining united in one faith.

Highlight on the 2026 WAYD Gathering for Armenian Catholic Youth in Lebanon

Produced By MECC

And Invites Him to Participate in the International Day of Diplomats

As part of strengthening cooperation and fostering openness between cultural and Religious institutions, as well as promoting the values of dialogue and mutual understanding among the various components of society, a delegation from the Eastern Club for Civilizations Dialogue visited the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, at the Council’s headquarters in Hamra_ Beirut. The delegation was headed by the Club’s President, Dr. Elie Al-Sarghani, and the Journalist Lea Maamary, Member of the Board of Directors and Secretary of the Club, together with Members of the Board of Trustees: Mr. Eddy Makhoul, Mrs. Aimée Bou Lahoud, and Mrs. Amal Adel.

At the outset of the meeting, the Secretary General welcomed the delegation, commending the initiatives undertaken by the Eastern Club for Civilizations Dialogue and its role in promoting a culture of dialogue and openness. He praised the Club’s efforts to bring together diverse communities around shared values that foster social peace and constructive cooperation. Professor Abs also expressed his appreciation for the kind invitation, wishing the Club continued success in achieving its cultural and humanitarian objectives.

“Momentum”

27-7-2026

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 "The Social, Economic, Educational, and Humanitarian Responsibility of the Church In Preserving Values and Virtues and Building the Human Person (Part 1)".

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/6d9d862163d5/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.