Global Webinar on the Occasion of the Ecumenical International Youth Day 2026

A Gathering Affirming the Importance of Youth in the Present and Future of the Ecumenical Movement

On the occasion of the Ecumenical International Youth Day 2026, a global online Ecumenical webinar was held under the title “Healing Spaces”, organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC), in partnership with ACT Alliance, Oikoumene Pasifika, and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).

The webinar took place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, under the theme “Restore – Empower – Strengthen – Thrive.” It brought together youth from around the world, alongside representatives of many regional and international Ecumenical organizations and bodies. Among the participants were Ms. Maria Bzdigian, Project Coordinator in the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department, and Elia Nasrallah, Communication and Media Officer in the MECC Communication and Public Relations Department.

Choir of the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand

Choir of the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand

Organized By MECC

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

Produced by MECC

Mrs. Eugenia Ghabach and Father De Gaulle Tannous, Priest of the Saint John the Baptist Parish in Safinat Al-Dreib, Akkar: "The church is the family home, and we must draw strength and courage from the example of Saint John the Baptist"

“Momentum”

10-8-2026

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 "Religious Dialogue: Its Principles and Role in Safeguarding Civil Peace".

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/4c9f5101059d/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.

With Archimandrite George Yaacoub, Abbot of the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand

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.