“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling”

(Ephesians 4: 4)

With great hope, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) releases the Arabic version of the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” booklet 2026, under the theme “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4: 4), based on the Biblical Text Ephesians 4: 1-13.

The booklet presents Prayers and reflections prepared by the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church, along with their brothers and sisters of the Armenian Catholic, and Evangelical Churches. The texts were jointly prepared and published by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches (WCC), and were translated into Arabic by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as every year.

The Youth Leadership Building journey that began in Summer 2024, with several encounters throughout the year, has now reached its culmination. Organized by the Theological and Ecumenical Department of the Middle East Council of Churches, in collaboration with Youth for Christ Lebanon, Bible Society Lebanon, Ithraa-Lebanon for Relational Needs, Kerk in Actie (Netherlands) and WSCF Middle East, this program has provided young participants with continuous opportunities for growth, leadership, and fellowship—leading to its closing chapter at the Summer Camp 2025.

The YLB Summer Camp 2025 extended over five unforgettable days, marked by growth, reflection, and fun. It was held at Beit El Safa – in the town of Nabaa El Safa (Aley, Lebanon) – bringing together a group of young participants in a transformative experience that combined leadership skill development with the strengthening of community bonding.

We Pray and Work Together for "Peace with Creation"

As September approaches, the Ecumenical family around the world prepares to celebrate the “Season of Creation” with hearts filled with hope, faith, and determination to work together to protect God's creation. This year's season bears the theme “Peace with Creation” and the symbol of “Garden of Peace”, inspired by Isaiah 32: 14-18

It is worth noting that the Season represents an Ecumenical, Christian, and environmental station that begins each year on September 1, with the Feast of Creation, and ends on October 4, with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron saint of ecology.

On this occasion, the Season of Creation Committee is organizing an international online Prayer Service, coinciding with Creation Day, to Pray, praise, and thank the Lord, the Creator, for all His abundant gifts and blessings. This service will be held on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 3:00 pm CEST, with the participation of Church Leaders from around the world.

Let us participate together in this celebration, the link to which we will be soon published, and unite in Prayer on the intention of creation and our common home, hoping to achieve peace, truth and justice in the Middle East and the world.

Under the theme “Peace with Creation” and the symbol of “Garden of Peace”, inspired by Isaiah 32: 14-18, the Ecumenical family in the Middle East and the world unites to celebrate together the “Season of Creation” 2025. This season, which constitutes an Ecumenical, Christian and environmental station, begins every year on 1 September, with the Feast of Creation, and ends on October 4, with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of ecology.

In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) issues the guide for the “Season of Creation” 2025 in Arabic after the MECC Theological Department made its translation into Arabic, as is customary annually.

The guide includes all the details and information about the season, as well as the theme and slogan of this year, in addition to Prayers and suggestions for participating in the celebrations... Hence, you can find the guide for this year in Arabic and English.

Continues Its Regional Program “Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling”

Continues Its Regional Program “Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling”

Spiritual and Psychological Support Sessions in an Ecumenical Framework

Stemming from its belief in the importance of spiritual and psychological support, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues organizing its regional program " Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling." It held a new workshop between June 1 and 6, 2025, at the Monastery of Notre Dame du Puits in Beqanaya – Lebanon, in the presence of the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry.

Participants were a group of Clergy, Nuns, lay people, and pastoral workers, representing various Church Families and countries of the Middle East such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt. Noting that they had previously participated in national workshops organized in their countries as part of the same program, and are now trained to develop their capacities to provide support within their communities.

The workshop aimed to develop the participants' capacities regarding the concept of trauma and ways to heal it through pastoral ministry. It empowered them and provided them with the necessary skills to support others spiritually and psychologically in the face of the challenges imposed by the difficult circumstances casting a shadow over the region due to various crises.

Organizes a Regional Workshop as Part of the of the “Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling” Program

The Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Visits the Participants and Supports Them

Organizes a Regional Workshop as Part of the of the “Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling” Program

The Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Visits the Participants and Supports Them

The Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) implemented a new workshop to train the trainers, as part of the regional program "Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling". It took place between May 25 and 30, 2025, at the Monastery of Notre Dame du Puits in Beqanaya - Lebanon.

Participants were a group of Clergy, Nuns, lay people, and pastoral workers, representing various Church Families and countries of the Middle East such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt. Noting that they had previously participated in national workshops organized in their countries as part of the same program, and are now trained to develop their capacities to provide support within their communities.

This workshop was held in response to the urgent psychological and spiritual needs of communities suffering from crises and instability in the region. Therefore, the program aimed to enhance participants' awareness of the concept of trauma and ways to heal it through pastoral ministry, as well as to empower them to support others in similar areas.

Praying for the Ascension Thursday

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs presided over the weekly meeting of the MECC General Secretariat, with an online participation of the Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, and colleagues from various departments, in person and online. The meeting took place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

As is customary, the meeting began with a Biblical Reading, which this week focused on the Gospel of Luke 46: 24-53 and Acts 1: 1-14. The attendees then raised their Prayers on the occasion of the Ascension Thursday, saying together, "Lift with you, O Lord, our souls and minds from emptiness and temporal concerns to divine understanding and truth."

MECC and Its Partners Implement a New Youth Camp

As part of its efforts to empower youth and develop their leadership skills, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues to implement its "Youth Leadership Building" program in Lebanon. Hence, it organized an Ecumenical Easter camp on April 25-26, 2025, with the participation of youth from various Church Families.

Noting that this program is being held in partnership with Youth for Christ (YFC), Kerk in Actie (KIA), Ithraa Center in Lebanon, the Bible Society in Lebanon and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF).

The first day included many workshops focused on leadership and the qualities of a successful leader. These workshops contributed to developing the participants' capacities and expanding their role within their communities. The youth also participated in meditation sessions and a large group game, and heard a story from one of the leaders about how she became involved in the world of leadership. This motivated them to develop themselves and work together for a better future.

Following Up on Work Updates with Great Hope

The General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its weekly meetings, with colleagues uniting in work, Prayer, and reflection in an Ecumenical and fraternal spirit, praying for peace and justice in the region and the world. Today, the team is living the Holy Week with humility and hope in preparation for the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In this context, the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, held the latest weekly meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Council’s headquarters in Beirut, with the presence of the General Secretariat team from various departments and the online participation of colleagues from Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Canada.

At the beginning of the meeting, Professor Michel Abs, delivered, on behalf of the MECC family, a word of consolation, sympathy, and support to the colleague 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, who lost her life partner. He prayed that the Lord, through His Resurrection, would grant her strength and determination in this new chapter of her life.

The Middle East Council of Churches and its Partners Contribute to Empowering Youth and Developing Their Skills

Believing in the importance of supporting and empowering youth by developing their leadership skills and contributing to building healthy communities, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues to implement the "Youth Leadership Building" program in Lebanon. A new session of this program was organized in March at the ABTS Moore Center – Mansourieh, with the participation of a group of youth and leaders, accompanied by specialized speakers Reem El Khoury and Abd Zein El Din.

Noting that this program is held in partnership with Youth for Christ (YFC), Kerk in Actie (KIA), Ithraa Center in Lebanon, the Bible Society - Lebanon and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF).

The day began with light breakfast snacks, offering a moment of fellowship where participants could reconnect and meet one another again. A series of outdoor icebreakers followed, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the day.

A Coordination Meeting Between the World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches

On the occasion of the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325, the World Council of Churches (WCC) continues its preparations for organizing the WCC Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, which will be held around the theme “Where Now for Visible Unity?”, between 24 and 28 October 2025, at the Papal Logos Center in Wadi El Natroun - Egypt.

In this context, the World Council of Churches (WCC) held an online coordination meeting with the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) to follow up on preparations for this conference, which will bring together international Church Leaders and Theologians to discuss topics related to faith and unity through many Theological, Ecumenical, and cultural activities and events.

The meeting was attended by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, the MECC Associate Secretary General Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Fr. Antoine Al-Ahmar, and the Executive and Administrative Assistant to the Secretary General Mrs. Caroline Haddad.

Attendees were also the Director of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order Dr. Andrej Jeftić, and WCC Programme Executive for the Middle East Mrs. Carla Khijoyan.

A Journey of Prayer and Lent Towards the Joy of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ

With the organization and invitation of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), headed by Fr. Antoine Al-Ahmar, and hosted by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Kyrillos Babi, the Patriarchal Vicar for the Syriac Orthodox Charitable Institutions in Atchaneh, the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate - Atchaneh hosted a Spiritual Retreat for the Council’s General Secretariat team headed by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Alongside the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, participants were the MECC Associate Secretary General Fr. Dr. Nicolas Bustros, the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Fr. Antoine Al-Ahmar, and colleagues from the Council's team in Lebanon.

The Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized a new environmental day in the Bekaa, specifically in the Ablah village, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, as part of its “Season of Creation” program implemented by the department with the support of “Danmission” Organization.

The youth of the village and its residents from the three Parishes in the town participated in this activity. Local bodies and institutions also played a prominent role in preparing and inviting for this popular gathering. Among them were the Municipality, Parishes, civil defense, scouts, schools, and the “Think Environmentally” section at the Daher Foundation. The event coincided with an exceptional drought period that Lebanon suffered from, so it was an occasion to raise Prayers to God for the blessing of the year and rainfall. On the other hand, this day coincided with the eve of the Feast of Lights (February 2), which crowns the special environmental period, i.e. the forty days between Christmas and the Feast of the Entry of Jesus Christ into the Temple. There is an ancient tradition, whereby people on this occasion hold a popular procession in the streets, including singing and dancing, in addition to Worship ceremonies in the Churches.

Highlights the MECC Environmental Activities on Charity Radio TV

The Theological and Ecumenical Department Contributes in Empowering and Supporting Youth for a More Prosperous Future!

Believing in the importance of the role of youth in building healthy societies, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Theological and Ecumenical Department, continues the “Youth Leadership Building” program in Lebanon. It implemented a new training within this program as part of an ongoing process to support, empower youth and develop their capabilities. The training was held this February, in the Hassesian Hall of the Armenian Evangelical Nor Marash Church - Beirut. Noting that the program was organized in partnership with Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization, Bible Society, Youth for Christ (YFC), and Ithraa Center in Lebanon.

What Are the Details?

The video is produced by the Middle East Council of Churches.

Within the framework of the Environmental Days organized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), believers in Ras Baalbek, in cooperation with the Environmental Youth of Our Lady of Ablah and the Basilian Order of Aleppo, celebrated an Environmental Day.

These Environmental Days hold a special place as they bring together believers, especially the youth, and invite them to contemplate all that God has made and commit to the care for creation.

In the towering Bekaa village of Ras Baalbek, the Coordinator of the Season of Creation program at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) cooperated with the Abbot of the Monastery of Our Lady of Miracles to organize the celebration and establish a new "Chrism Grove" which is specific to that area and its people.

The celebration began with learning about the origins and history of the Monastery. As well as, the participants visited the Monastery's sundial that has indicated the twelve hours of the day since many generations. In front of this ancient clock, the youth remembered the importance of good time management and making the most of every moment.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18: 20).

With these Holy Words, the team of the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in Beirut continues its periodic meetings headed by the MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs, raising Prayers to the Lord Jesus for the intention of peace and justice in the Middle East and the world, for the suffering and marginalized people, and for every human being on this earth.

In its last meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the family of the MECC General Secretariat gathered around the Gospel of the Feast of the Presentation of Christ into the Temple, which was read by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Director of “The Platform of the Word” and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at MECC, in an atmosphere of reverence, contemplation and fraternity, amidst an inner peace that filled the hearts of the worshipers.