MECC
Fifth Day of the Prayer for Christian Unity in Egypt_ St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Orthodox Church
Words Emphasized that Unity is Love and Strength
Cairo, January 28, 2026
“O Lord our God, keep us in peace this evening and at all times. With the reverence of Your holiness, keep our minds and thoughts high, so that at all times, by You, we may be protected from the thoughts and deceptions of the devil”.
It is one of the Prayers that marked the fifth day of Prayer for Christian unity held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Orthodox Church in Cairo.
The Prayer of Unity was presided over by Bishop Ashot Mnatsakanian, Primate of the Armenian Orthodox Diocese of Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, with the participation of His Grace Bishop Thomas Adly, Coptic Catholic Bishop of Giza, Fayoum and Beni Suef and Member of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Archbishop George Chihane, Maronite Archbishop of Cairo for Egypt and Sudan, Bishop Krikor Augustinos Koussa, Coptic Catholic Bishop of Alexandria, Father Rabban Philips Issa, Priest of the Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church in Cairo, Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, Secretary General of the Egyptian Council of Churches Reverend Yeshua Yacoub, Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Gergis Saleh, Associate General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Reverend Refaat Fikry. Attendees were also Reverend Fayez Nad, Member of the Priests and Pastors Committee on behalf of the Episcopal Church and Member of the Week of Prayer Committee, Coordinator of the Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Program Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of Church Relations and Media at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Priests from various Churches, as well as members of the Week of Prayer Committee: Reverend Boutros Fouad (Coptic Orthodox Church), Noura Edward, Member of the Week of Prayer and Women's Committees of the Egyptian Council of Churches, Mrs. Nancy Anis (Coptic Orthodox Church), Sheikh Victor Fahmy (Evangelical Church), Engineer Essam Ayad (Catholic Church), Engineer Kyrillos Wahba (Coptic Orthodox Church), and other believers.
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Delivers a Word at the Fifth Day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
In St. Gregory the Illuminator Church_ Cairo
On the fifth day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Egypt, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, said at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church:
“Ecumenism is a culture of acceptance and diversity, it is a culture of accepting one another, and reaching joint projects.”
Fifth Day of the Week of Prayer for Unity in Egypt_ St. Gregory the Illuminator Church
(Part Two)
“O Lord our God, keep us in peace this evening and at all times. With the reverence of Your holiness, keep our minds and thoughts high, so that at all times, by You, we may be protected from the thoughts and deceptions of the devil”.
Hearts Full of Hope_ Day Four of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the Evangelical Church in Shoubra_ Egypt
Shoubra_ Egypt_ January 27, 2026
“You have gathered us together, in all our diversity, and made us Your family and Your Church. You are the True Light that dispels the darkness of sin and kindles joy and hope in our hearts.”
On the fourth day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a unity Prayer Service was held at the Evangelical Church in Shoubra_ Egypt, which sowed joy and hope in the hearts of the faithful and participants. The Service was held 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).
Attendees were Priests and Pastors from various Churches in Egypt, Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, Secretary General of the Egyptian Council of Churches Reverend Yeshua Yacoub, Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Reverend Refaat Fikry, Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Gergis Saleh, Coordinator of Social Cohesion, Dialogue, and Human Dignity Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of Church Relations and Media at MECC Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, as well as Nuns, Members of the Week of Prayer Committee, and Believers.
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Delivers a Word at the Fourth Day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
In the Evangelical Church in Shouba_ Egypt
The Evangelical Church in Shouba_ Egypt hosted the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Readings, reflections, and hymns emphasized the importance of love, "How wonderful it is to be gathered together."
In his word, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs said, "We do not pray for unity, but rather we pray within unity so that we may better understand it and live it."
For the Third Day: St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Maadi Hosts a Prayer Service for Christian Unity_Egypt
As part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity celebrations, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Maadi hosted the Week’s third Prayer Service, with the participation of Bishops, Priests, and Pastors from various Churches, along with a congregation from Maadi and the surrounding areas.
The Service began with a welcoming word by Reverend Ousama Fathy, the Church's Pastor.
Then, Reverend Refaat Fikry, Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), delivered an opening word, referencing the verse from Ephesians 4: " Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." He highlighted the Church's pivotal role in preserving its Teaching, which represents its mission in a turbulent world, emphasizing the need for diligence from all God's people and their Leaders to achieve spiritual unity.
As well as, Reverend Yeshua Yacoub, Secretary General Secretary of the Egyptian Council of Churches, delivered a speech shedding light on the importance of preserving the unity and spirit of the one body of Christ despite all challenges and difficulties. He stressed on the Ecumenism of Prayer and the Ecumenism of practical action, which was embodied in the work of the Egyptian Council of Churches' Committees, including the Priests and Pastors Committee and the Women's Committee.
Closing Prayer for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 in Lebanon
Hosted by His Eminence Bishop Michel Kassarji with the Participation of Church Leaders
His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai:
Unity means meeting at the core, at the essence, in Christ Himself
His Eminence Bishop Kassarji: The Holy Spirit transforms diversity into communion, pain into joy, and fear into hope
MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs:
The Ecumenical movement has laid the foundation and paved the way for sustained dialogue and cooperation among the Churches
On the occasion of the closing of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026," an Ecumenical Prayer Service was held 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), hosted by His Eminence Bishop Michel Kassarji, Head of the Chaldean Church in Lebanon, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in the Archangel Raphael Chaldean Cathedral, Baabda - Lebanon.
Video - Word of His Eminence Bishop Michel Kassarji, Head of the Chaldean Church in Lebanon
At the Conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026, in the Chaldean Cathedral of the Archangel Raphael, Baabda - Lebanon
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Delivers a Word at the Conclusion of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2026 - Lebanon
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, at the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026, in the Chaldean Cathedral of the Archangel Raphael, Baabda - Lebanon:
Throughout its long history, the Ecumenical movement has consistently relied on dialogue to achieve its goals. This has been complemented by activities such as shared Worship, Ecumenical Prayers, and most importantly, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the Season of Creation, as well as joint social work and Theological discussions…
If we must pause and reflect on the past, with its achievements and shortcomings, we can say that this movement has made fundamental accomplishments. It has laid the foundation and paved the way for sustained dialogue and cooperation among the Churches. It has also led to some mergers between Churches in various parts of the world…
Faith, Hope and Joy in the Ecumenical Prayer Service on the Occasion of the Conclusion of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2026
Hosted by the Chaldean Cathedral of the Archangel Raphael, Baabda - Lebanon
(Part Three)
“O Lord, shine the light of Your righteousness and wisdom on all Your creatures. Make us children of light and children of the day, so that we may always live our lives reverently, and become for all the world, worthy lampstands for Your life-giving light” (from the Ecumenical Prayer Service for the Week of Unity 2026).
Closing Prayer Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 Hosted by the Chaldean Cathedral of the Archangel Raphael, Baabda - Lebanon
(Part Two)
We Pray together, with hearts full of hope, on the occasion of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2026.
A Closing Prayer Service hosted by the Chaldean Cathedral of the Archangel Raphael, Baabda - Lebanon.
Closing of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2026 Hosted By His Eminence Bishop Michel Kassarji, Head of the Chaldean Community in Lebanon
(Part One)
Closing of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2026, in an Ecumenical Prayer Service, 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)”, hosted by the Chaldean Cathedral of the Archangel Raphael, Baabda - Lebanon.
The Prayer was attended by the Heads of Churches, and the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, and an MECC delegation.
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Abu Serga Hosts the Second Day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity _ Egypt
The Church of Abu Serga in Old Cairo hosted the second day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It brought together Church Leaders and Representatives of various Churches, in an atmosphere of spirituality, reflection and Prayer. It was a call for love and unity among the children of the Churches, under the theme: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4: 2).
The week's theme was: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4: 4).
Attendees were Reverend Refaat Fikry, Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Reverend Yeshua Yacoub, Secretary General Secretary of the Egyptian Council of Churches, Dr. Gergis Saleh, Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Father Youhanna Saad, Member of the Priests and Parishes Committee on behalf the Catholic Church; Father Michel, Member of the Committee on behalf the Episcopal Church, and Reverend Najeh Fawzy, Member of the Committee on behalf the Evangelical Church.
Participants were also Members of the Week of Prayer Committee, including Mr. Essam Ayad from the Catholic Church, Sheikh Victor from the Evangelical Church, and Mrs. Nancy from the Orthodox Church.
Prayer for Christian Unity at St. Ephrem the Syrian Church in Mina Tripoli
MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs:
To pray together means that we have overcome past mistakes and forgiven historical sins
If we call for unity among Christians, it is all the more fitting to call for love among the people of the country in all their diversity
In celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026, an Ecumenical meeting was held 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). It took place at St. Ephrem the Syrian Church in Mina Tripoli, Lebanon, and brought together Bishops, Priests, Pastors, and believers from various Church families, at the invitation of the Episcopal Committee for Ecumenical Relations, chaired by His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif, Maronite Archbishop of Tripoli.
The Prayer Service was presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Shamoun, Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli, with the participation of His Eminence Metropolitan Ephrem Kyriakos, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Tripoli, Koura, and their Dependencies, His Eminence Archbishop Edward Daher, Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop of Tripoli and All the North, Father Khoren, Representing His Eminence Archbishop Shahe Panossian, Archbishop of the Armenian Orthodox Church in Lebanon, as well as Church, social, and cultural figures, and believers.
Attendees were also the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, at the head of an MECC that included Professor Laura Abi Khalil, Coordinator of Dialogue and Human Dignity Programs, and Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Coordinator of Media and Church Relations.
During the Prayer, Secretary General Professor Michel Abs delivered a speech in which he said: “In the presence of the bishops of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, we have gathered to pray together, fully aware of the importance of praying together and of living hope together, a hope we extend to all humankind, for the Lord who came as an atonement for our sins, came for all people”…