With the beginning of the countdown to the inauguration of Our Lady of Joy Church and the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum, a press conference was held at the Archdiocese in Zahle, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), the Most Reverend, Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Zahle, Baalbek and Its Dependencies, and Member of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC); at the invitation of the Media Committee, which is covering the event, and in the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali), the Representative of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East at the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia. The press conference was attended by the Venerable Priests, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, Engineer Christina Saikali, the Heads and Members of the Committees in charge of the preparations, and representatives of the media outlets and social media platforms.

The conference began with the National anthem, which was followed by a speech delivered by the Head of the Media Committee, Father Seraphim Makhoul, priest of the Saint George Parish in Zahle, Hawsh Al-Umara. He thanked the Lord for His abundant gifts and blessings that spread the fragrance of faith throughout the beloved land of Lebanon. He emphasized that the inauguration event is a jewel of faith that reflects light in Zahle, noting that the city of Zahle after May 18, 2025, will never be the same again. He then presented a detailed explanation of the inauguration Mass, which will be held with the blessing and presence of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, who will consecrate the Church of Our Lady of Joy and inaugurate the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum. The ceremony will be attended by Metropolitan Antonios (Volokolamsk), Head of the Department of External Relations of the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia, representing His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, as well as Priests, and a high-ranking diplomatic personalities. The inauguration will take place on Sunday, May 18, at 8:30 a.m. The inauguration of the Museum will follow the Mass at 12:30 p.m.

of the Church of Our Lady of Unexpected Joy and the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum in Zahle

Entitled "The Dream Comes True"

On Mariam TV

The Episode Is Prepared and Presented By the Journalists Lea Adel Maamary and George Maalouli

With joy and hope, we, the members of the ecumenical family in the Middle East, witnessed the white smoke rising from the Vatican, announcing the election of the 267th Bishop of Rome, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

Following in the footsteps of his predecessors, and in line with his life filled with knowledge, struggle for humanity, and love for people, Pope Leo XIV will bear witness to the ever-renewing Church of Christ, in accordance with the needs of the times, times that urgently need to hear the message of salvation.

We, at the Middle East Council of Churches, a long-standing ecumenical institution that includes the Catholic family among its members, look forward to deepening our institutional relationship with the dicasteries of the Holy See, where we have friends and colleagues with whom we collaborate across various fields.

To the Supreme Pontiff, head of the Catholic Church worldwide, we say: you and we are in sustained cooperation to spread the loving word, to heal the wounds of suffering humanity, and to guide people toward paths of righteousness, so that they may have a better life.

Your Holiness Pope Leo XIV, we are all one in Christ.

Dans la joie et l'espérance, nous, les membres de la famille œcuménique du Moyen-Orient, avons vu la fumée blanche s’élever du Vatican, annonçant l’élection du 267e évêque de Rome, Sa Sainteté le Pape Léon XIV.

Sur les traces de ses prédécesseurs, et fidèle à sa vie empreinte de savoir, de lutte pour l’humanité et d’amour pour les humains, le Pape Léon XIV témoignera de l'Église du Christ toujours renouvelée selon les exigences de notre époque, qui a plus que jamais besoin d’entendre le message du salut.

Nous, au Conseil des Églises du Moyen-Orient, institution œcuménique de longue date incluant la famille catholique parmi ses membres, aspirons à renforcer nos liens institutionnels avec les dicastères du Saint-Siège, où nous avons des amis et des collègues avec lesquels nous collaborons dans divers domaines.

Au Souverain Pontife, chef de l'Église catholique dans le monde, nous disons : vous et nous sommes en coopération durable pour diffuser la parole aimante, panser les plaies de l’humanité souffrante, et guider les gens vers les voies de la vertu, afin qu’ils aient une vie meilleure.

Vôtre Sainteté le Pape Léon XIV, nous sommes tous un dans le Christ.

Upon the the passing of Mrs. Annapurani Pillay, mother of the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs sent to Reverend Pillay and his family, the following letter of condolences:

Dear Jerry and Pillay family,

As we dwell steadfast in our faith in the Resurrection by which we live daily in our churches, we cannot but feel deep sorrow when confronted by the separation of a family member or a friend leaving this world, all the more so that which we go through at the passing away of a mother.

I hereby extend all the deep sympathy and condolences of the family of the Middle East Council of Churches for the passing away of your mother Annapurani Pillay, beseeching for all of you to remain steadfast in the faith and values with which she has nurtured the mind and soul of her children that gave fruits.

May the Resurrected Lord grant her eternal rest, and may her memory be eternal, as we say in our churches in the Middle East.

Prayer and Hope on the 1700th Commemoration of the Council of Nicaea

As every week, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, presides over a meeting for the colleagues in the General Secretariat team. The meeting begins with spiritual readings and reflections that reflect the reality we live in today, in addition to Prayers for achieving peace, truth and justice.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut, attendees read a Biblical Text from the Gospel of Mark about the life of Joseph of Arimathea and reflected on its dimensions and spiritual implications, which reflect consolation and resurrection in our lives today.

In the second part, attendees also addressed the 1700th Commemoration of the Council of Nicaea, discussing the dimensions of this Council and its importance in the life of the Church. They also delved into the life of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, a common Saint for the East and West and considered one of the Four Great Fathers, as well as the Father of the Coptic Church and its first Teacher of faith.

An Episode Within the "Community Knowledge" Series

Pope Leo XIV Begins His Papacy with A Hopeful Human Vision

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

A heavenly joy is being witnessed by believers around the world. An awaited joy was manifested by the white smoke that rose from the Sistine Chapel. The new Supreme Pontiff appeared and, with his compassionate smile, blessed the people of God who eagerly awaited his first appearance. He is Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, the first Augustinian Pope, who today succeeds the Late Pope Francis.

A great responsibility falls on the Pope of the Catholic Church amidst a world witnessing turmoil, conflicts, and painful events. The people of the earth are thirsty for someone to heal their wounds and ease the burden of the crises that weigh them down. The world is in danger, and the new Pope faces enormous challenges. Since his election, the media has been publishing analyses and data that identify the issues he might address.

But how true is the information circulating? Are the analysts more knowledgeable than the Vatican?

The Holy See is fully aware of the current and urgent issues facing the world. Let us await the latest official developments and pray for the Supreme Pontiff, so that God may grant him His grace in fulfilling his lofty mission.

Today, Pope Leo XIV guides the Church against which the gates of hell will not prevail. He is inspired by the life of his predecessor, Pope Francis who was dedicated to service, and renews his commitment to the path that the universal Church has been following for decades, enlightened by the Second Vatican Council.

What Are the Details?

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received Ms. Ibtisam Shams, Mr. Fadi Nasr, and Mr. Joseph Droubi, and held a coordination meeting with them at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

During the meeting, the attendees discussed the situation of Dar Al-Bahij Center in the Hermel region in Lebanon, which is specialized in children with special needs, in light of the progress of the school year. As well as, they discussed the strategy for maintaining the continuity of this center and developing its services. In addition to ways to secure financial and technical support in order to develop it and enhance its role.

At the end, the attendees agreed to continue discussing the necessary measures to achieve tangible strategic results.

An Ecumenical Event with the Organization and Participation of MECC and Ecumenical International Organizations

Under the title “Creation Day & The Nicaea Centenary: Crystallizing the Ecumenical Dream of the New Liturgical Feast”, and with the aim of developing a common Liturgical Feast to celebrate the creation together, an Ecumenical conference was held from May 5 to 7, 2025, in Assisi, Italy.

The conference was held in partnership with the World Council of Churches, the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the World Methodist Council, the Laudato Si' Research Institute, and the Middle East Council of Churches, represented by the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department and Member of the International Steering Committee of the “Season of Creation” Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar.

The event was attended by a representative of the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate and representatives of Church Leaders from various Church Families and Eastern and Western Church traditions.

The gathering included daily prayers, speeches, and various sessions focused on the Theological foundations and history of the “Feast of Creation”, in addition to Biblical Readings and Liturgical prayers. It is worth noting that the Day of Creation is traditionally celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox tradition on September 1 of each year. The Middle East Council of Churches also participated in several activities, adding value to the conference.

Details In This Report

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.

Produced by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Episode 1: Racial Discrimination