Produced by the Middle East Council of Churches

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

Produced by the Middle East Council of Churches

“The Platform of the Word” at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) presents an episode of the program “And the Family Remains,” entitled “Discrimination Against Women.”

The program raises issues related to the family, motherhood, and childhood, in addition to the Church’s view and response to challenges, especially in light of the difficult living conditions the region is passing through.

A Socio-Behavioral Reading of the First Part of the Sermon

Professor Michel Abs

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

This is a reading of the Sermon on the Mount from the perspective of the behavioral sciences, particularly sociology, which owes much of its treasured values to the Lord’s teachings, aimed at improving human conduct and guiding it toward perfection.

This reading will be followed by three others, based on dividing the sermon text into four sections according to the thematic unity of the subjects the Lord addressed in this timeless homily.

That day, the Lord went up the mountain, saw the gathered crowds, and His disciples came to Him. He then spoke His teachings to the people, whose souls were thirsty and eager to listen to Him.

He began His sermon with the Beatitudes, linked to the core elements of love that is, mercy in the Christian sense, not pity as some might think.

The Beatitudes blessed the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; those who mourn, for they shall be comforted; and the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Indeed, He declared that it is the meek who inherit the earth, not the arrogant, conquerors, or invaders — He who overcame the world with love.

The Beatitudes also blessed those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled — they are filled because they sought righteousness, which is available to all who choose to walk in it. Likewise, the merciful were blessed, for they shall receive mercy; the pure in heart, for they shall see God…

With the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

"Connecting Hearts and Minds"

What Activities Will Be Held for the Occasion?

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.

Fifth Episode - "Stability and Social Progress"

Prepared and Presented by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary

Produced by MECC

A New Workshop Entitled "Connecting Hearts and Minds"

Amidst the difficult circumstances affecting the people of Lebanon and the region, the Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) seeks to raise mental health awareness in various communities to alleviate daily pressures and psychological burdens.

In this context, the Department, in partnership with Tearfund organization, organized a new workshop entitled "Connecting Hearts and Minds." Participants were humanitarian and social workers, and MECC volunteers, from different Church Families. It took place from August 4 to 7, 2025, in Beirut.

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.

Its General Secretary and Executive Director Dr. Mike Bassous in the "Ecumenical Horizons" Program Produced by MECC:

"The Word of God belongs to everyone and it is what unites us... The Ecumenical journey is essential for the Church's presence in the Middle East"

Since its founding, the Bible Society has sought to strengthen the Ecumenical spirit and work to spread the message and culture of the Bible to all generations. This is achieved through partnerships with all Churches and Christian institutions, supporting the Bible and advocating for its cause to uphold human dignity, encouraging reading and interacting with the Word of God, as well as translating and spreading the Bible through print, audio visual, and digital media.

This year, the Bible Society celebrates its Diamond Jubilee, carrying within its vision more hope and cooperation with Churches and Church and Ecumenical organizations in order to meet the various needs of communities through the powerful Word of God.

In a special interview within the "Ecumenical Horizons" program, produced by the “Platform of the Word” at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Secretary General and Executive Director of the Bible Society Dr. Mike Bassous highlighted the series of activities that the Society will implement to mark its Diamond Jubilee, emphasizing the importance of spreading the Word of God throughout the world.

Produced by the Middle East Council of Churches

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

On their World Day, A Greeting of love and hope to all the Youth of the World!

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

A cry of love, fraternity, and peace... a cry of hope and faith... a cry of heavenly joy reflected by hundreds of thousands of young people who flocked from all corners of the earth to the city of Rome, carrying in their hearts much hope and life. They came as apostles of Christ from various countries and communities to unite in Prayer, live hope, and affirm with one spirit that what unites them is one name, the name of Jesus Christ.

The eyes of the entire world have recently turned to Rome, which witnessed an international Church event manifested in the Youth Jubilee within the framework of the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year. The Jubilee was not merely a global youth gathering, but rather an oasis of Prayer, faith, and fraternity embodied in various spiritual celebrations and Prayers.

The meeting culminated in the words of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who called on youth to be light, hope, and witnesses of Christ's peace and reconciliation, asking them to spread their enthusiasm and witness of faith.