MECC
The Middle East Council of Churches Issues the Ecumenical Calendar for January 2026
And Celebrates the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of January 2026. It includes the Ecclesiastical and Liturgical feasts of the various families of Churches in the Middle East. In addition to international days identified by the United Nations, and which are related to the MECC identity and its spiritual and human mission.
Noting that January includes one of the most important international Ecumenical occasions. It is the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”, which MECC celebrates it in the region and with the world, between 18 and 25 January, every year. Noting that this year the theme of the Week of Prayer is “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4: 4).
An End of a Turbulent Year
Middle East Socioeconomic Overview
Report: December 2025
As a turbulent year comes to an end, 2026 might not be that different. There are concerns the region is entering another period of acute strategic tension as state and non-state actors are exchanging threats. While dialogue in some areas look promising, some actors have only shown a consistent propensity for war, even during times of intensive diplomatic activity. Therefore, there still persists an elevated risk of localized conflict or renewed multi-theater conflict over the coming months. Moreover, the situation in Gaza remains unresolved as the humanitarian situation remains to be daunting and negotiations are at constant risk of falling apart.
Video - The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs
In An Interview on Mariam TV to Highlight the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
All Resources Related to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026
You can find the Week of Unity 2026 Booklet, the daily Prayers and reflections, the Prayer for Christian unity, and the program of celebrations in Lebanon.
The Prayer for Christian Unity
As we celebrate the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” 2026, let us unite together in Prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ, on the intention of Christian unity and for peace in the Middle East and the world, carrying this year’s title “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4: 4).
Hence, you can find in Arabic the Prayer for Christian Unity.
Video - A Special Episode On the Occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026
With Ms. Melissa Bridi, Regional Secretary of the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF)
Video - The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from 18 to 25 January
What Is the Symbolism of this Date?
From the MECC Archive 2025
Closing of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2026
on Sunday, January 25, at 6 pm Beirut time, at the Chaldean Cathedral of the Archangel Raphael, Baabda - Brasilia
Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Receives
Ms. Melissa Bridi, WSCF Regional Secretary
Discussions Centered on Signing a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Two Institutions
As part of strengthening and promoting the Ecumenical work in the region through various practical programs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received the Regional Secretary of the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) Ms. Melissa Bridi, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.
Many social and youth-related issues were discussed during the meeting. Both sides addressed the concerns and aspirations of youth in the region and emphasized the importance of developing their capabilities and skills to prepare future leaders ready to build better societies.
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Congratulates His Eminence Bishop Reverend Dr. Imad Moussa Haddad
On the Occasion of His Ordination as the Fifth Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
On the occasion of the ordination of His Eminence Bishop Reverend Dr. Imad Moussa Haddad as the Fifth Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, conveyed a message of congratulations and support to His Eminence.
The Daily Prayers, Reflections and Readings of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2025
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4: 4)
The "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" starts, as it is one of the most awaited Ecumenical stations of the year, which includes a Prayer Octave that extends between 18 and 25 January every year. A station during which we unite in Prayer on the intention of a unity that has been awaited for decades, through a special international booklet that the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) translates it into Arabic annually. Noting that this year theme is “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4: 4).
In this context, you can find the daily Prayers, meditations, and reflections in English and Arabic for the week of Prayer, included in the booklet, and which you may publish and distribute every day.
Video - The Middle East Council of Churches and “Kerk in Actie” Organization in the Netherlands Contributes in the Restoration of the Halls of St. Paul Monastery in Safita, Syria
after it suffered severe damage as a result of the earthquake that occurred in the region during the year 2023
This restoration is part of the Program “Restoration Fund for Rehabilitation of Faith-based Social Services & Religious Infrastructure Damaged During the Crisis in Syria”
The North Meeting in Lebanon on the occasion of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2026
on Thursday, January 22, at 6 pm Beirut time, at the Mar Ephrem Syriac Church, Saint Elias Street, Al Mina - Tripoli
