Produced By MECC

“Momentum”

12-2-2026

This issue includes reports, videos, news, articles, and a full coverage of the latest developments of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as well as the Church, Ecumenical, and social events…

This is in addition to the weekly word of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs which is entitled in this issue "Egypt in the Week of Unity".

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/bce04b51d1c7/momentum-mecc-weekly-newsletter.

You can also subscribe to the Momentum Newsletter via the following link:

https://mecc.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?id=fd3381352a&u=1db32cafe9ea32b38eb90480a.

Professor Michel Abs

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

For the third consecutive year, we turn to Egypt to participate in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, or as we call it briefly, the Week of Unity. Once again, we experience the interaction and life with what I call "Egyptian Christianity," which encompasses all the churches of the land of Egypt, the land of the Nile, the land of the Holy Family's refuge.

The experience with this kind-hearted people, the Egyptian people, in all its components, is always beautiful and enriched with love, experience, and knowledge.

The visits we have made to the spiritual leaders in Egypt have been a source for launching new areas of cooperation in service to Egyptian society, where the Church and Christians are an integral part. These leaders, always giving, provide support for the Council’s works and reinforce its aspirations.

During our meetings with church and Islamic leaders as well, we have managed to shape directions that must yield positive results for our societies.

Firstly, we reached an agreement with the officials of “Beit El-‘Aila,” (Home of the Family), this pioneering experience, to develop a cooperation document in the field of dialogue and social cohesion. The Council and Beit El-‘Aila both work in this field, and the two institutions found that combining efforts in this area leads to significant gains in terms of national unity in the Middle East, as both of them have the necessary experience to dive into this endeavor. All of this stems from shared basic values and the national vision held by both institutions and their leadership…

Episode Twelve: His Visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026, and a Highlight on the International Day of Human Fraternity

Prepared and Presented by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary

Produced by MECC

An Online Intellectual-Dialogue Seminar with the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

At the invitation of the Global Center for Sufism and Spiritual Studies, in cooperation with the Central Kasnazani Cultural Council, and organized by the Knowledge and Empowerment Club, an online intellectual-dialogue seminar was held with the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, entitled "The Middle East Council of Churches: Identity and Regional Role." The seminar took place on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

The seminar which was moderated by Dr. Hassan El Khatib, and attended by an MECC delegation that included the Coordinator of Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, and the Coordinator of Church Relations and Media Journalist Lea Adel Maamary. Attendees were also experts, researchers, and interested people in the topic.

During the seminar, Secretary General Professor Michel Abs presented a detailed explanation about the history and mission of the Middle East Council of Churches, particularly how it works to achieve its desired Ecumenical and humanitarian goals. He spoke about the Council's role in building bridges between the various components of society, promoting dialogue among Churches locally, regionally, and internationally, and consolidating the spirit of communion and Ecumenical awareness.

As part of its drive to support children’s health, the Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) launched free weekly vaccination sessions for all families with children under 18, at Our Lady Dispensary, affiliated with the Middle East Council of Churches, in the Sabtiyeh area - Mount Lebanon.

While adhering to the requirements of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, the activity was held in coordination with members from the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) organization which is an MECC Partner. In this way, vaccines were supplied free of charge while helping families access safe and essential immunization.

Palestine Observatory - Report: Friday 6 February

مرصد فلسطين - تقرير الجمعة 6 شباط/ فبراير 202

In light of the worsening humanitarian and social conditions in the region due to the escalation of security operations, the Middle East Council of Churches presents a weekly report entitled "Palestine Monitor," which includes the latest developments in Palestine, especially amid the deteriorating living, social, and security conditions in the country. Some texts will be in Arabic, and some others in English, depending on the source.

في ظلّ تفاقم الظروف الإنسانيّة والاجتماعيّة في المنطقة جرّاء تصاعد العمليّات الأمنيّة فيها، يقدّم مجلس كنائس الشرق الأوسط تقريرًا أسبوعيًّا بعنوان "مرصد فلسطين" حيث يتضمّن آخر المستجدّات الّتي تشهدها فلسطين خصوصًا وسط تدهور الظروف المعيشيّة والاجتماعيّة والأمنيّة في البلاد. ستكون بعض النصوص باللغة العربية، وبعضها الآخر باللّغة الإنكليزيّة، وذلك حسب المصدر.

A Special Episode On the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity

Produced By MECC

What Is the Triodion Period?

His Beatitude Patriarch John X: The soul’s garment is humility… Great Lent is the Spring of souls yearning for the radiance of Christ

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

“Lord, I have cried out on to Thee,” ... “Let us all make haste to humble the flesh by abstinence, as we set out upon the divine and unblemished Fast...” “I beseech Thee: cleanse me in the waters of repentance, and through prayer and fasting make me radiant…” with these hymns, the Orthodox Church prepare on the eve of the Vespers of Forgiveness Sunday for the journey, a fasting journey towards the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Believers prepare for this journey with reverence to achieve one goal, a complete communion with God in body and soul, in word and deed. Fasting, the first commandment of our Lord Jesus, is the second phase of the Triodion period at the Orthodox Church, a time of returning to God.

What Is the Importance of Its Message?

The world celebrates the "International Day of Human Fraternity" on February 4 of each year, as adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. A day that reminds us of the importance of living in peace and love among all the inhabitants of the earth. Hence, this report sheds light on the most important meanings that this day carries, emphasizing the need for solidarity, cooperation and unity.

February 4th, International Day of Human Fraternity!

What Are Its Origins?

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Since 2020, February 4th is no longer just another day, now it represents an international call to end violence and hatred hostile speeches… it is now a day that reminds us of our fraternity no matter our nationality, ethnicity, society or religion… it is an invitation to work towards peace, justice and stability… hoping to live the rest of our days by the command of Jesus Christ “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 34: 13).

The Middle East is the victim of divisions, conflicts and war nowadays ravaging every single one of his countries. The region is in desperate need of promoting dialogue and deepen fraternity relationships among people, from leaders to officials and citizens.

4 February

Produced By MECC

Entitled "We Pray Together,"

Within the "Hot Issues" Program on Al Keraza TV

Prepared and Presented by the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Refaat Fikry