MECC
On the Brink
Middle East Socioeconomic Overview
Report: February 2026
The region braces for a possible showdown that might ignite the Middle East. Either both sides reach an agreement that puts an end to the years of tension, or the region will have to wrestle with massive ramifications that will emanate from the conflict should it take place. Observers agree that such a conflict will have economic implications not just for the region but for the whole world, in addition to the grave humanitarian toll on countries touched by its flames.
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Issues Its Weekly Newsletter
“Momentum”
27-2-2026
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 "The Word is Responsibility!".
You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/a78885326429/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.
The Word is Responsibility!
Professor Michel Abs
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
It is the word, that which the mind deems necessary, and when it is uttered, it transcends the speaker and can lead them to paradise or to hell.
It is the primary means of communication after humanity moved from a state of primitiveness to one of speech, from which logic is derived.
It is in constant contact with the mind, and some anthropologists have even said that speech is the father of the thought. The word programs the mind, and based on that, electronics engineers have invented software, without which a computer is useless.
The word is dangerous, for it reveals the inner thoughts of the human heart and mind. How many times have we said about someone, “I wish they hadn’t spoken!”
The word is the treasure of historical memory for nations, civilizations, and cultures. It carries generations of meanings, and from this, the science of linguistics was established.
Our popular culture is rich with sayings and proverbs that give the word its due place and highlight its importance in human life.
“Your tongue is your horse, guard it, and it will guard you,” says the popular wisdom, for how many have been led to peril by the words they spoke?…
My Story with the Syriacs (Part 1)
A New article by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs in "Hoobo" Magazine
A new media collaboration between the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and "Hoobo" (meaning "Love") Magazine, issued by the Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church in Cairo, is launched with the publication of a new article written by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, entitled "My Story with the Syriacs (Part 1)," in issue 26, February, Year 3, 2026. In the article, Professor Abs presents a part of his relation and history with the Syriac people.
Hence, you can find the full text of the article.
The Middle East Council of Churches in a New Media Collaboration with "Hoobo" Magazine
Issued by the Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church in Cairo
An Article by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, Entitled "My Story with the Syriacs (Part 1)"
In a step aimed at strengthening media and Church relations, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has recently sought to develop its media and Church network by establishing a new collaboration with "Hoobo" Magazine (meaning "Love"), issued by the Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church in Cairo.
This collaboration culminated during the recent visit of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs to the Arab Republic of Egypt. He was accompanied by a delegation from the Council, including the Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity" Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, and the Coordinator of Media and Church Relations Lea Adel Maamary.
It is worth mentioning that "Hoobo" Magazine is a periodical online publication featuring many articles about spiritual, cultural and educational topics, as well as news, aiming at spreading culture and covering the activities and events of the Church each month.
A Coordination Meeting Between the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs and a Delegation from Tearfund
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received a delegation from the international organization Tearfund, in the presence of a team from the MECC General Secretariat, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.
Strengthening coordination and cooperation was the focus of the meeting, during which the participants discussed the current challenges that the region is facing, presenting their suggestions, concerns, and aspirations.
Discussions centered also about how to improve the work mechanisms, particularly in operational and financial aspects, in order to achieve the desired goals.
Video - Saint John Maron: The First Patriarch of the Maronite Church
Video Produced By MECC
Webinaire À-Propos de la Fête de la Création, le 18 Mars 2026
Saviez-vous que de nombreuses Églises ajoutent la Fête de la Création à leur Calendrier Liturgique?
Participez à ce webinaire œcuménique pour en savoir plus et prendre part à cette étape historique : www.bit.ly/feastofcreation26
A Webinar About the Feast of Creation on 18 March 2026
Did you know that many Churches are adding the Feast of Creation to their Liturgical Calendars?
Join this Ecumenical webinar to learn more and be part of this historic step: www.bit.ly/feastofcreation26
With the Blessings and Presence of His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Participates in the Book Signing Ceremony of "Walking Together" by Mrs. Rita Kouroumelian
With the blessings and presence of His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian, Catholicos Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church of Cilicia, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Catholic Family, a book signing ceremony for "Walking Together" by Mrs. Rita Kouroumelian was held in a Cultural-Ecclesiastical gathering on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Saints Gregory the Illuminator and Elias the Prophet in Beirut.
The gathering brought together Their Eminences Bishops and Priests from various Churches in Beirut, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, as well as Religious, official, political, cultural, and media figures, in addition to guests and friends.
His Beatitude Patriarch Mor Ignatius Joseph III Younan Celebrates the Feast of Saint Ephrem the Syrian, Patron Saint of the Syriac Church and Doctor of the Universal Church
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Participates in the Divine Liturgy
On the occasion of the Feast of Saint Ephrem the Syrian, Patron Saint of the Syriac Church and Doctor of the Universal Church, His Beatitude Patriarch Mor Ignatius Joseph III Younan, Syriac Catholic Patriarch of Antioch, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), celebrated the Solemn Pontifical Divine Liturgy on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the historic Cathedral of Saint George, Khandak Al-Ghamik – Bachoura, Beirut, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Paul Marcos, Lebanese Minister of Information, Representing His Excellency President of the Lebanese Republic General Joseph Aoun.
His Beatitude the Patriarch was assisted by His Eminence Bishop Mar Matthias Charles Mrad, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Catholic Archdiocese of Beirut, and Head of the Episcopal Committee for Christian-Muslim Dialogue in Lebanon, and His Eminence Bishop Mar Isaac Jules Boutros, Bishop of the Syriac Catholic Patriarchal Vicariate.