Produced By MECC

Issued by the Middle East Council of Churches

In these holy days, beginning with the remembrance of Christ’s entry—the King of Peace—into the Holy City, and extending through the Way of the Cross, from Golgotha to the Crucifixion and Resurrection, our attention turns to what is happening in the Middle East. We ask the Lord God to pour His peace upon this wounded land and its suffering peoples, and to dispel the darkness of violence with the light of His Divine Resurrection.

As we follow events with deep concern, we look especially to South Lebanon, the land visited by our Lord Jesus Christ, whom He blessed and praised the faith of its people. The people of the South have long suffered, repeatedly, from the devastations of war, violence, and displacement, and they have made enormous sacrifices to cling to their land and dignity.

Today, as the people of the South face renewed serious threats to their security, stability, and very existence, we express our full solidarity with them and salute their steadfastness and attachment to their land, despite harsh circumstances…

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has launched "Light of Hope," a new bulletin series dedicated to documenting the ongoing ordeal in the Middle East, with a primary focus on the catastrophic situation in Lebanon. This publication serves as a "cry" for the people of the Antiochian Levant who have endured decades of pain.

Produced By MECC

On the Occasion of the Yearly Anniversary of His Enthronement as Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World

On the occasion of the Yearly Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, as Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, on behalf of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) family, extends his warmest congratulations to His Holiness, who is also MECC Honorary President, wishing him continued health and success in his Pastoral service as a faithful servant of the Church of Christ.

The Middle East Council of Churches also raises its Prayers to God on the intention of His Holiness to bless his service, bestow His graces upon him, and strengthen him with the power of the Holy Spirit to lead his Church to spread the message of salvation in the name of Jesus Christ, and to remain a model of love and endless giving in the field of the Lord, wishing him many years of goodness, blessing, and holiness.

Organized by the Middle East Council of Churches and the Episcopal Committee for Christian–Muslim Dialogue in Lebanon

"Poetic Whispers, From the Olive Grove to the Grave"

Poetry and Recitation by Father Dr. Rawad Al Chkour

As part of an awareness campaign on the Common Date for Easter, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) delivered a lecture at the Dekwaneh Parish in Lebanon, on Monday evening, March 30, 2026, following the Holy Week Prayer Service, with the participation of many Parishioners.

The lecture focused the historical and Theological aspects of Easter, highlighting the common roots of this Feast in various Churches and the importance of working towards a unified date for its celebration, given its spiritual and Ecumenical significance in strengthening shared Christian witness.

As well as, the booklet, "Towards a Common Date for Easter," published by MECC, was also presented. It includes the well-known 1997 Aleppo Statement, along with lectures explaining the background of the differences, proposed solutions, and ongoing efforts in this regard. The booklet also presents the current positions of the Churches on this issue.