Seven community initiatives implemented service-oriented projects addressing the basic needs of the community, in the city of Saidnaya in Rural Damascus.

These initiatives were supported by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, within its efforts to strengthen community engagement and improve essential services.

The initiatives included street lighting, along with the renovation and improvement of Ras Al-Amoud Square; the installation of solar panel system in a public clinic, two public schools, to hall for education and social activities, and a library; sport equipment for the sport club, and medical equipment for a local charitable dispensary.

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.

Sign a Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen Ecumenical Work and Empower Youth

As part of their commitment to strengthening Ecumenical partnership, particularly in the field of youth, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) in the Middle East, signed a cooperation agreement aimed at supporting youth and enhancing their role in both the Church and society. The agreement was signed on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Middle East Council of Churches by its Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, and on behalf of the World Student Christian Federation by its Regional Secretary Ms. Melissa Bridi, in the presence of the newly elected President of the WSCF Middle East Regional Committee Mr. Sarkis Magarian, as well as a team from the MECC General Secretariat.

Produced by MECC

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

Pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut and President of the National Evangelical Union of Lebanon

By an MECC Delegation Led by Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

Professor Abs: Reverend Rima is a worthy successor to a worthy predecessor, and the Evangelical Church carries a rich heritage of thought, culture, and learning

Reverend Rima: Ecumenical work lies at the heart of our faith and heritage… and it is essential to continue our cooperation with the Council

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, accompanied by an MECC delegation, visited Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah, the Newly Elected President of the National Evangelical Union of Lebanon and Pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at her office in Beirut.

The delegation included the MECC Associate Secretaries General Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros and Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the Lebanon’s Office of the Diakonia and Social Service Department Ms. Nina Hallak, Coordinator of the Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Rehabilitation Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Media and Church Relations Coordinator Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Social Media Officer Johnny Antoun, and Media and Communication Officer Elia Nasrallah. As well as, Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Rifaat Fikry joined the meeting virtually from Egypt.

Father Georges Al-Amil, Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish in Ain Ebel, visited the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs at the Council's General Secretariat headquarters in Hamra, Beirut. Their meeting focused on the current situation in the villages of Southern Lebanon and the social, economic, and humanitarian challenges that their residents are facing.

During the meeting, Father Al-Amil outlined the difficult living situations endured by the residents of Rmeish, Debel, and Ain Ebel, as well as the situation of displaced families from the villages of Qawzah, Alma Al-Shaab, and Yaroun. He conveyed what the people of the region are suffering from in terms of escalating crises and the repercussions of the current circumstances on their daily lives and livelihoods.

Both sides also reviewed the latest developments in Southern Lebanon and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the Middle East Council of Churches, the Church, municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders. Their discussions focused on supporting local communities, enhancing the resilience of residents, and helping them remain on their land.

"O Giver of Light, Glory to You…"

Troparion of the Transfiguration

The Video is Produced By MECC

A Reflection by Fr. Dr. Nicolas Bustros, MECC Associate Secretary General

“Momentum”

3-8-2026

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 Social, Economic, Educational, and Humanitarian Responsibility of the Church In Preserving Values and Virtues and Building the Human Person (Part 2)".

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/a8f7f45a8480/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 Social, Economic, Educational, and Humanitarian Responsibility of the Church

In Preserving Values and Virtues and Building the Human Person

Professor Michel Abs

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

Economic Responsibility: Money in the Service of Humanity, Not Humanity in the Service of Money

The economic mission of the Church does not come from a desire to compete with the state or economic institutions, but from her moral responsibility toward humanity and society.

Economy is not merely numbers and profits; above all, it is a human concern. The human person must always remain the goal, and money must remain a means to serve the common good.

From a Christian perspective, money itself is not evil, but it becomes dangerous when it becomes a master that enslaves humanity. Therefore, Jesus says: “No one can serve two masters… God and money” (Matthew 6:24).

Thus, the Church is called to be an example in the management of her resources through transparency, integrity, and responsibility, because an institution that carries a spiritual mission must reflect in its administration the values it proclaims.

The Church must also encourage a culture of honest work and honor the dignity of the worker, because work is not only a means of livelihood; it is participation in the building of creation and the service of society…

Organized By MECC

You can join this webinar through the following Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86864203294?pwd=7KJDrYiNKaSuFtViTB3BlKwTaxUOah.1

Under the Theme “Living Water”