With the beginning of the countdown to the inauguration of Our Lady of Joy Church and the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum, a press conference was held at the Archdiocese in Zahle, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), the Most Reverend, Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Zahle, Baalbek and Its Dependencies, and Member of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC); at the invitation of the Media Committee, which is covering the event, and in the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali), the Representative of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East at the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia. The press conference was attended by the Venerable Priests, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, Engineer Christina Saikali, the Heads and Members of the Committees in charge of the preparations, and representatives of the media outlets and social media platforms.

The conference began with the National anthem, which was followed by a speech delivered by the Head of the Media Committee, Father Seraphim Makhoul, priest of the Saint George Parish in Zahle, Hawsh Al-Umara. He thanked the Lord for His abundant gifts and blessings that spread the fragrance of faith throughout the beloved land of Lebanon. He emphasized that the inauguration event is a jewel of faith that reflects light in Zahle, noting that the city of Zahle after May 18, 2025, will never be the same again. He then presented a detailed explanation of the inauguration Mass, which will be held with the blessing and presence of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, who will consecrate the Church of Our Lady of Joy and inaugurate the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum. The ceremony will be attended by Metropolitan Antonios (Volokolamsk), Head of the Department of External Relations of the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia, representing His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, as well as Priests, and a high-ranking diplomatic personalities. The inauguration will take place on Sunday, May 18, at 8:30 a.m. The inauguration of the Museum will follow the Mass at 12:30 p.m.

Prayer and Hope on the 1700th Commemoration of the Council of Nicaea

As every week, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, presides over a meeting for the colleagues in the General Secretariat team. The meeting begins with spiritual readings and reflections that reflect the reality we live in today, in addition to Prayers for achieving peace, truth and justice.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut, attendees read a Biblical Text from the Gospel of Mark about the life of Joseph of Arimathea and reflected on its dimensions and spiritual implications, which reflect consolation and resurrection in our lives today.

In the second part, attendees also addressed the 1700th Commemoration of the Council of Nicaea, discussing the dimensions of this Council and its importance in the life of the Church. They also delved into the life of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, a common Saint for the East and West and considered one of the Four Great Fathers, as well as the Father of the Coptic Church and its first Teacher of faith.

An Ecumenical Event with the Organization and Participation of MECC and Ecumenical International Organizations

Under the title “Creation Day & The Nicaea Centenary: Crystallizing the Ecumenical Dream of the New Liturgical Feast”, and with the aim of developing a common Liturgical Feast to celebrate the creation together, an Ecumenical conference was held from May 5 to 7, 2025, in Assisi, Italy.

The conference was held in partnership with the World Council of Churches, the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the World Methodist Council, the Laudato Si' Research Institute, and the Middle East Council of Churches, represented by the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department and Member of the International Steering Committee of the “Season of Creation” Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar.

The event was attended by a representative of the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate and representatives of Church Leaders from various Church Families and Eastern and Western Church traditions.

The gathering included daily prayers, speeches, and various sessions focused on the Theological foundations and history of the “Feast of Creation”, in addition to Biblical Readings and Liturgical prayers. It is worth noting that the Day of Creation is traditionally celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox tradition on September 1 of each year. The Middle East Council of Churches also participated in several activities, adding value to the conference.

With His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III in Amman

Discussions Centered Around the Council's Work for the Good of the Church and Society

During the conference "Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment" held in Amman under the patronage and presence of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs met with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine and Jordan, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Christoforos Atallah, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan, and President of the Council of Heads of Churches in Jordan

At the meeting, both sides discussed many issues related to the MECC work and mission, as well as ways to develop its working mechanisms to achieve the desired Ecumenical and humanitarian goals for the good of the Church and society. They also agreed to hold future meetings to follow up on various issues related to the Council's work.

Moreover, the Secretary General offered His Beatitude a book about the Monasteries of the Antiochian See, produced by the University of Balamand in Lebanon, as well as the logo of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding as a token of love and respect.

His Eminence Bishop Qais Sadiq at the Center for Ecumenical Studies – Amman

Emphasizing the Importance of Promoting the Ecumenical Spirit

As part of his visit to Amman to participate in the conference " Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment," the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs visited the Center for Ecumenical Studies, where he met with its Founder and President His Eminence Bishop Qais Sadiq, Bishop of Erzurum and Patriarchal Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East.

During the meeting, ways of future coordination were discussed, particularly regarding the Ecumenical dialogue and activities aimed at developing the Ecumenical spirit among the youth in the Churches of the Middle East.

At the end, the Secretary General offered His Eminence the logo of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding, praising the cooperation between the Council and the Center for Ecumenical Studies.

Holds its Annual Meeting for the Theological Students in Lebanon, Hosted by the Near East School of Theology (NEST)

"The Council of Nicaea, The Faith of the Church from the Preaching of the Apostles to the Evangelization Today"

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Under the title "The Council of Nicaea, The Faith of the Church from the Preaching of the Apostles to the Evangelization Today," the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) organized its annual meeting in Lebanon in order to consolidate the Ecumenical spirit and bridge the distances between the Theological students from various Institutes. The meeting was held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, hosted by the Near East School of Theology (NEST) in Beirut.

In the presence of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, attendees were Archimandrite Dr. Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand – Lebanon, and ATIME President, Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, ATIME Executive Secretary, Archpriest Father Bassam Nassif, ATIME Associate Executive Secretary for the Orthodox Family, Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros, MECC Associate Secretary General, Archpriest Professor Porphyrios Georgi, and Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah, Professor of Practical Theology at the Near East School of Theology (NEST). As well as, attendees were Professors, Priests, Pastors, and students from various Theological Institutes, in addition to the MECC Media.

The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Writes a Message of Condolence in the Condolence Book at the Holy See in Harissa

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs extended his condolences on behalf of the Council's General Secretariat team at the Apostolic Nunciature in Harissa.

The MECC delegation included the Associate Secretary General Father Nicolas Bustros, and the Media Officer and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at MECC Lea Adel Maamary.

Firstly, the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs assured the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon His Excellency Monsignor Paolo Borgia that “His Holiness Pope Francis has left an unforgettable legacy, and his path is full of openness, justice, humanity, and mercy."

Professor Michel Abs then wrote a message of condolence in the condolences book of the Holy See - Harissa.

Who is Cardinal Kevin Farrell Executing this Mission?

Media of The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Cardinal Kevin Farrell is the most frequently mentioned Vatican figures in the media following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Heavenly Father on the morning of Easter Monday. Cardinal Farrell was the first to announce the Pope’s passing away in an official statement.

He is the Vatican’s Camerlengo, currently managing the daily affairs of the Holy See, particularly during the Sede Vacante which is the period from the moment of the Pope's passing away until the election of a new Pope. During this time, he also has the right to request financial information from various Vatican departments.

Christ Is Risen… He Is Risen Indeed!

During the time of the Glorious Resurrection, His Holiness Pope Francis left our world after completing his Ecclesiastical and humanitarian mission with great dedication, to move on to the true Resurrection in the Kingdom of the Lord. With this sad news, which the Church received worldwide, the General Secretariat Team of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) gathered in their weekly meeting, where they raised Prayers for the repose of the soul of the Supreme Pontiff, who had always emphasized hope in the Lord Jesus.

The meeting was held at the invitation of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Council's General Secretariat offices in Beirut, with the presence of colleagues from various departments, along with some colleagues who participated online.

The meeting included Prayers prepared by Fr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at MECC, as well as readings from Pope Francis' decree calling for the ordinary jubilee in 2025, titled "The Hope That Does Not Disappoint," where he wrote: "Christian hope is this: in the face of death, and where everything seems to end, we are certain that 'life does not vanish, but changes,' thanks to Christ, and by the grace given to us in Baptism."

The Secretary General Professor Michel Abs and an MECC Delegation Meet His Holiness Pope Francis Following His General Audience on Wednesday 8 March 2023

Within the activities of an international conference held in Rome and in which the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) participated, the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs and a delegation from the Council, met His Holiness Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican in Rome, after the General Audience His Holiness gave, on Wednesday 8 March 2023.

During the meeting, the Secretary General Professor Abs and the MECC delegation saluted His Holiness Pope Francis and expressed their appreciation for His Holiness and their intention to ask for an appointment in order to visit His Holiness at a later time.

The MECC delegation included His Eminence Bishop Munib Younan, MECC Honorary President, Dr. Hiba Sharobeem, a Member of the Egyptian Parliament and a University Professor, Professor Laure Abi Khalil, the Coordinator of the “Dialogue, Human Dignity and Social Cohesion” program at MECC, and a University Professor, and Eng. Fadi Nasr, an Expert in social cohesion training.

With the Presence of the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

On Saturday, April 19, 2025, and on the occasion of Holy Saturday, the Chaldean Eparchy of Beirut held a Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of the Late Dr. Michel Joseph Maamary, husband of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, in the presence of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, as well as relatives, friends, and journalists.

The Prayer was presided over by His Eminence Bishop Michel Kassarji, the Head of the Chaldean Community in Lebanon, assisted by Monsignor Raphael Traboulsi, the Episcopal Vicar General, Father Antoine Ghanem, the Antonian Monk, and the Deacons: Dani Cheba, Nawwar Ramo, and Nabil Riad.

Bishop Kassargi delivered a speech that highlighted the significance of the occasion and praised the virtues of the Late Dr. Michel. The service was also attended by Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Journalists, cultural and humanitarian workers, as well as the Widow of the Deceased, his two children, and other family members.

Following the Liturgy, the family received condolences in the Eparchy's salon.

Following Up on Work Updates with Great Hope

The General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its weekly meetings, with colleagues uniting in work, Prayer, and reflection in an Ecumenical and fraternal spirit, praying for peace and justice in the region and the world. Today, the team is living the Holy Week with humility and hope in preparation for the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In this context, the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, held the latest weekly meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Council’s headquarters in Beirut, with the presence of the General Secretariat team from various departments and the online participation of colleagues from Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Canada.

At the beginning of the meeting, Professor Michel Abs, delivered, on behalf of the MECC family, a word of consolation, sympathy, and support to the colleague Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at MECC, who lost her life partner. He prayed that the Lord, through His Resurrection, would grant her strength and determination in this new chapter of her life.

What Are the Preparations of the Syrian Orthodox Religious Education Center in Qamishli for the Feast of Feasts?

Exclusive: Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12: 12). With the words of Saint Paul to the Romans, youth today walk in an era shadowed by crises and conflicts. Amidst all the challenges surrounding them, they have chosen to hold fast to their upright faith, continuing their Prayers with great hope and believing that Jesus Christ, the Captain of the ship, will not abandon them.

The youth have found in the Church a safe haven and a warm embrace that eases their daily pressures. They are the heartbeat and movement of the Church, both its present and future, as their constant activity within it makes them an inseparable part of it.

Today, they are preparing together for the Feast of Feasts and the Season of Seasons in a journey of Lent and Prayer, each according to their Ecclesiastical Traditions, towards the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This year, their joy is even greater, especially since all the Churches are celebrating Easter on the same date. So, what are their preparations and what are their aspirations?

The Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) reached out to the brothers and sisters in Qamishli, this vibrant city that brings together different Christian Families, and asked them about their activities during this Blessed time.

Saint Assia the Wise Clinic Center in Aleppo, which belongs to the Armenian Catholic, Syriac, and Maronite Communities, was inaugurated, on Friday 11 April 2025, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Boutros Marayati, His Eminence Archbishop Antoine Shahda, and His Eminence Archbishop Joseph Tobji.

The center was renovated with the generous support and funding from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and the ceremony was attended by the Council's representative Lamis Makhloul, as well as the management and members of the charity organizations of the concerned Communities, doctors, and staff at the center.

The ceremony was opened by His Eminence Archbishop Antoine Shahda with a short Prayer, followed by a speech delivered by Dr. Rizkallah Malo, who reviewed the steps that led to this achievement. His Eminence Archbishop Boutros Marayati congratulated all the doctors, workers, and donors, especially the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), before cutting a cake to celebrate the occasion.

The ceremony concluded with a speech delivered by His Eminence Archbishop Joseph Tobji, and commemorative photos were taken for this significant event in the history of joint work between the Communities to serve the society.

The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs in a Lecture at Balamand: “It is essential to preserve heritage and sacred sites. The issue must move within the international conscience, regardless of religious and ethnic affiliations”

As part of the lecture series at the St. John of Damascus - Institute of Theology in Balamand, Lebanon, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs gave a lecture entitled " Witnesses and Martyrs in Anatolia," in the presence of Rt. Archimandrite Yaacoub Khalil, Dean of the Institute and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (A.T.M.E), on Wednesday, April 8, 2025, in the Patriarch Ignatius IV Hall at the Institute campus.

The lecture was attended by Directors and Professors from the Saint John of Damascus Theological Institute, along with a delegation of students, Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity" program at MECC, as well as the MECC Media who conducted many interviews with the attendees, and interested participants in the topic.

During the lecture, the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs mentioned that he began his work on minorities in 1980 and conducted many studies on the massacres of the Syriacs and Armenians. He also researched the massacres of the Antiochian and Anatolian Greeks, which expanded his understanding through various readings. He adopted the term "Antiochian Levant" to describe where the Church was established and where the Apostle Paul's journeys occurred.

The Middle East Council of Churches and its Partners Contribute to Empowering Youth and Developing Their Skills

Believing in the importance of supporting and empowering youth by developing their leadership skills and contributing to building healthy communities, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues to implement the "Youth Leadership Building" program in Lebanon. A new session of this program was organized in March at the ABTS Moore Center – Mansourieh, with the participation of a group of youth and leaders, accompanied by specialized speakers Reem El Khoury and Abd Zein El Din.

Noting that this program is held in partnership with Youth for Christ (YFC), Kerk in Actie (KIA), Ithraa Center in Lebanon, the Bible Society - Lebanon and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF).

The day began with light breakfast snacks, offering a moment of fellowship where participants could reconnect and meet one another again. A series of outdoor icebreakers followed, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the day.

As part of supporting rural communities and enhancing food security, MECC team, through its Service and Relief Department – Diakonia, carried out an initiative to distribute winter vegetable seeds and agricultural tools to the residents of Al-Quniyya village in rural Dara’a. The aim was to support family stability and improve economic livelihoods.

A total of 895 families benefited from the initiative, including households where women are the sole breadwinners.

The distributed seeds included: fava beans, garlic, spinach, lettuce, radish, parsley, coriander, and onions. The agricultural tools provided included: shovel, grape hoe, mulch, hose, water tap, garden rake. In addition, the families received Balanced fertilizer, two water tanks and had modern irrigation systems installed to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production.

The beneficiaries also attended training sessions on proper farming techniques, how to deal with plant diseases, and practices that help increase crop yields. Moreover, an agricultural engineer visited the beneficiary families on a monthly basis to monitor the crops and provide necessary guidance to improve production quality.

Father Salim Daccache, Rector of Saint Joseph University in Beirut, inaugurated the Job Fair at the Faculty of Human Sciences campus, in the Damascus Road - Beirut.

The aim of this job fair is to serve as a bridge between students and employers, as well as to encourage individual initiatives and the establishment of private and startup companies.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) was present at the job fair, introducing its work, mission, and the opportunities available within its scope.