Strengthening Christian Faith Unity: The 1700th Jubilee Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea

Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: It was a decisive Council for faith, settling doubt with certainty and producing the Creed, which the Church continues to follow to this day

Professor Najib Jahshan: Our duty as a cultural Society that sheds light on our ancient Roman heritage, we are holding this international conference to highlight this unique historical event

Engineer Abdallah Hayek: The conference will include sessions focusing on the historical situation and Church issues that preceded the Council, the Council's convening and agenda, and its near- and long-term outcomes

Dr. Elie Mouwakadie: During the conference, Dr. Asad Rustum will be inscribed in the Golden Register of Roman Creators during the conference

At the invitation of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and the Romaian Cultural Society, a press conference was held to announce the “The Fifth Scientific Conference - Strengthening Christian Faith Unity: The 1700th Jubilee Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea”, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, live from the Platform of the Word at the MECC headquarters in Beirut. Noting that the Fifth Scientific Conference will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Liqaa Center in Rabweh, Metn, Lebanon.

Attendees in the press conference, which was broadcasted live on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, and the MECC Facebook Page, were the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at MECC Fr. Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, and the Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity" program at MECC Dr. Laure Abi Khalil.

Following the Lebanese National Anthem, the press conference began, and was hosted by the 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.

"The Status and Role of Women in Christianity and Islam"

Within the framework of the “Cooperation Protocol”, the “Meeting for Religious and Social Dialogue” and the “Lebanese Council of Women” organized a symposium entitled "The Status and Role of Women in Christianity and Islam" on Tuesday, May 23, 2025, at the Auditorium of the Child and Mother Welfare Association in Beirut.

Attendees were the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, represented by Dr. Laure Abi Khalil, the Coordinator of the MECC "Dialogue, Social Cohesion and Human Dignity" Program, along with intellectuals, researchers, experts, and interested people.

“Praying and working together” is a motto that the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) General Secretariat team has always embodied in a journey of faith, hope, and joy, aiming to consolidate the Ecumenical spirit and serve every human being with dignity. Hence, the weekly meeting, presided over by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, with the participation of colleagues from various departments, in person and online, provides a new opportunity for reflection, supplication to the Lord, and exchange of experiences.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut, began with a reading from the Gospel of John about the call of Peter the Apostle (John 21: 15-19), followed by a Biblical reflection delivered by Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at MECC. He spoke about the qualities of the Good Shepherd, his care for the sheep, and his vigilance for their safety. He also touched on the enthronement of Pope Leo XIV and the importance of the responsibility he bears in caring for the Catholic Church.

Then, the attendees raised their Prayers for the Pastors, remembering the new Pope and emphasizing life with Christ and serving the Church and humanity with boundless love.

On the Occasion of the Inauguration of Our Lady of Unexpected Joy Church in Zahle

Exclusive Photos for the Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

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.