Together for Peace with Creation

In celebration of the international “Season of Creation”, the Middle East Council of Churches began the second day of its annual partners' meeting with a Prayer for Creation, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Al Soury, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Zahle, Baalbek and their Dependencies, representing His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Orthodox Family.

In a world burdened by environmental and climate crises, the attendees raised their Prayers on the intention of creation, which is now threatened by danger, asking God to grant them the determination and wisdom to fulfill their humanitarian and environmental role to the fullest, with hope and insistence to work for "peace with creation." This peace is what the "Season of Creation" calls for this year in its title and the symbol it carries, "Garden of Peace," inspired by Isaiah 32: 14-18.

Before the Prayer for Creation, there was a speech delivered by His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Al Soury, in which he reflected on the "Season of Creation," speaking about its Liturgy, spirituality, and importance, emphasizing the need to commit to the environmental cause.

The Middle East Council of Churches Holds the First Day of Its Annual International and Regional Partners Meeting

Under the title "Courage to Continue the Journey Together," the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), headed by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, held the first day of its annual meeting with the MECC Partners from international and regional organizations and institutions, on Tuesday, September 10, 2025. The meeting continues until Wednesday, September 11, at the Liqaa Center in Rabweh, Lebanon.

Attendees were representatives of various partner organizations and institutions of the Middle East Council of Churches from around the world, His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Al Soury, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Zahle, Baalbek and their Dependencies, representing His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and MECC President for the Orthodox Family, and Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and MECC President for the Evangelical Family.

Attendees were also MECC Associate Secretaries General, as well as the directors and coordinators of the MECC departments and the team.

the MECC Annual Partners Meeting:

In the spirit of gratitude celebration of our common identity and calling as people of Christ… A call for humanity

Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family, opened the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)' annual partners' meeting which is being held on Tuesday, September 10, and Wednesday, September 11, 2025, at the Liqaa Center in Rabweh, Lebanon.

On the occasion, Dr. Haidostian delivered a speech in which he emphasized the importance of witnessing to Christian unity, noting that “the partners meeting is not simply an administrative occasion for reporting. It is a time for self-reflection and some analysis…”. He added, “In the spirit of gratitude, we celebrate our common identity and calling as people of Christ… A call for humanity. In Christ, God made us alive together…”.

He continued, “In a region that has known conflicts wars genocides... this truth becomes more urgent that we are raised with Christ together. Our calling is to witness to this unity through Prayer and service…”.

of the Annual MECC Partners Meeting:

Dignity is among the most important commandments of the Savior, embodied in all He said and did, and we must be instruments for its preservation

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) held the opening session of its international partners annual meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 2025, which will continue until Wednesday, September 11, at the Liqaa Center - Rabweh, Lebanon.

In this context, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, delivered a speech entitled “On Spiritual Partnership and Institutional Policies,” in which he said:

“Lebanon, Palestine, and other Middle Eastern and Arab countries suffered disasters and calamities that deeply affected them and produced changes that were almost structural.

In the midst of these events, institutions that have taken it upon themselves to heal people’s wounds and share their burdens continued to carry out their duty as much as possible, within the limits of their available resources, under economic conditions that cannot be described as favorable for the non-industrialized world already burdened with countless crises.”

At the MECC Annual Partners Meeting:

We are on the verge of a huge transformation which is usually painful

As part of the activities of the annual meeting held by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for its international partners, His Excellency Lebanese MP Mr. Neemat Frem addressed the participants with a word focusing on the title "The Middle East at a Crossroads of a New Shape Land and Identity", on Tuesday, September 10, 2025, at the Liqaa Center in Rabweh, Lebanon.

Frem began with a presentation on the social, economic, and security conditions that the Middle East is facing, explaining the most prominent reasons that have led to the deterioration of living conditions in the region, which has imposed enormous daily challenges and pressures.

Participating in the MECC Annual Partners Meeting:

The Middle East is a region of resilience, creativity, and human capital

The scale of the issues we face demands partnership that bridges divides and places the human person at the center

As part of the annual meeting held by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for its international partners, His Excellency the Lebanese Minister of Information Lawyer Dr. Paul Morcos delivered a speech entitled "The Middle East at a Crossroads of a New Shape Land and Identity," on Tuesday, September 10, 2025, at the Liqaa Center in Rabweh, Lebanon.

Dr. Morcos addressed the reality facing Lebanon and the difficult circumstances it is experiencing, emphasizing the need for cooperation and concerted efforts locally and internationally for healthy societies and a better future.

He said, “Our land has known both greatness and grief, innovation and instability, promise and pain. Today, the Middle East stands at a defining moment — not only of land and identity, but of vision and future. The challenges before us are formidable.”

Discussions Centered on Future Cooperation

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received the Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science at the Lebanese University Professor Habib Azzi, in the presence of the Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and the Preservation of Human Dignity" program at MECC Professor Laure Abi Khalil. The meeting took place on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

Discussions revolved around the most important developments in the work of the Middle East Council of Churches, as well as the activities and programs it implements at various levels. As well as, the current situation of the Lebanese University and the challenges it faces were addressed.

In addition, both parties discussed ways of cooperation between the Middle East Council of Churches and the Lebanese University, with coordination meetings planned for the coming period to develop a cooperation and joint work agreement.

Meets in the Presence of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

Discussions Centered on Future Paths Serving Palestinian Refugees

The Joint Christian Committee for Social Service in Lebanon (JCC), affiliated with the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugee (DSPR) at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), held its regular meeting to which it invited the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs. It took place on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

Following an introduction by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, the Committee discussed its general situation and ways to enhance its work mechanism. It also defined its work directions and future activities to follow up on various projects and programs serving Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, defending their rights and preserving their dignity.

As well as, the committee also decided to resume and intensify its meetings to enhance cooperation and coordination, follow up on the programs, and ensure their proper implementation.

Receives the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

On a Protocol Visit

On a friendly protocol visit, Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, at the Archdiocese in Sed El Bouchrieh.

The meeting was attended by Metropolitan Mar Meelis Zaia, Head of the Assyrian Community in Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon; Father George Youkhana, Parish Priest of Hadat; and Father Ninos Audeh, Parish Priest of Sed El Bouchrieh.

His Holiness the Patriarch welcomed Professor Michel Abs and stressed the deep friendship that binds them. Both sides discussed the history and heritage of the Assyrian Church of the East in Lebanon and the region. They also discussed the Assyrian diaspora around the world, the general situation of the Church, and the Christian presence in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for solidarity among the Churches.

At the end of the meeting, His Holiness offered to Professor Michel Abs a book about the Assyrian Church of the East as a token of love and appreciation. Professor Abs, in turn, offered to His Holiness a book about Christianity and its History in the Middle East.

The Youth Leadership Building journey that began in Summer 2024, with several encounters throughout the year, has now reached its culmination. Organized by the Theological and Ecumenical Department of the Middle East Council of Churches, in collaboration with Youth for Christ Lebanon, Bible Society Lebanon, Ithraa-Lebanon for Relational Needs, Kerk in Actie (Netherlands) and WSCF Middle East, this program has provided young participants with continuous opportunities for growth, leadership, and fellowship—leading to its closing chapter at the Summer Camp 2025.

The YLB Summer Camp 2025 extended over five unforgettable days, marked by growth, reflection, and fun. It was held at Beit El Safa – in the town of Nabaa El Safa (Aley, Lebanon) – bringing together a group of young participants in a transformative experience that combined leadership skill development with the strengthening of community bonding.

A New Workshop Entitled "Connecting Hearts and Minds"

Amidst the difficult circumstances affecting the people of Lebanon and the region, the Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) seeks to raise mental health awareness in various communities to alleviate daily pressures and psychological burdens.

In this context, the Department, in partnership with Tearfund organization, organized a new workshop entitled "Connecting Hearts and Minds." Participants were humanitarian and social workers, and MECC volunteers, from different Church Families. It took place from August 4 to 7, 2025, in Beirut.

*Home care services are available at reasonable and discounted prices.

Stemming from its belief in the importance of serving with dignity, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) launched a new platform for homecare services in Lebanon, enabling service seekers to identify certified caregivers who have undergone extensive health training with Saint George Hospital University Medical Center (Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and Tripoli) and Khoury General Hospital (Zahle, Lebanon). Hence, the platform offers a variety of home services related to elderly care, mothers and newborn care, as well as babysitting and childcare.

In this context, the video sheds light on how this platform works and the details of its services.

Dr. Farah Atallah On a Visit to the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs in Beirut

Emphasizing the Need to Heal the Wounds of the Neediest People

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received Dr. Farah Atallah, Member of the Central Committee of the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) at MECC, on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

During the meeting, both parties discussed various current issues, as well as current development work and the most prominent activities implemented by the MECC, including DSPR programs.

At the Welcome and Well-Wishes Meeting with His Excellency
The President of the Lebanese Republic,
General Joseph Aoun
Republican Palace – Baabda
28.07.2025

Your Excellency,

It is with joy and hope that we visit you today, as a delegation from the Middle East Council of Churches, composed of the associate secretaries general and heads of central departments within the Council.

We had hoped that the four Presidents of the Council, Metropolitan Anba Antonios, His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, and His Beatitude Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian, as well as members of the Executive Committee could lead the delegation. However, due to some being abroad and the short notice between the date of invitation and this visit, that was not possible. We will make up for this by visiting you all together during the upcoming Executive Committee meeting scheduled in Lebanon in early December. It is worth noting that visiting the head of state is a tradition observed by the Council whenever its Executive Committee convenes in a country where its member churches are present.

The Middle East Council of Churches is entering the second 50 years of its age, which we hope will be long and fruitful. It is a regional institution licensed in Beirut and includes 21 churches from all over the Middle East, grouped into four ecclesial families based on their theology.

The Council has its main office in Lebanon and additional offices in Syria (Damascus, Daraa, Aleppo), Jordan (Amman), Jerusalem, Nazareth, Gaza, with a Cairo office being reopened in Egypt, and offices planned for reopening in Iraq and Cyprus…

The President of the Lebanese Republic General Joseph Aoun, met with a delegation from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), headed by its Secretary General Professor Michel Abs. At the beginning of the meeting Professor Abs said, "It is with joy and hope that we visit you today, as a delegation from the Middle East Council of Churches, composed of the Associate secretaries general and heads of central departments within the Council." He added, "visiting the head of state is a tradition observed by the Council whenever its Executive Committee convenes in a country where its member churches are present."

He said, " The Middle East Council of Churches is entering the second 50 years of its age, which we hope will be long and fruitful. It is a regional institution licensed in Beirut and includes 21 churches from all over the Middle East, grouped into four ecclesial families based on their theology. The Council has its main office in Lebanon and additional offices in Syria (Damascus, Daraa, Aleppo), Jordan (Amman), Jerusalem, Nazareth, Gaza, with a Cairo office being reopened in Egypt, and offices planned for reopening in Iraq and Cyprus"…

Celebrating Archbishop George Khodr: An Eastern Pen for Literature in the Heart of God

"Archbishop George Khodr, an Eastern Pen for Literature in the Heart of God," was the title of the "104 Meeting" celebration, organized at the invitation of "Liqaa" in cooperation with AUT University – Halat, and with the blessing and presence of His Eminence Archbishop Silouan (Moussi), Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Byblos, Batroun and Dependencies (Mount Lebanon).

The ceremony was attended by representatives of prominent figures and authorities, most notably President General Michel Aoun, Represented by Lawyer Wadih Akl; the Vice President of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, Represented by Sheikh Mohammad Haidar; Bishops Michel Aoun and Simon Faddoul; Sheikh Ahmad Al-Lakkis; and MP Dr. Salim Sayegh. The ceremony was also attended by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs; the General Directors, Jean Gebran and Hassan Al-Akra; as well as Representatives of Orthodox associations, spiritual figures, intellectual, political and academic personalities, and friends of Archbishop Khodr.

Under the supervision of Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its training course on graphic design, organized by the MECC Communication and Media Department with Father Spyridon Tannous, Parish Priest of Sharbila in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Akkar and its Dependencies, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

The second part of the training, which extends over several weeks, was held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, with the participation of the media team and colleagues from various departments in Lebanon and Syria, in person and online.

In this context, participants were able to explore modern electronic techniques and tools related to graphic and electronic design, in addition to applying basic skills through different exercises that consolidate the acquired knowledge by learning specialized programs and applications according to the given course

As well as, the attendees exchanged views and experiences on various design topics that would benefit them in their respective fields of expertise and work.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Service and Relief Department – Diakonia, continues its efforts to support the livestock sector and enhance livelihoods and food security in rural areas, as part of its ongoing mission to assist the most vulnerable families and alleviate increasing living burdens.

In this context, 134 livestock breeders in the villages of Deir al-Bukht, Khirbet Ghazaleh, and Al-Kutaybeh in rural Dara’a were supported through the distribution of 220 rations to cover 220 heads of cattle. Each ration consisted of 900 kilograms of mineral-fortified pelleted fodder and 720 kilograms of hay. In addition, veterinary services, medications, and vaccines were provided, along with one food basket for each of the 134 breeders’ families.

The beneficiaries also attended training sessions on proper cattle care, ways to manage common livestock diseases, and optimal nutrition practices to improve the quality and quantity of milk production.

He Delivers a Speech Entitled “The Purest Witness”

"These ceremonies are attitudes, standards of behavior, and ethics of leadership... Ashura is a tragedy that is repeated every day"

Under the patronage and attendance of the Vice-President of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council His Eminence Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, the Council began commemorating Ashura this year, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Council's headquarters in Beirut. The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs participated on Thursday, July 3, and delivered a speech entitled “The Purest Witness”, along with many personalities.

The ceremony began with a recitation of Verses from the Holy Quran, and attendees were Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion and Human Dignity" program at MECC, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Media Officer and Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at MECC, and the TV Director Johnny Antoun, Social Media Officer at MECC.

Attendees were also Religious Scholars, and political, judicial, military, educational, cultural, and social figures, as well as citizens.

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