In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Jordan’s office, with the MECC Diakonia Department, organized a consultation session on the Humanitarian-Peacebuilding Nexus approach for all Church humanitarian organizations working in Jordan, including the MECC international partners and ACT Alliance members in Jordan. The session took place from September 15 to 16 at the St. Ignatius Center for Knowledge Innovation, affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Amman.

The purpose of this session was to highlight the experiences of the participating organizations and their lessons learned regarding the so-called Humanitarian-Development-Peacebuilding Nexus approach to achieving a cohesive and secure society.

Following the opening Prayer and welcoming remarks from the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of ACT Alliance Mr. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, and Father Ignatius Khalifeh, Director of the MECC Office in Jordan, the seminar began with an analysis of the dynamics of conflicts in the Middle East and their causes by Dr. Bernard Sabella, and proposals for peace initiatives that MECC could adopt in its future projects.

Safeguarding Religious Sites with the UN Alliance of Civilizations

The VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions started in Astana, with the participation of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, along with Religious Leaders from around the world. The first session centered around safeguarding Religious sites with the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and was held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

The session focused on the UN Alliance of Civilizations, especially its role in promoting cultural diversity, religious pluralism, and mutual respect. As well as, many interventions emphasized the importance of preserving Religious sites and protecting them from any danger, in addition to working to consolidate a culture of love and fraternity among all Religions and cultures.

By the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar

“The fortress will be abandoned… until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field… My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”

— Isaiah 32:14-18

The Season of Creation invites us to rediscover our calling as caretakers of God’s creation, and Isaiah’s prophetic vision speaks powerfully to our reality today. He imagines a world transformed: once desolate lands renewed, abandoned cities restored, and God’s Spirit poured out to bring justice, peace, and harmony.

This vision feels particularly urgent in the Middle East, where conflicts and wars have deeply scarred both people and the environment. Forests have been burned, fertile lands abandoned, rivers polluted, and biodiversity threatened. With water scarcity rising, climate change worsening, and displacement increasing, nature has become an unspoken victim of human violence.

Ecumenical and Humanitarian Issues Culminated the Second Day of the MECC Partners Meeting

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continued its annual meeting with its international and regional partners on its second day, Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Liqaa Center - Rabweh, Lebanon. The meeting was entitled "Courage to Continue the Journey Together."

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, 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, and Reverend Joseph Kassab, Secretary General of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, and Member of the MECC Executive Committee.

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

Interventions on Christian Unity and the 50th Year of the MECC Founding

In celebration of the conclusion of the 50th Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the participants in the annual meeting held by the Council with its international partners moved to Haigazian University in Beirut, where a session was held and presided over by 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.

The session, held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, began with an opening speech delivered by Reverend Dr. Haidostian, in which he highlighted the most important historical milestones in the founding of Haigazian University and its various specialties.

As well as, the session focused on the Ecumenical path of the Middle East Council of Churches and its work to strengthen the Ecumenical spirit. It also highlighted the 1700th Commemoration of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea and its implications, particularly with regard to Christian unity.

the International Campaign “Thursdays in Black”

Towards Consolidating Social Justice!

In solidarity with all the tormented and survivors of violence around the world, the participants in the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Annual Partners Meeting, held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, join the "Thursdays in Black" campaign, which was launched by the World Council of Churches (WCC) many years ago, aiming to raise awareness about gender-based violence and ways to confront it to protect every woman and man, every girl and boy, and preserve their dignity in order to walk together toward a world free of injustice.

The attendees wore black clothes as required by the campaign every Thursday, emphasizing the need to work to reduce this phenomenon. Noting that black is used in this campaign as a color symbolizing determination and resilience, which are essential elements in confronting all forms of violence.

Words Affirming Survival, Steadfastness, and Existence

The Middle East, its challenges and crises, and the Christian presence within it... was the focus of the first session of the second day of the annual meeting held by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) with its international partners, between September 10 and 11, 2025, at the Liqaa Center - Rabweh, Lebanon.

During the session, attendees heard several speeches that centered around the Christian presence in the region and how to work to consolidate it and enhance its role in resilience and existence, with the aim of ensuring its continuity in a life free from all danger, pain, and suffering.

The speakers also addressed the most prominent difficulties that the region is facing and the burdens it places on its people at various levels. They highlighted the living conditions in the Middle East and ways to confront all obstacles in order to build better societies filled with dignity, humanity, and fraternity.

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.