Organized by ATIME

This report highlights the importance of Ecumenical dialogue, which students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon emphasize, stressing the necessity of building bridges and devoting love and solidarity. These students met in a gathering organized by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), for the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, on Tuesday 20 February 2024 at La Sagesse University – Beirut.

The United Nations has designated February 21st as International Mother Language Day. It views the preservation of one’s mother tongue as a pathway to prosperity, as it serves as a conduit for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage (https://www.un.org/ar/observances/mother-language-day). The organization is concerned that the increasing disappearance of languages poses a challenge to linguistic diversity, given that 40% of the world’s population does not have access to education in their mother languages. This figure may exceed 90% in some regions of the world.

The international organization also emphasizes the many benefits that accrue to learners when their mother tongue is used in education. These benefits include improved education, self-esteem, and the development of critical thinking. In this respect, the mother tongue is the means of transmitting culture from generation to generation, fostering intergenerational learning and cultural preservation. This implies that this language is the primary means of socialization and sustainable development.

Addressing a significant issue in our modern society, the United Nations Organization has highlighted the problem of multilingual education policies for the year 2024. Under the title “Multilingual Education as One of the Pillars of Intergenerational Teaching and Learning”, it outlines the need for inclusive education and the preservation of indigenous languages. The organization suggests that basic knowledge should be in the learner’s mother tongue, followed by the gradual introduction of other languages. This approach aims to prevent a gap between the learner and his family.

Under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer”, the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) held the annual meeting for students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University - Furn El Chebbak, Beirut.

The Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) held the annual gathering for the students of the Theological Institutes in Lebanon under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It”. It was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University - Furn El Chebbak, Beirut. What did this gathering include and what is its importance? Answers are in this video, which provides an overview about the gathering’ sessions and its Ecumenical goals.

Holds A Gathering for the Students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon :

“The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It”

La Sagesse University - Lebanon

Aiming at bridging distances between Theology students from different Institutes, The Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) organized the annual gathering for the students of Theological in Lebanon under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It.” The meeting was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024 at La Sagesse University - Beirut, and attended by students representing seven Theological Institutes in Lebanon, which are part of the eighteen Institutes of ATIME.

Attendees were Professor Georges Nehme, President of La Sagesse University, Archimandrite Dr. Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology - University of Balamand and President of ATIME, Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, ATIME Executive Secretary, Father Dr. Bassam Nassif, Professor at the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand and ATIME Associate Executive Secretary, Father Dr. Elias Hanna, Dean of the Pontifical School of Theology at the Holy Spirit University – Kaslik, Father Tanios Khalil, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at La Sagesse University, Sister Dr. Yara Matta, Director of the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (ISRR) at the Saint Joseph University in Beirut, and Dr. Georges Sabra, President of the Near East School of Theology (NEST) in Beirut. Participants were also Professors and Fathers from various Theological Institutes and 270 students of Theology in Lebanon.

Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: January 2024

The War in Gaza continues to claim the lives of many while expanding in scope and intensity. As such, the armed conflict has spread to Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and the Red Sea inflicting economic repercussions to the whole region. With consistent escalations on both sides occurring the world is wary of a massive showdown that will put the security of the region in jeopardy. Moreover, humanitarian funding has decreased immensely even though the situation is consistently deteriorating. As such, the socioeconomic repercussions will be felt in the months to come.

On Charity Radio TV

Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was the guest of the journalist Zouhour Abou Mansour, in an episode within the program “Hawana Hawak”, broadcasted on Charity Radio TV, on Monday 19 February 2024.

During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, highlighted the ATIME, its goals and the most prominent programs it implements, especially with students of Theological Institutes in the region. He also talked about the gathering organized by the ATIME for the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It.” It was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University, Furn Al-Chebbak - Beirut.

of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” Program in Lebanon

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6: 31)

In light of all the daily challenges resulting from the living pressures and various crises that are exacerbating in our societies, spiritual and psychological support has become essential to assist all those who have drowned in despair and help them regain their hope to overcome all the difficulties with great faith and deep hope.

Hence, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) implemented a new session of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” program in Lebanon, under the title “Jesus said to them: Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6: 31). It was held over the course of five days, between Sunday 4 and Thursday 8 February 2024, at the Saint Augustin Center - Kafra, Ain Saadeh.

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs met with the Secretary General of the Bible Society in the Gulf Mr. Hrayr Jebejian, on Thursday 15 February 2024, at the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut. Attendees were also the MECC Associate Secretary General Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, and the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar.

During the meeting, the attendees talked about many topics related to the Churches in the Gulf and the activities they implement, in addition to the challenges they face amidst the presence of millions of displaced workers who need care in this region. They also discussed the cooperation between the Middle East Council of Churches and the Gulf Fellowship Churches.

The Phenomenon of Violence Is Still Rampant in Our Societies!

MECC Contributes in Reducing It Through Awareness Sessions in Lebanon

They are practices that threaten life, health, and a violation of human rights, requiring urgent protection for the affected people... With these words, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) presents a definition of one of the most social phenomena that threatens the safety of humanity. It lies in the issue of gender-based violence. However, these phrases are not just words, slogans, and ink on paper, but rather describe a bitter reality that expresses the lack of social justice and sounds the alarm, especially with the high rate of violence around the world and in the Middle East.

What are the reason? In fact, there are countless reasons, and directly related to the daily pressures resulting from the difficult living conditions due to the crises and conflicts that cast their shadows all over the world, especially in the Middle East region, which has always suffered from many social challenges. But what are the solutions? How long will violence remain a weapon for many? Questions we must ask to those involved and concerned!

for the Students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon

On Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel

Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was the guest in an episode within the program “All Nour Maana” (which means “The Lights Is with Us”), broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, on Thursday 15 February 2024, to talk about the annual gathering that ATIME will organize for the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University, Lebanon.

During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Father Dr. Michael presents an introduction about the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), highlighting its mission and the projects it is implementing in the Middle East region. Father Dr. Michael also talks about the goals of the gathering that ATIME will hold for the Theological students in Lebanon and its program.

In the new issue of the weekly newsletter Momentum issued by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Communication and Public Relations Department, you can find the message of the MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs which is entitled this week “Adequate housing and human dignity”. It was the speech that Professor Dr. Abs delivered at the monthly webinar organized by MECC on “Adequate Housing and Human Dignity”, on Thursday 25 January 2024.

The issue also presents the video of the episode in which the Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs was the guest of Father Elias Karam, within the program “I Came to Serve,” on Télé Lumière and Noursat, on Sunday 11 February 2024. During the episode, Professor Dr. Abs highlighted the message of the Middle East Council of Churches, the most prominent programs it is implementing at the various Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media levels, and the program of activities that will be held on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of its Founding. In addition, Dr. Abs spoke about the issue of Christian unity and other related topics.

In preparation for celebrating the “Season of Creation” 2024, the international Laudato Si’ movement launched the Season’s theme for this year, which is “To hope and Act with Creation,” emphasizing the importance of clinging to hope despite all the challenges that surround us, especially the environmental ones, and the necessity of working together to protect our common home and responding to the cry of creation. Thus, the video highlights the theme of the “Season of Creation” for this year and the symbol that was chosen. Noting that this season extends between 1 September and 4 October of every year.

Following the earthquake that struck the North of the Antiochian Levant, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) worked on the field to help the affected people in Syria and provide relief to them at various levels through distributing food and health kits, and rehabilitating some homes that had been damaged... MECC was also able to help 32 people establish their small businesses in Wadi Al-Nasara area in Rural Homs. This helped them have a source of income to secure a decent life for themselves and their families. In this context, the video presents an overview about this support program in addition to a testimony from one of the beneficiaries. 

There is no dispute that housing is the basic framework within which the family grows well and naturally, and its quality is the basic criterion for determining the living standard of a society.

Our popular culture abounds with sayings about the home, its importance, and its role in contentment, stability, and social progress. At home, a person finds comfort after a tiring day at work or study. There, he relaxes and retires to himself, searching for a comfort that he has missed throughout the day, wherever he may be, at work, at university or at school.

In order for the home to be a place of comfort and self-development, and not a place for family quarrels and disputes, it must have the specifications that make it a suitable place to live. Note that this condition is a basic condition, but it is not a sufficient one or nullifying other conditions.

The dwelling must be sufficient for the size of the family, enjoy comfort and even luxury conditions, preserve the family’s privacy, allow the privacy of all family members, be healthy, free from starch and dampness, and be provided with all elements of basic services related to health, hygiene, and prevention. Its residents are not to be exposed to problems that may come from the surroundings, such as noise, dust, and unhealthy odors, its ventilation is appropriate and it is subject to regular maintenance, as an individual house or as a building, and that public services in the building are available, as well as guarding and security.

"Human dignity of the Addicted Youth"

Thursday 29 February 2024 – 7 pm Beirut Time

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has the honor to invite you to participate in its monthly webinar, entitled “Human Dignity of the Addicted Youth,” on Thursday 29 February 2024, at 7 pm Beirut Time. 

You can participate in the webinar via the following Zoom link https://shorturl.at/AJMR9, and live on the MECC Facebook Page.  

The webinar, that will include three interventions, will start with an opening speech by its moderator Dr. Lubna Tarabey, which will be followed with a speech by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs.

The Diakonia and Social Service Department, at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), continues its efforts to provide a safe and healthy environment for students by renovating and rehabilitating schools that have been damaged by war in various Syrian governorates.

In Dara’a, the MECC team of the Diakonia and Social Service Department worked on the rehabilitation of four schools in the villages of Al Sahweh and Al Yadouda.

The rehabilitation activities included the rehabilitation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and pertinent equipment: maintenance of the pipes and water networks, and installation of taps, toilets, windows, doors, tile, ceramic, electric cables, water pumps, and tanks, in addition to completing the required painting work. The entire school was painted, along with the provision of new classrooms benches, fences for every school, and canopies were installed in the courtyards to protect students from the sun and rain.

It is worth mentioning that 987 students benefited from the rehabilitation and also received hygiene kits.

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs was the guest of Father Elias Karam in an episode within the program “I Came to Serve,” on Télé Lumière and Noursat, on Sunday 11 February 2024.

During the episode, which you can watch in the video, Professor Dr. Abs highlighted the message of the Middle East Council of Churches, the most prominent programs it is implementing at the various Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media levels, and the program of activities that will be held on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of its Founding.

As well as, Professor Dr. Abs spoke about the issue of Christian unity, in addition to the Ecumenical musical event “Beirut 2024,” which was held on Saturday 20 January 2024, at the Forum de Beirut, on the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the Fiftieth Year of the founding of the Middle East Council of Churches.

Moreover, Professor Dr. Abs talked about the role of the Church regarding the environmental issue, in addition to the MECC work in environmental issues and in dealing with crises. He also highlighted the “Human Dignity Project” - “Dialogue and Social Cohesion-Social Capital Rehabilitation”, and the importance of the seminars it holds monthly in this context. 

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return

Sunday 11 February 2024, at 8:30 pm Beirut Time

Watch the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs in an episode of the program “I Came to Serve,” prepared and presented by Father Elias Karam, on Télé Lumière and Noursat, on Sunday 11 February 2024, at 8:30 pm Beirut Time.

During the episode, Professor Dr. Abs will highlight the mission of the Middle East Council of Churches and the activities that will be held on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of its Founding. He will also talk about the issue of Christian unity, in addition to the Ecumenical Musical event “Beirut 2024,” which was held at the Forum de Beirut on the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the MECC Fiftieth Jubilee. In addition, Professor Dr. Michel Abs will speak about the Church’s role regarding the environmental issue, as well as the MECC work in dealing with crises and the importance of the seminars it holds monthly.