MECC
Video - Details of the Opening of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Egypt, Headed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
Under the theme “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27), the Arab Republic of Egypt inaugurated the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, in a Prayer Service presided over His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, on Wednesday 13 March 2024, in the Church of Church of the Great Martyr Saint George and Anba Ebram - Heliopolis - Cairo.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Visits the Coptic Orthodox Media Center in Cairo with an MECC Delegation and Aspirations for Media Cooperation
Cairo, 3/14/2024
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs visited the Coptic Orthodox Media Center in Cairo.
He was accompanied during the visit by the MECC Honorary Secretary General in Egypt Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Associate Secretary General in Egypt Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, and the Coordinator of Communication for Church Relations Lea Adel Maamary.
They were received by Father Moussa Ibrahim, the official spokesman for the Coptic Orthodox Church, and Dr. Rania Naim, the Director of the Coptic Orthodox Media Center.
His Eminence Bishop Jeremiah Receives the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs and an MECC Delegation
Emphasizing the Importance of Dialogue as Well as Purifying Hearts and Minds
Cairo, 3/14/2024
His Eminence Bishop Jeremiah, General Bishop, President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, and Assistant Secretary General of the Egyptian Family House, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, and a delegation from the Council at the Center’s headquarters in Cairo.
The meeting was attended by His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Abu Zaid Al Amir, General Coordinator of the Egyptian Family House and Former Vice President of Al Azhar University, the Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Gergis Saleh, the Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, and the Coordinator of Communication for Church Relations Lea Adel Maamary.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II Receives the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, with a Delegation from the Council
Words Stressing the Necessity of Strengthening the Christian Presence in the Region
Cairo, 3/14/2024
Over the course of an hour and a half, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, and the Council delegation, at the Papal Residence - Abbasiya - Cairo.
The meeting was attended by His Eminence Bishop Anba Antonios Metropolitan of Jerusalem and the Near East for the Coptic Orthodox Church, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Eastern Orthodox Family, Father Antonios Baki, Priest of America and Secretary of His Holiness the Pope, Father Monk Cyril Anba Bishoy, Secretary of His Holiness the Pope, Mr. Joseph, Secretary of His Holiness the Pope, the Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Gergis Saleh, the Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches in Egypt Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, the Coordinator of Communication for Church Relations Lea Adel Maamary.
A Gathering of Love in Egypt and His Holiness Pope Tawadros II Inaugurates the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Egypt
His Holiness Congratulates the Middle East Council of Churches on Its Fiftieth Year and Praises Its Role
Cairo, 13-3-2024
Under the theme “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27)” the Prayer for Christian unity was held in the Church of Church of the Great Martyr Saint George and Anba Ebram - Heliopolis - Cairo, at the invitation of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in cooperation with the Egypt Council of Churches.
The Prayer was presided over by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, with the participation of the Heads of Churches in Egypt, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs, Secretary General of the Egypt Council of Churches Reverend Yachouh Yaacoub, Bishops, Priests, Pastors, Nuns, and Believers.
At the beginning of the Prayer, a speech was delivered by Father Sergios Sergios, the General Agent of the Patriarchate, in which he welcomed everyone and spoke about the history of the Church’s building from the year 1958 till today.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Joins the Executive Committee Meeting of the Evangelical Synod of the Nile – Cairo
Cairo, 13-3-2024
As part of his meetings on the agenda of his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs participated in the Executive Committee meeting of the Evangelical Synod of the Nile, held in the Synod Building in Cairo.
The President of the Synod Reverend Radi Atallah presided the meeting, with the participation of the Secretary General of the Synod Reverend Refaat Fathi, and the Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, and the Heads of the Synod committees.
During the meeting, Dr. Michel Abs presented an intervention in which he said that the Church must reread itself in an evaluative or critical way in order to grow and continue, to use its resources in the best ways to serve people, and to pay attention to institutionalization which has an impact in strengthening the role of Christians on different levels."
Christians, Persecution and Freedom
Fifty
On the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Egypt, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel E. Abs attended the opening Prayer of this week, headed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, during which he delivered a speech entitled “Fifty.” At its beginning, Dr. Michel Abs addressed His Holiness Pope Tawadros II with a word of love and condolence following the attack, on Monday 12 March 2024, on three monks from the Coptic Orthodox Church at the Monastery of Saint Mark the Apostle and Saint Samuel the Confessor in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Watch the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs in A Special Episode on “Al Keraza” TV Channel in Egypt
Thursday 14 March 2024
On the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in the Arab Republic of Egypt and as part of the tour of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs in Egypt, Dr. Abs will be the guest in a special episode on the Egyptian “Al Keraza” TV channel with the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry.
Watch the episode live on Thursday 14 March 2024, at 8:00 pm Cairo time, 10:00 am California time, and 5:00 am Sydney time.
The MECC Team in a Training on the Council's New Policies and Procedures
Together Towards Enhancing the Work Mechanisms!
Capabilities development and skills improvement are among the most prominent objectives of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) which seeks in every new opportunity to empower its team work and expand the horizons of its tasks in order to achieve the desired Ecumenical and humanitarian goals.
In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches organized a training on the new policies and procedures prepared and adopted by the Council with the aim of developing its work mechanisms. The training, which was programmed with the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, extended over two days, Thursday 7 and Friday 8 March 2024, at the Near East School of Theology (NEST) in Beirut.
The training was moderated by the MECC Human Resources Senior Officer Mrs. Roula Saliba, in which participants were the team of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut, and the team of our Lady Dispensary, affiliated with the MECC, in the Sabtieh region –Mount Lebanon. Hence, the training included many sessions and practical exercises, all of which centered, in details, on the policies and procedures for the recruitment process, employee files and all issues related to their duties, rights and performance. In addition, the training highlighted the policies and procedures related to whistleblowing, and the protection from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH)…
The Middle East Council of Churches Contributes to Supporting More Than 10,000 Displaced People from the South of Lebanon
The escalation occurring in the South, resulted in the displacement of several citizens in various areas of Lebanon. They were forced to abandon their homes, possessions, and sources of livelihood during a time when the economic crisis is still prevailing. Already, the government was not able to provide the right circumstances for ordinary citizens to maintain their livelihood and source of income as many of the Lebanese population have fallen below the poverty line.
According to recent estimates, 80% of the Lebanese live in poverty and 36% below the extreme poverty line. As such, many are not able to acquire the basic necessities that encompass food, medication, heating equipment, and hygiene & dignity supplies etc... Expectations indicate, amidst the urgency of the situation, that between April and September 2024, about 1.14 million people are expected to face high levels of food insecurity and are likely to be in a crisis or emergency phase according to standards set by the Integrated Food Security Classification. As such the issue of the internally displaced people (IDPs) coming from the South, came at an unfavorable time during which humanitarian needs are already shocking.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel visited His Eminence Bishop Sami Fawzi Shehata, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Egypt, North Africa and the Horn of Africa
Words Stressing the Need to Strengthen Relations Between the Churches
Cairo, 3-13-2024
In the context of strengthening relations between the Churches and emphasizing the role of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in spreading the spirit of love among all, and in preparation for the activities of the MECC Fiftieth Year of its Founding, the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, visited, with a delegation from the Council, the Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Egypt, North Africa and the Horn of Africa His Eminence Bishop Sami Fawzi Shehata at the headquarters of the Episcopal Church in Cairo.
The meeting was attended by the MECC Honorary Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, the Secretary General of the Egypt’s Council of Churches Father Yachouh Yacoub, and the journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Coordinator of Communication for Church Relations.
The meeting was characterized by a spirit of love, as Dr. Michel Abs spoke about the MECC role in strengthening relations between Churches, as well as the MECC work regarding lectures, programs and projects it implements embracing humanity and including everyone without exception.
His Beatitude Patriarch Anba Ibrahim Isaac Receives the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs
With a Delegation from the Council, Emphasizing the Role of Media in Building Humanity
Cairo, 3-13-2024
Many topics, aspirations and important files were the highlight of the meeting of His Beatitude Patriarch Anba Ibrahim Isaac, Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria, and Head of the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Egypt, with the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, and the Council’s delegation, at the Patriarchate headquarters - Cairo.
The meeting was attended by the MECC Honorary Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, and the Coordinator of Communication for Church Relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
Following the welcoming, the two parties discussed important topics related to the issues of the Christian role in the Middle East, Ecumenical witness, cooperation between Churches, the role of MECC in raising new problems at the humanitarian and social levels, and the MECC activities on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of its Founding.
Watch with Us the Live Streaming of the Opening of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from the from the Church of the Great Martyr Saint George and Anba Ebram, Egypt
Wednesday 13 March 2024 - 6 pm, on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel
Watch with us the live streaming of the opening of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from the Church of the Great Martyr Saint George and Anba Ebram, Egypt, at 6:30 pm on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel. The opening Prayer will be headed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Mark, and in the presence of the Heads of Churches.
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs will deliver a speech during the opening Prayer.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Arrives in Cairo
Cairo, 3-12-2024
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs left Lebanon heading to the Arab Republic of Egypt, to participate in the opening of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Dr. Michel Abs will also have tours and visits to the Heads of Churches, lectures, and fruitful meetings with the aim of enhancing the activities of the Fiftieth Jubilee of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches.
He was received at Cairo International Airport by the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, amid great love and hospitality.
Father Michel Jalkh the Antonine Promoted to the Episcopal Rank
The Middle East Council of Churches Congratulates Him
The Media Office of the Patriarchal Edifice - Bkerke distributed the news issued by the Secretariat of the Maronite Patriarchate regarding the promotion of Father Michel Jalkh the Antonine, Secretary of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches in the Vatican and Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), to the Episcopal Rank, as it stated:
“His Holiness Pope Francis elevated the Antonine Monk Father Michel Jalakh, Secretary of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches in the Vatican, appointed since February 2023, to the Episcopal Rank with the title of “Titular Archbishop of Nisibis dei Maroniti.” His Episcopal Ordination will be celebrated in Bkerke on Saturday 8 June 2024. ".
On this occasion, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) extends its warmest congratulations to Father Jalakh, Honorary Secretary General, wishing him good health and continued success, raising Prayers to God to bless his testimony and his service in the field of the Lord.
Thoughts on the Case and Fate of Addicts and Addiction
I found no better description of the state of addiction than some sections of the poem “Al-Maslool” (The Tuberculous) by the Lebanese poet Al-Akhtal Al-Saghir. In this poem, the poet considers that the current state of the tuberculous is the result of his addiction to the love of a woman of “passion”, describing him as being “killed by the passion of a girl of passion”. And his advice is, “If you pass by her alike, then change your way.”
Al-Akhtal begins his poem saying, “A year has passed, and if you venture out to that road in the countryside, and turn your face right, you see a face that makes you tremble when remembered.”
He continues, describing the condition of addiction: “The man of yesterday has become a lean creature with a stripped body, his words are confused, his breath unsteady.”
The Church in Lebanon Celebrates the World Day of Prayer
On the occasion of the “World Day of Prayer,” which women around the world celebrate as an annual Ecumenical day on the first of March, the Women’s Committee of the Armenian Evangelical Church “Nor Marash” in Bourj Hammoud - Lebanon, organized a Prayer Service on the morning of Friday 1 March 2024. Participants were women from various Armenian Evangelical, Catholic and Orthodox Churches, in the presence of the Church’s Pastor Reverend Raffi Messerlian, the Coordinator of Church Relations at the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE) Reverend Nishan Bakalian, and the Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Mrs. Seta Hadeshian.
Under the theme that was adopted for the year 2024, “I Beg You... Bear With One Another in Love,” based on the Letter of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians 4:1- 7. The Prayer Service included a special program prepared by the “World Day of Prayer” Committee in Palestine, the country that was chosen this year for the Day of Prayer. Noting that some women wore Palestinian traditional cloths, as well as some objects symbolizing the Palestinian tradition were placed on a table.
The program included a presentation about Palestine, the most prominent historical stations it passed through and the traditions that characterize it, in addition to Prayers and Reflections that brought a lot of hope on the intentions of Palestine, Lebanon, Armenia and the world. Participants also listened to the stories of three Palestinian women, highlighting their courage, perseverance, and dedication to not giving up in the face of life’s challenges and their determination to return to their homeland.
Video - “Nor Marash” Armenian Evangelical Church in Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon, Celebrates the World Day of Prayer
Under the theme adopted for the “World Day of Prayer” 2024, “I Beg You... Bear With One Another in Love,” based on the Letter of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians 4: 1-7, and in celebration of this World Ecumenical Day, the Women’s Committee of the Armenian Evangelical Church “Nor Marash” in Bourj Hammoud - Lebanon, organized a Prayer Service on the morning of Friday 1 March 2024. Hence, the video highlights this Prayer and what it included.
A Delegation from the ACT Church of Sweden Visits the Middle East Council of Churches
A delegation from the ACT Church of Sweden visited the offices of the Middle East Council of Churches, on Monday 4 March 2024. It included the Programme Manager of the Middle East Unit of the ACT Church of Sweden Mrs. Anna Levin, and the Regional Representative in the Middle East of ACT Church of Sweden based in Amman, Jordan, Mrs. Jessica Lindberg Dik.
The delegation met with the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, the Associate Secretary General Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the Lebanon’s Office at the Diakonia and Social Service Department Ms. Nina Hallak, the Director of the Financial Department Ms. Laudy Al Khoury, and the Executive Assistant to the Secretary General Mrs. Caroline Haddad.
The Middle East Council of Churches Peruses Its “Environmental Days” in the Middle East
A New Afforestation Campaign in the Lebanese Bekaa Valley
Within the series of the “Environmental Days” that the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) had previously launched, the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department continues to implement various environmental, educational and agricultural activities in many countries of the Middle East, in order to promote environmental culture and work for the creation care. Noting that this program is being executed with the support of “Danmission” organization, and the participation of young people from youth, Apostolic and scout movements and groups.
In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches organized an environmental day in the Lebanese Bekaa Valley, specifically in the villages of Terbol and Ablah, on Saturday 2 March 2024. It was implemented in cooperation with Youth For Christ and Manara Youth Center students, and in collaboration with the Order of Saint Basil the Great, the Congregation of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family, the Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC), the Think Environmental Initiative, and the Engineer Georges Hanna. Participants were young people from the Manara Youth Center, the National Education Scouts, the Environmental Youth of Our Lady of Ablah, and the Saint Takla School in Terbol.
In Terbol, the environmental day was attended by the President of Michel Daher Foundation Mrs. Marleine Daher, and the Head of the Ecumenical Committee for Youth in Egypt Mr. Medhat Fayez Obaid, where the Head of the Coordinator of the MECC environmental programs Archdeacon Garen Yosolkanian, welcomed them and the participants. He also taught the youth how to plant the “Gharse” tree. As well as, the attendees named the garden of Saint Takla School “The Garden of the Fruits of Hope,” in preparation for the “Season of Creation” 2024, which carries the theme "To hope and act with Creation".