MECC
At the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding
The WCC Secretary General Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay Visits Lebanon
Details of the First Day of the Visit
On the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Secretary General of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay visits Lebanon, between 19 and 22 March 2024. He will meet with Spiritual Leaders and pray with the MECC Member Churches, aiming at strengthening the Ecumenical spirit and stressing on the brotherhood and love relations that bridge distances between all believers.
On the first day of his tour in Lebanon, Reverend Professor Dr. Pillay was accompanied by Mrs. Carla Khijoyan, the WCC Programme Executive for the Middle East, a delegation from the Armenian Orthodox Catholicosate of Cilicia, which included Father Hrant, the Ecumenical Officer at the Catholicosate and WCC Central Committee Member, and Father Dajad, Chancellor of the Catholicosate and Director of “Birds’ Nest” orphanage in the Lebanese region of Byblos, as well as Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, the MECC Associate Secretary General, and an MECC delegation.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Concludes His Tour in the Arab Republic of Egypt with A Visit to the President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt Reverend Dr. Andrea Zaki - Cairo
Emphasizing the MECC Importance as A Home for Christian Interaction and A Supporter of the Christian Presence in the Region
Cairo-18-3-2024
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs culminated his tour in the Arab Republic of Egypt with a visit to President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt Reverend Dr. Andrea Zaki.
The Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs was accompanied by the Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, and the Coordinator of Communication for Church Relations the journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
The meeting was attended by the Director of Public Relations in the Evangelical Community Sheikh Issam Wassef, and the Director of the Media Office in the Evangelical Community Mr. Youssef Edward.
The meeting was characterized by a fraternal and friendly atmosphere, as the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs thanked the President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt Reverend Dr. Andrea Zaki, for his reception, love, and support of the Council. Then he gave him an extensive presentation about his visit to Egypt, the milestones that marked this visit, and the Council’s activities on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of its Founding and its aspirations.
His Eminence Bishop Thomas Adly, Pastor of the Coptic Catholic Diocese of Giza, Fayoum and Beni Souef
Receives the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, and a Delegation from the Council in Cairo
A Meeting Centering on the MECC Work, Activities and Aspirations
Cairo-18-3-2024
His Eminence Bishop Thomas Adly, Pastor of the Coptic Catholic Diocese of Giza, Fayoum and Beni Souef, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, and the Coordinator of Communication for Church Relations the journalist Lea Adel Maamary, at the Diocese’s headquarters - Cairo.
Firstly, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs highlighted the objectives of his visit to Egypt, informing His Eminence about the MECC work on various Ecclesiastical, social, and humanitarian levels.
He also briefed him on the activities of the MECC Fiftieth Year of its founding, especially the activity that will be implemented in Egypt, in addition to reactivating the work of the MECC’s Office in Egypt.
His Eminence Bishop Jean-Marie Chami, Patriarchal Vicar General of the Melkite Catholic Church in Egypt, Sudan and South Sudan
Receives the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, and a Delegation from the Council - Cairo
Cairo-18-3-2024
The Patriarchal Vicar General of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Egypt, Sudan and South Sudan, His Eminence Bishop Jean-Marie Chami, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, and a delegation from the Council that included the Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, and the Coordinator of Communication for Church Relations the journalist Lea Adel Maamary, at the Patriarchate Headquarters - Cairo.
The meeting centered around fruitful topics that were related to the society, environment, and the Church.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs presented an extensive explanation about the Council, its Church Families, and its activities and aspirations, especially in the Fiftieth Year of its Founding, stressing that this year’s activities fall within the framework of thought and Prayer, meditation and foresight.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Attends the Prayer Service in the Heliopolis Evangelical Church and Talks About the MECC History, Its Founding, and Projects
Cairo-17-3-2024
On the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and as part of his meetings included in his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs attended the Prayer Service held by the Pastor of the Heliopolis Evangelical Church Reverend Dr. Youssef Samir, with the participation of Reverends Jean Emile and Sameh Anwar.
The Prayer was also attended by the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, the Coordinator of Communication for Church Relations the journalist Lea Adel Maamary, and believers.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Meets with the Egyptian Thinker and Former Minister Dr. Samir Morcos - Cairo
Emphasizing the Importance of the Council’s Role in Bridging Distances Between the Churches
Cairo-17-3-2024
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs and a delegation from the Council visited the Egyptian Thinker and Former Minister Dr. Samir Morcos, at his home in Cairo.
Dr. Michel Abs was accompanied by the Associate Secretary General, Reverend Refaat Fikry, and the Coordinator of Communication for Church Relations the journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
Amidst great love, Mr. Samir Morcos received Dr. Michel Abs and the MECC delegation. The meeting extended over two hours, during which the attendees discussed Church and national issues.
Firstly, Dr. Michel Abs presented some of the positions and milestones that took place years ago, and which were in the interest of the MECC, Christians, Churches, and the nation.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Meets with A Member of the Parliament of Egypt Dr. Nada Thabet
Emphasizing the Role of the Church in Humanitarian Issues’ Response
Alexandria 16-3-2024
No one disagrees that human rights issues are among the most important issues that the Middle East Council of Churches addresses and looks forward to, and in confirmation of this, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs met with a Member of the Parliament of Egypt and Activist in the field of people with special needs Dr. Nada Thabet, in Alexandria.
During the meeting, Dr. Michel Abs praised the role played by Dr. Nada Thabet towards people with special needs, as she raised her voice in seeking justice for these people who, despite their weakness, proved that they are people filled with limitless creativity and talent. Therefore, Dr. Nada Thabet took the highest cause of her life as the cause of these people.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Meets with Bishop Pavli, Bishop Hermina, and Dr. Hiba Sharobim in Alexandria
A Meeting Confirming that MECC Bears Witness to the Truth
Alexandria, 16-4-2024
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs continued his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt on the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and in preparation for the activities of the MECC Fiftieth Year.
In Alexandria, the Secretary General, Dr. Michel Abs, visited with a delegation from the Council, Bishop Pavli, the Assistant of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See Saint Mark, for Al Mountazah Sector and the Youth Service Officer in Alexandria, Bishop Hermina, General Bishop of the Eastern Sector, and Dr. Hiba Sharobim, Member of the Egyptian Senate, at the Archdiocese Headquarters - Alexandria.
His Holiness Pope Theodoros II Receives the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, and an MECC delegation, at the Patriarchate Headquarters in Alexandria
Word Praising the Council’s Work and Its Future Aspirations
Alexandria, 16-3-2024
As part of his tours and meetings in the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, and an MECC delegation visited His Beatitude Pope Theodoros II, Greek Orthodox Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, at the headquarters of the Patriarchate - Alexandria.
The MECC delegation included 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 Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikri, the Communication Coordinator in Church Media Relations the journalist Lea Adel Maamary, and students from the Institute of Coptic Studies - Department of Ecumenical Relations.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs was received by His Beatitude Pope Theodoros II, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, and the Patriarchal Agent His Eminence Metropolitan Narcissus, Metropolitan of Port Said.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Delivers a Lecture
At the Institute of Coptic Studies - Cairo on the Challenges of Ecumenical Work in Modern Society
Cairo-15-3-2024
What is modernity and its components? What are the most prominent characteristics of its society? What are the Ecumenical challenges in modern society and the changes that dominate our lives? These and other topics were addressed by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, in a lecture he delivered at the Institute of Coptic Studies in Cairo.
The lectures were presented by the Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Dr. Gergis Saleh, and the Dean of the Institute of Coptic Studies Dr. Ishak Ajban. Attendees were the Vice-Dean of the Institute of Coptic Studies Dr. Adel Fakhry, Head of the Department of Canon Law at the Institute of Coptic Studies, Dr. George Nicholas, and students of the Department of Church, Ecumenical, and Theological Relations in Institute, and Priests.
Firstly, Dr. Ishak Ajban welcomed Dr. Michel Abs, describing him as an intellectual, educated, and open-minded person who enriches the institute and refines its students with values and knowledge.
Week of Unity’ Prayer in New Assiut
An Invitation to Everyone Towards Establishing the Garden of Joy
Assiut, 15-3-2024
At the invitation of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and in cooperation with the Egypt Council of Churches, the First Evangelical Church in New Assiut, under the patronage of Reverend Bassem Adly, the Church’s pastor, held a Prayer for unity, entitled “You shall love the Lord your God... and your neighbour as yourself” (Luke 10:27). Participants were a group of Church Leaders, His Eminence Bishop Youannes, the Coptic Orthodox Bishop of Assiut, Father Dr. Elia Francis, representing His Eminence Anba Daniel Lotfy, the Coptic Catholic Bishop of Assiut, and Priests.
As well as, participants were Pastors from the Evangelical Church with all its sects, including Reverend Najeh Fawzi, Head of the Parish Servants Committee at the Egypt Council of Churches, Mr. Issam Ayyad, Member of the Week of Prayer Committee for the Catholic Church, and Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, Associate Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), who addressed a speech about the slogan of this year’s Week of Prayer for Unity, and also read a speech by Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Meets with Reverend Nadi Labib - Cairo
Words Stressing the Role of Christian Media as a Platform for Dialogue, Harmony, and the Dissemination of Christian Teachings
Cairo, 15-3-2024
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, met with Reverend Nadi Labib, Head of the Media Council of the Evangelical Synod of the Nile, in Cairo.
During the meeting the issue of the Christian media was discussed, in order to strengthen its role and cohesion among the Churches, in addition to the possibility of creating a media union that brings together all Christian media outlets.
As well as, attendees talked about the Council’s activities on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of Its Founding, and emphasized that Christian media has a crucial role in serving all people without discrimination.
His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolas Antonio Receives the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs in Cairo
Stressing on the Reactivation of the MECC Work in Egypt
Cairo, 15-3-2024
His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolas Antonio, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Tanta and Its Dependencies, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, at the Archdiocese headquarters - Cairo.
Dr. Michel Abs was accompanied by the MECC Coordinator of Communication for Church Relations Lea Adel Maamary.
During the visit, an overview of the MECC work and the activities of the Fiftieth Year of Its Establishment, was made.
Media Interviews Highlighting the MECC Work and Future Aspirations in Egypt
Cairo, 15-3-2024
Many media interviews in Egypt summarized the work of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) throughout half a century of its founding. The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs was a guest on AlKeraza TV Channel and spoke, in details, about the MECC founding, the stages it went through, and the services, projects, and activities that the Council currently implements serving humanity and supporting the relief work in which everyone, without exception, are concerned.
He also spoke via AlKeraza about the visits he made in Egypt, which included many activities that would be held on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of the Council.
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.