From the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council in Beirut:

“It is necessary to work on Islamic-Christian cohesion and preserving civil peace and national cohesion and everything that leads to social cohesion in order to avoid strife”

In a meeting of love and fraternity, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, at the head of an MECC delegation, visited the Vice-President of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council His Eminence Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, on Tuesday 23 July 2024, at the headquarters of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council in Beirut. The meeting was held in the presence of Dr. Mohammad Rizk, Director General of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council and Special Secretary of the Council, and Dr. Ghazi Kanso, Advisor to His Eminence Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, and Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at the Islamic University in Lebanon.

Receiving a Delegation from the Middle East Council of Churches:

“Every action that divides people contradicts religion, and religious affiliation does not give distinction in rights and duties and should be the criteria for competence and assuming national responsibility in serving the nation and its people”

The Vice-President of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council His Eminence Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, at the head of an MECC delegation, on Tuesday 23 July 2024, at the headquarters of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council in Beirut. The meeting was held in the presence of Dr. Mohammad Rizk, Director General of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council and Special Secretary of the Council, and Dr. Ghazi Kanso, Advisor to His Eminence Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, and Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at the Islamic University in Lebanon.

During the meeting, the attendees discussed issues related to Islamic-Christian dialogue, national and religious affairs, and developments concerning the situation in Lebanon and the region. Attendees also stressed the importance of promoting Islamic-Christian dialogue and consolidating human values ​​, as they emphasized the necessity of working to spread the spirit of peace, fraternity and love among all components of society. The attendees also denounced the difficult security and social conditions taking place in the region, especially the ongoing war in Gaza.

“Youth Emigration, A Challenge to Human Dignity”

Thursday 1 August 2024 - 9 am to 2:30 pm Beirut time

As part of its monthly seminar series, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) invites you to a round table entitled “Youth Emigration, A Challenge to Human Dignity,” on Thursday 1 August 2024, from 9 am to 2:30 pm Beirut time, at the MECC General Secretariat’s Offices in Beirut. You can participate in it via Zoom through the following link: https://shorturl.at/PYUb0, or live on the MECC YouTube Channel.

The round table begins with an opening and welcome speech by Dr. Laure Abi Khalil, and will be followed by a speech delivered by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs.

It will also include several interventions into two sessions with the participation of speakers from various fields and specializations. The first session is entitled “Youth Emigration: Concepts, Causes and Consequences,” moderated by Dr. Chawki Attieh. The second session focuses on “Forms of Migration,” moderated by Dr. Laure Abi Khalil.

This round table, which ends with a discussion, is part of the series of monthly seminars launched by MECC, within the framework of the “Human Dignity Project” - “Dialogue and Social Cohesion-Social Capital Rehabilitation”, that MECC is working to implement consecutively.

The family of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) bids farewell to the colleague Mrs. Grace Boustany, the Director of Our Lady Dispensary, affiliated with MECC, in the Sabtieh region – Mount Lebanon, after a journey in the Ecumenical world and humanitarian work that lasted for 24 years of giving, dedication, and loyalty to the MECC mission. She was known for her service, love, and continuous support for all colleagues, partners, and friends.

The family of the MECC General Secretariat gathered around a farewell lunch to our colleague Grace, on Tuesday 23 July 2024. During the gathering, the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs offered to Grace an honorary trophy as a token of love and appreciation. He also addressed her with a speech in which he praised her competence, experience and performance, thanking her for her efforts and diligence, and wishing her success in her new journey. In addition, and with heartfelt words, colleagues wished Ms. Grace good luck in every step she takes.

The Danmission organization held a MENA partner seminar, on 2 and 3 July 2024, at the Citea Hotel - Achrafieh, Lebanon, with the participation of many organizations and institutions, including the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). Hence, the MECC delegation included the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the Lebanon’s Office of the Diakonia and Social Service Department Ms. Nina Hallak, and the Coordinator of the Social Capital Rehabilitation Project Dr. Laure Abi Khalil.

The seminar’s various sessions aimed at discussing ways to strengthen relations between “Danmission” and its partner organizations, in addition to developing the work mechanism in order to achieve the desired goals. The participants also exchanged experiences and opinions on common issues and affairs, as well as on planning new projects according to the required needs.

MECC Supports the Project of St. Francis of Assisi School and Laverna Association

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon Office, launched a business development program through supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the Lebanese Akkar region, in order to help them secure their long-term sustainability, especially amidst the worsening difficult living, social and economic conditions in the country.

In the video, you can find an overview about the St. Francis of Assisi School and the Laverna Association in Menjez - Akkar, in addition to a highlight on the support of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for their project, which has witnessed a new development.

The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Participates in the Prayers

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, celebrated the Feast of Saint Elias, in Dhour El Choueir region - Lebanon, with a Church, popular and official attendance.

First, His Beatitude arrived at Dhour El Choueir Square, on the evening of Friday 19 July 2024, where an official and popular reception was held for him and speeches were delivered by the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, His Excellency President Elias Bou Saab, and His Eminence Bishop Silouan Moussi, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Byblos, Batroun and Dependencies (Mount Lebanon).

His Beatitude Patriarch John X also delivered a speech in which he stressed the necessity of approaching everything with the logic of hope in the face of difficulties. His Beatitude expressed his pride in the people of Dhour El Choueir and Matn, as well as the importance of their feeling of belonging to Lebanon despite everything, His Beatitude also stressed the necessity of electing a President of the Republic as soon as possible.

To Egypt, the land of Al Kanana, to the land that is marked by the refuge of the Holy Family, giving it a distinct identity, a delegation of students and deans of theological institutes in the Middle East, under A.T.I.M.E. went in order to meet, debate, and draw lines of action for the future, the future of teaching theology for parish ministers, the leadership of the church and  the joint Christian work, that is, the Ecumenical work.

They were blessed days, during which the students gathered first, in a conference under the theme “We Witness Together,” followed by the General Assembly of the Association, which includes all theological teaching institutes affiliated with the member churches of the Middle East Council of Churches.

The high standing of lectures, the quality of the interventions and discussions, and the dynamism that characterized them, indicate an advanced level in the work of the colleges, as well as in the work of the A.T.I.M.E. In addition to all of this, there were activities related and complementary to these meetings.

The MECC’s media accompanied all these actions, documented them, and published them on its media pages out of the belief that the work of this association, which is organically linked to MECC, is essential in ecumenical work.

The Second Annual Student Conference - Obour - Cairo

“We Witness Together” is the title of the second annual student conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E., which was held at St. Mark's Conference House in the Obour – Cairo, between 7 and 12 July 2024, with the participation of 40 students from 18 Theological Institutes in the Middle East. The conference was organized and attended by the President of the Association Archimandrite Professor Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Theological Institute at the University of Balamand, the Executive Secretary Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, and members of the Executive Secretariat of the Association, Reverend Dr. Bishoy Helmi, Reverend Dr. Samuel Rozfi, and the Rt. Reverend Father Bassam Nassif, who was unable to attend for personal reasons.

Attendees and Participnats were also the Secetary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, the Association Members Dr. Gergis Saleh, the Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Dr. Ishak Ibrahim Ajban Shenouda from the Institute of Coptic Studies, and Dr. Michael Edward Abdo Mikhael from the Institute of Care and Education.

Hence, the video report provides an overview of the work of this conference.

In the Church of the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George, Cairo

At the invitation of the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, Head of the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa in Cairo, the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand in Lebanon and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., presided over the Divine Liturgy, on Sunday 14 July 2024, at the Monastery’s Church.

The Mass was attended by Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Arlette Michel, President of the Good Shepherd Greek Orthodox Association in Heliopolis, and Member of the General Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator, and believers.

Afterwards, there was a tour in the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George and a visit to both the Babylon Fortress and the Greek Orthodox Center for Studies and Dialogue in the Monastery.

In this context, the video report presents some details about the Divine Liturgy, as well as the tour that was held after it. 

Stressing the Importance of Dialogue and Convergence

Cairo, July 14, 2024

Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), concluded his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, with the visit of His Eminence Bishop Anba Ermia, General Bishop, President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center and Assistant Secretary General of the Egyptian Family House. Dr. Abs was accompanied by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator. The visit took place at the Center’s headquarters - Cairo.

During the meeting, Dr. Michel Abs spoke at length about the issue of dialogue which MECC is working on it, through conferences and lectures that are being prepared and presented under the title of shared religious spaces.

Emphasizing the Importance of the Role of Purposeful Media that Educates Generations

Cairo, July 14, 2024

As part of his visit to Egypt, Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), met with Reverend Nadi Labib, Head of the Media Council of the Evangelical Synod of the Nile and Member of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Executive Committee. Dr. Abs was accompanied by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator. The visit took place at the headquarters of the Evangelical Church - Mokattam - Cairo.

Cairo, July 14, 2024

The Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., and Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), continued their pilgrimage to the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Cairo, affiliated to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa for the Greek Orthodox, and visited the Roman Fortress of Babylon.

They were accompanied by the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, the Head of the Monastery, and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator. The visitors had a look at the Fortress, its sections, and content, as well as visited its Churches, the graves of the Patriarchs and of the new holy martyrs, as well as everything it includes.

The Center Is a Beacon of Interfaith Dialogue and an Embodiment of Common Life

Cairo, July 14, 2024

The Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, Head of the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George affiliated to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator, visited the Greek Orthodox Center for Studies and Dialogue in Cairo, located in the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George.

The delegation had a look at the center, which aims to embody the Church’s Holy message, its love, and openness to our era and its requirements. Hence, Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai confirmed to the MECC media that: “The idea of ​​establishing the Patriarchal Center for Dialogue and Studies for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa came with the aim to have a center for dialogue that is consistent with its extended role through the ages.

Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai: “The Theological Institute in Balamand is an unparalleled intellectual and cultural oasis, and MECC has proven its presence and distinction through its humanitarian programs and projects”

Cairo, July 14, 2.24

At the invitation of the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, Head of the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa in Cairo, the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand in Lebanon and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery’s Church.

The Mass was served by students from the Theological Institute of Balamand.

The Mass was attended by Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Arlette Michel, President of the Good Shepherd Greek Orthodox Association in Heliopolis, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator, and believers.

Cairo, July 14, 2024

By: The Journalist Lea Adel Maamary

Attention is drawn to the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Ancient Egypt, located in the Babylon region, which took its name after the settlement of Babylonian prisoners who were brought to Egypt by Pharaoh Ramesses I.

This area is located about five kilometers South of Central Cairo, and opposite the Giza Pyramids. Today, it is one of the most densely populated suburbs of Cairo, which includes many Monasteries, places of worship, and cemeteries.

Cairo, July 13, 2024

In our recent era, and amidst the unprecedented developments witnessed in the fields of technology, artificial intelligence, and the digital revolution, which constitutes a new challenge to the educational systems and learning in colleges and institutes in the world, the Deans of the Theological Colleges and Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E., members of the Association, held a symposium at the New Papal Residence in Cairo, presided over by the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Theological Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of A.T.I.M.E. It was hosted and attended by His Eminence Bishop Anba Michael, Bishop of Helwan and Al Masara and Vice Dean of the Seminary Institute - Bishop Anba Royce, delegated by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Secretary General of the Egypt Council of Churches Reverend Yoshua Yacoub, representatives of the Churches in Egypt, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator the journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Professors, and student representatives.

A Prayer in Front of the Relics of St. Mark the Apostle – Egypt

Cairo, July 13, 2024

Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), participated in the pilgrimage visit made by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., headed by its President the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Theological Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., the MECC Honorary Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Associate Secretaries General Reverend Refaat Fikri, Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros, and the Deans of the Theological Colleges and Institutes in the Middle East and their representatives, to the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mark in the Abbasiya area in ​​Cairo. Dr. Gergis Saleh presented to the participants an extensive explanation of the history of the Cathedral and its Icons.

Then, they visited the Shrine of St. Mark the Apostle, prayed and were blessed from his relics.