About Inauguration of Our Lady of Joy Church in Zahle, As Part of the "Initiatives" Program on Radio Voice of Van

The "Initiatives" Program Is Prepared and Presented by the Media Officer and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary

Thursday, May 15, Starting at 4:00 PM Beirut Time

An Episode Within the "Community Knowledge" Series

Pope Leo XIV Begins His Papacy with A Hopeful Human Vision

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

A heavenly joy is being witnessed by believers around the world. An awaited joy was manifested by the white smoke that rose from the Sistine Chapel. The new Supreme Pontiff appeared and, with his compassionate smile, blessed the people of God who eagerly awaited his first appearance. He is Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, the first Augustinian Pope, who today succeeds the Late Pope Francis.

A great responsibility falls on the Pope of the Catholic Church amidst a world witnessing turmoil, conflicts, and painful events. The people of the earth are thirsty for someone to heal their wounds and ease the burden of the crises that weigh them down. The world is in danger, and the new Pope faces enormous challenges. Since his election, the media has been publishing analyses and data that identify the issues he might address.

But how true is the information circulating? Are the analysts more knowledgeable than the Vatican?

The Holy See is fully aware of the current and urgent issues facing the world. Let us await the latest official developments and pray for the Supreme Pontiff, so that God may grant him His grace in fulfilling his lofty mission.

Today, Pope Leo XIV guides the Church against which the gates of hell will not prevail. He is inspired by the life of his predecessor, Pope Francis who was dedicated to service, and renews his commitment to the path that the universal Church has been following for decades, enlightened by the Second Vatican Council.

What Are the Details?

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received Ms. Ibtisam Shams, Mr. Fadi Nasr, and Mr. Joseph Droubi, and held a coordination meeting with them at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

During the meeting, the attendees discussed the situation of Dar Al-Bahij Center in the Hermel region in Lebanon, which is specialized in children with special needs, in light of the progress of the school year. As well as, they discussed the strategy for maintaining the continuity of this center and developing its services. In addition to ways to secure financial and technical support in order to develop it and enhance its role.

At the end, the attendees agreed to continue discussing the necessary measures to achieve tangible strategic results.

An Ecumenical Event with the Organization and Participation of MECC and Ecumenical International Organizations

Under the title “Creation Day & The Nicaea Centenary: Crystallizing the Ecumenical Dream of the New Liturgical Feast”, and with the aim of developing a common Liturgical Feast to celebrate the creation together, an Ecumenical conference was held from May 5 to 7, 2025, in Assisi, Italy.

The conference was held in partnership with the World Council of Churches, the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the World Methodist Council, the Laudato Si' Research Institute, and the Middle East Council of Churches, represented by the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department and Member of the International Steering Committee of the “Season of Creation” Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar.

The event was attended by a representative of the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate and representatives of Church Leaders from various Church Families and Eastern and Western Church traditions.

The gathering included daily prayers, speeches, and various sessions focused on the Theological foundations and history of the “Feast of Creation”, in addition to Biblical Readings and Liturgical prayers. It is worth noting that the Day of Creation is traditionally celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox tradition on September 1 of each year. The Middle East Council of Churches also participated in several activities, adding value to the conference.

Details In This Report

MECC and Its Partners Implement a New Youth Camp

As part of its efforts to empower youth and develop their leadership skills, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues to implement its "Youth Leadership Building" program in Lebanon. Hence, it organized an Ecumenical Easter camp on April 25-26, 2025, with the participation of youth from various Church Families.

Noting that this program is being held in partnership with Youth for Christ (YFC), Kerk in Actie (KIA), Ithraa Center in Lebanon, the Bible Society in Lebanon and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF).

The first day included many workshops focused on leadership and the qualities of a successful leader. These workshops contributed to developing the participants' capacities and expanding their role within their communities. The youth also participated in meditation sessions and a large group game, and heard a story from one of the leaders about how she became involved in the world of leadership. This motivated them to develop themselves and work together for a better future.

Produced by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Episode 1: Racial Discrimination

Emphasizing the Necessity of Cooperation to Achieve Social Progress and Civil Peace

As part of the conference “Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment” in Amman, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs met with His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, who invited him to a dinner he hosted with His Holiness and Beatitude the Patriarchs of the East.

Both parties exchanged ideas about the possibility of future cooperation between the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies and the Middle East Council of Churches, particularly on the topics raised at the conference, with the aim of following up on these topics through future seminars, conferences, and activities.

In this context, the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs praised the work of the Royal Institute, particularly its mission related to coexistence and civil peace in the Middle East, and everything that leads to social and cultural progress in the region. He also valued the shared concerns with Jordanian Leaders regarding maintaining social stability through awareness and education.

As well as, both parties agreed on holding a future meeting in Amman, as well as coordination with His Eminence Bishop Qais Sadiq and Dr. Renée Hattar to enhance cooperation and communication.

With His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III in Amman

Discussions Centered Around the Council's Work for the Good of the Church and Society

During the conference "Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment" held in Amman under the patronage and presence of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs met with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine and Jordan, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Christoforos Atallah, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan, and President of the Council of Heads of Churches in Jordan

At the meeting, both sides discussed many issues related to the MECC work and mission, as well as ways to develop its working mechanisms to achieve the desired Ecumenical and humanitarian goals for the good of the Church and society. They also agreed to hold future meetings to follow up on various issues related to the Council's work.

Moreover, the Secretary General offered His Beatitude a book about the Monasteries of the Antiochian See, produced by the University of Balamand in Lebanon, as well as the logo of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding as a token of love and respect.

Within the framework of strengthening Church and Ecumenical cooperation between various Churches, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) met with Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Nader Salim Saouk, Pastor of the Greek Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Jabal Amman. The meeting was held within the framework of the conference " Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment" in Amman.

As well as, both parties also agreed to strengthen communication in future meetings.

Promoting Intellectual and Cultural Issues

As part of the " Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment" conference held in Amman, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs met with Professor Mitri Raheb, President of Al-Kalima University, in a fruitful coordination meeting, discussing shared future aspirations.

During the meeting, the Secretary General Professor Abs thanked Reverend Raheb for delivering a valuable speech at the recent MECC partners' meeting. Noting that he had prepared the speech specifically for this meeting.

Both parties also agreed to hold subsequent meetings and to enhance intellectual and cultural interaction between them, particularly by involving the contributions of Reverend Mitri Raheb in MECC activities.

At the end, the Secretary General Professor Abs offered Reverend Raheb the logo of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding.

His Eminence Bishop Qais Sadiq at the Center for Ecumenical Studies – Amman

Emphasizing the Importance of Promoting the Ecumenical Spirit

As part of his visit to Amman to participate in the conference " Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment," the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs visited the Center for Ecumenical Studies, where he met with its Founder and President His Eminence Bishop Qais Sadiq, Bishop of Erzurum and Patriarchal Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East.

During the meeting, ways of future coordination were discussed, particularly regarding the Ecumenical dialogue and activities aimed at developing the Ecumenical spirit among the youth in the Churches of the Middle East.

At the end, the Secretary General offered His Eminence the logo of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding, praising the cooperation between the Council and the Center for Ecumenical Studies.

For the Conference “Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment”

With the convening of the “Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment” conference Under the patronage and presence of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, in Amman, the conference's administrative team met with the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, who thanked them for their outstanding performance and generous hospitality. He also praised the effective cooperation and rapid response to all matters necessary for the successful running of the conference.

The administrative team included Dr. Ms. Renée Hattar, Ms. Zein Fachho, Ms. Rima Badawi, and Ms. Emma Casper.

The Secretary General also commended the efforts of His Eminence Bishop Qais Sadiq, Bishop of Erzurum and Patriarchal Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East, who played a key role in the conference segments.

Noting that the conference was held between May 7 and 8, 2025, with the participation of Their Beatitudes and Eminences Patriarchs, Metropolitans, and Priests, Representatives of various Churches in the Middle East, and Religious, political, media, and social figures.