of the MECC Annual Partners Meeting:

The Season of Creation, is a confession of faith, affirming the world’s inherent goodness

His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Al Soury, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Zahle, Baalbek and their Dependencies, representing 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, opened the second day of the annual meeting held by the Middle East Council of Churches for its international partners, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Liqaa Center - Rabweh, Lebanon.

In his opening speech, which marked the “Season of Creation,” celebrated annually by the Ecumenical family worldwide between September 1 and October 4, His Eminence noted that “Celebrating the Season of Creation, is a confession of faith, affirming the world’s inherent goodness, its potential for transfiguration, and humanity’s call to mediate between God and the world.”

He added, “Man’s consciousness, freedom, and capacity for knowledge allow the world to become self-aware, to return to God in thanksgiving, to become itself in communion. To lose this orientation is to disrupt not only the human, but the cosmic order.”

The Middle East Council of Churches Holds the First Day of Its Annual International and Regional Partners Meeting

Under the title "Courage to Continue the Journey Together," the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), headed by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, held the first day of its annual meeting with the MECC Partners from international and regional organizations and institutions, on Tuesday, September 10, 2025. The meeting continues until Wednesday, September 11, at the Liqaa Center in Rabweh, Lebanon.

Attendees were representatives of various partner organizations and institutions of the Middle East Council of Churches from around the world, His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Al Soury, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Zahle, Baalbek and their Dependencies, representing His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and MECC President for the Orthodox Family, and Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and MECC President for the Evangelical Family.

Attendees were also MECC Associate Secretaries General, as well as the directors and coordinators of the MECC departments and the team.

the MECC Annual Partners Meeting:

In the spirit of gratitude celebration of our common identity and calling as people of Christ… A call for humanity

Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family, opened the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)' annual partners' meeting which is being held on Tuesday, September 10, and Wednesday, September 11, 2025, at the Liqaa Center in Rabweh, Lebanon.

On the occasion, Dr. Haidostian delivered a speech in which he emphasized the importance of witnessing to Christian unity, noting that “the partners meeting is not simply an administrative occasion for reporting. It is a time for self-reflection and some analysis…”. He added, “In the spirit of gratitude, we celebrate our common identity and calling as people of Christ… A call for humanity. In Christ, God made us alive together…”.

He continued, “In a region that has known conflicts wars genocides... this truth becomes more urgent that we are raised with Christ together. Our calling is to witness to this unity through Prayer and service…”.

of the Annual MECC Partners Meeting:

Dignity is among the most important commandments of the Savior, embodied in all He said and did, and we must be instruments for its preservation

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) held the opening session of its international partners annual meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 2025, which will continue until Wednesday, September 11, at the Liqaa Center - Rabweh, Lebanon.

In this context, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, delivered a speech entitled “On Spiritual Partnership and Institutional Policies,” in which he said:

“Lebanon, Palestine, and other Middle Eastern and Arab countries suffered disasters and calamities that deeply affected them and produced changes that were almost structural.

In the midst of these events, institutions that have taken it upon themselves to heal people’s wounds and share their burdens continued to carry out their duty as much as possible, within the limits of their available resources, under economic conditions that cannot be described as favorable for the non-industrialized world already burdened with countless crises.”

At the MECC Annual Partners Meeting:

We are on the verge of a huge transformation which is usually painful

As part of the activities of the annual meeting held by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for its international partners, His Excellency Lebanese MP Mr. Neemat Frem addressed the participants with a word focusing on the title "The Middle East at a Crossroads of a New Shape Land and Identity", on Tuesday, September 10, 2025, at the Liqaa Center in Rabweh, Lebanon.

Frem began with a presentation on the social, economic, and security conditions that the Middle East is facing, explaining the most prominent reasons that have led to the deterioration of living conditions in the region, which has imposed enormous daily challenges and pressures.

Participating in the MECC Annual Partners Meeting:

The Middle East is a region of resilience, creativity, and human capital

The scale of the issues we face demands partnership that bridges divides and places the human person at the center

As part of the annual meeting held by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for its international partners, His Excellency the Lebanese Minister of Information Lawyer Dr. Paul Morcos delivered a speech entitled "The Middle East at a Crossroads of a New Shape Land and Identity," on Tuesday, September 10, 2025, at the Liqaa Center in Rabweh, Lebanon.

Dr. Morcos addressed the reality facing Lebanon and the difficult circumstances it is experiencing, emphasizing the need for cooperation and concerted efforts locally and internationally for healthy societies and a better future.

He said, “Our land has known both greatness and grief, innovation and instability, promise and pain. Today, the Middle East stands at a defining moment — not only of land and identity, but of vision and future. The challenges before us are formidable.”

Discussions Centered on Future Cooperation

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received the Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science at the Lebanese University Professor Habib Azzi, in the presence of the Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and the Preservation of Human Dignity" program at MECC Professor Laure Abi Khalil. The meeting took place on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

Discussions revolved around the most important developments in the work of the Middle East Council of Churches, as well as the activities and programs it implements at various levels. As well as, the current situation of the Lebanese University and the challenges it faces were addressed.

In addition, both parties discussed ways of cooperation between the Middle East Council of Churches and the Lebanese University, with coordination meetings planned for the coming period to develop a cooperation and joint work agreement.

Ecumenical Leaders: Serious Work to Protect the Environment!

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

For "Peace with Creation," believers around the world are praying during this year' “Season of Creation”, united in celebration and working together as one Ecumenical family, striving with hearts filled with hope to preserve creation and thus contribute to the path of peace.

This peace has been longed for since decades, as countries around the world work to achieve it through various means and methods. Ecumenical activists in the Middle East and around the world are also making efforts to achieve this desired goal via studying and environmental action. This is achieved through studying the Bible and delving into the Teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as implementing environmental activities aimed at protecting our common home.

The “Season of Creation” best expresses these environmental initiatives called for by Church and Ecumenical Leaders around the world, so that we may assume an effective responsibility towards God's creation.

“Momentum”

5-9-2025

This issue includes reports, videos, news, articles, and a full coverage of the latest developments of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as well as the Church, Ecumenical, and social events…

This is in addition to the weekly word of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs which is entitled in this issue “Towards the Meeting of the Ecumenical Partners”.

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/9c3138f97237/momentum-mecc-weekly-newsletter.

You can also subscribe to the Momentum Newsletter via the following link: https://mecc.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?id=fd3381352a&u=1db32cafe9ea32b38eb90480a.

Professor Michel Abs

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Next week in Rabweh, the semi-annual meeting of the Middle East Council of Churches’ (MECC) partners within the global ecumenical family will convene.

This gathering will bring together many of MECC’s international partners, churches and church-related institutions active in development, dialogue, education, environment, and other areas vital to modern human life. These institutions, arriving from across the world, are in full partnership within the global ecumenical movement, which continues to expand and now encompasses hundreds of churches and organizations, representing hundreds of millions of Christians who have chosen ecumenism as a way of faith and interaction with one another and with society.

The MECC, with its fifty years of rooted experience, holds a notable and distinctive presence in this ecumenical family, engaged in global solidarity with humanity’s struggles and burdens.

At the head of this structure is the World Council of Churches (WCC), which unites churches that embrace ecumenism as a means of bringing believers together. Since its foundation, the WCC has advanced a pilgrimage of justice and peace, its guiding strategic values. Closely linked to it is ACT Alliance, which brings together the development agencies of ecumenical churches, providing technical and financial support for humanistic projects. The link between the two is organic, both dedicated to supporting just causes worldwide.

On the regional level, each area has its own ecumenical council: Africa, Asia, the United States, Latin America, and, in the Middle East, the MECC, which unites the region’s churches in ecumenical and societal engagement.

With the Zovighian Public Office and the Syriac League

Professor Laure Abi Khalil: "Our call is to work together to make human dignity the first and ultimate foundation of religious freedom in our world"

At the invitation and organization of the Zovighian Public Office and the Syriac League, a roundtable on "International Religious Freedom in Lebanon and the Middle East" was held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the Zovighian Public Office headquarters in Beirut.

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs participated in the roundtable as a speaker, represented by Professor Laure Abi Khalil, the Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and the Preservation of Human Dignity" program at MECC. She delivered an intervention on how to protect religious communities in Lebanon and ways to defend religious freedom.

And Celebrates the "Season of Creation” During this Month

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of September 2025. It includes the Ecclesiastical and Liturgical Feasts of the various Families of Churches in the Middle East. In addition to international days identified by the United Nations, and which are related to the MECC identity and its spiritual and human mission.

As well as, MECC celebrates the “Season of Creation” 2025 between September 1 and October 4, bearing this year the theme “Peace with Creation” and the symbol of “Garden of Peace”, inspired by Isaiah 32: 14-18.

Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: August 2025

The war in Gaza reached a new phase of human suffering. Now, the occupation is proceeding to invade the sector to achieve full takeover. However, the process is involving increased suffering as the war escalates and the occupier is increasingly committing heinous war crimes. Hospitals are being targeted, journalists are being killed, and aid supplies are being disrupted as more civilians are being slain in the process. All of this is happening for the glory of a radical dream and ideology which doesn’t care about wrong or right or number of lives destroyed.  

Eighth Episode - "Shine, O Syria… From Aleppo"

Prepared and Presented by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary

Produced by MECC

MECC Wishes Success to the New Administrative Board

On the occasion of the election of Reverend Ibrahim Nsier as President of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, on behalf of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) family, extends his warmest congratulations to him, wishing him many years of goodness, blessings, and holiness.

The Middle East Council of Churches raises its Prayers to God on the intention of Reverend Nsier, asking Him to bless his service, bestow His abundant blessings upon him, and grant him the determination to carry out his new mission so that he may continue to be a model of love, giving, and work in the Lord's field.

The Secretary General Professor Michel Abs also congratulates Reverend George Mrad on his election as Vice President, and the members of the new Administrative Board after their election for the next term, wishing them continued health and success in their service to the Church of Christ.

Noting that this election took place during the 62nd General Assembly of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, held at Dhour Choueir Evangelical Center, from September 1 to 3, 2025.

Environmental Justice is an Urgent Issue in Light of All the Dangers Threatening the Creation!

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

With hope mixed with the joy of Prayer and working together, and with a firm belief in love and solidarity, the Ecumenical family in the Middle East and the world celebrates on of the most glorious annual Ecumenical seasons. It is the "Season of Creation," which calls on every person on this earth to renew their relationship with God and all His creatures.

This year's "Season of Creation" coincides with two important occasions: the 1700th Commemoration of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea and the tenth anniversary of the Encyclical "Laudato Si'," issued by His Holiness the late Pope Francis on the protection of our common home.

The Environment Cries Out in Pain, and the Season of Creation Rings the Alarm Bell!

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

"O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God, to you belong praise, glory, honor and all blessing. Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation…" How great is the beauty of your home, O God, and how great is the work of your hands!

With Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Ecology and the Canticle of the Creatures, we praise and glorify the Lord, thanking Him for His gifts, and rejoicing in His creatures. But wait! Do we truly rejoice in God's creatures while His creation groans in pain? Do we truly hear the cry of the earth and all that is in it?

Indeed, our common home is under threat! This is a bitter truth that we cannot ignore, especially as God's creation today faces enormous environmental challenges due to many climate, social, humanitarian, and economic crises casting their shadows over the planet Earth.

Emotional Support Sessions for Men in Lebanon

In light of the difficult circumstances facing Lebanon and the region, men are facing a stifling wave of despair and stress due to the intense daily pressures they face. Therefore, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) is committed to supporting, accompanying, and empowering them to overcome their living crises with great hope.

In this context, the Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, at the Middle East Council of Churches, in collaboration with ABAAD, launched a six-week series of emotional support sessions for men.

These sessions aimed at reducing gender-based violence by helping men explore their emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and practice non-violent communication. In this way, we help in creating a positive environment at their homes and nurturing a healthy relationship with their families.

*Home care services are available at reasonable and discounted prices.

Stemming from its belief in the importance of serving with dignity, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) launched a new platform for homecare services in Lebanon, enabling service seekers to identify certified caregivers who have undergone extensive health training with Saint George Hospital University Medical Center (Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and Tripoli) and Khoury General Hospital (Zahle, Lebanon). Hence, the platform offers a variety of home services related to elderly care, mothers and newborn care, as well as babysitting and childcare.

In this context, the video sheds light on how this platform works and the details of its services.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Invites You to the Second Symposium on Eco-Theology It Organizes Under the Title "Peace with Creation, Spiritual and Practical Perspectives from the East"

10-11 October 2025 - At the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, Abbassia - Cairo