MECC
The Orthodox Church Starts the Fasting Journey: ‘Lord, have mercy on me, for I am a sinner’
What Is the Triodion Period?
His Beatitude Patriarch John X: The soul’s garment is humility… Great Lent is the Spring of souls yearning for the radiance of Christ
Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
“Lord, I have cried out on to Thee,” ... “Let us all make haste to humble the flesh by abstinence, as we set out upon the divine and unblemished Fast...” “I beseech Thee: cleanse me in the waters of repentance, and through prayer and fasting make me radiant…” with these hymns, the Orthodox Church prepare on the eve of the Vespers of Forgiveness Sunday for the journey, a fasting journey towards the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Believers prepare for this journey with reverence to achieve one goal, a complete communion with God in body and soul, in word and deed. Fasting, the first commandment of our Lord Jesus, is the second phase of the Triodion period at the Orthodox Church, a time of returning to God.
Video - The International Day of Human Fraternity
What Is the Importance of Its Message?
The world celebrates the "International Day of Human Fraternity" on February 4 of each year, as adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. A day that reminds us of the importance of living in peace and love among all the inhabitants of the earth. Hence, this report sheds light on the most important meanings that this day carries, emphasizing the need for solidarity, cooperation and unity.
With His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam Sheikh of Al-Azhar
February 4th, International Day of Human Fraternity!
What Are Its Origins?
Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
Since 2020, February 4th is no longer just another day, now it represents an international call to end violence and hatred hostile speeches… it is now a day that reminds us of our fraternity no matter our nationality, ethnicity, society or religion… it is an invitation to work towards peace, justice and stability… hoping to live the rest of our days by the command of Jesus Christ “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 34: 13).
The Middle East is the victim of divisions, conflicts and war nowadays ravaging every single one of his countries. The region is in desperate need of promoting dialogue and deepen fraternity relationships among people, from leaders to officials and citizens.
Video - A Special Episode with the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs
Entitled "We Pray Together,"
Within the "Hot Issues" Program on Al Keraza TV
Prepared and Presented by the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Refaat Fikry
On the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity
The "Platform of the Word" at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) presents a special episode entitled "Yes, You Are My Brother?"
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10:00 am Beirut Time, live on the MECC platforms
You can participate in the episode via Zoom through the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89808128133?pwd=f4EH1uIWkszkpHni7TUB4GQWlLzrh9.1#success
His Eminence Bishop Jean-Marie Chami, Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchal Vicar General of Egypt, Sudan, and South Sudan
Receives the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs and A Delegation from the Council – Cairo
Cairo, February 1, 2026
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs concluded his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt in a meeting with His Eminence Bishop Jean-Marie Chami, Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchal Vicar General of Egypt, Sudan, and South Sudan, at the Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate_ Cairo.
Professor Abs was accompanied by a delegation from the Council, including the Coordinator of Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Programs at MECC Professor Laura Abi Khalil, and the Coordinator of Church Relations and Media at MECC Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
The meeting focused on fruitful topics cantered on the activities, youth, and the Church.
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Delivers a Word
At the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Old Cairo
At the conclusion of the Week of Unity at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Old Cairo, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs said: “
Dialogue is a culture ingrained in our hearts and minds, and the Council is a haven for dialogue among the Churches. Hence, the Week of Unity has become an annual tradition, evolving over the years and taken very seriously each year, as the Churches come together and Pray in love and fraternity.
The new Ecumenism is based on service in various fields, and we, as the Middle East Council of Churches, undertake many initiatives that bring the Churches closer together. The Council also aspires to be a center for dialogue and intellectual and cognitive research, in accordance with a new strategy.”
Father Rabban Philips Issa, Priest of the Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church, Receives the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs and a Delegation from the Council
At the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East_ Virgin Mary Church_ Cairo
Cairo, January 31, 2026
Amidst great affection and warmth, Father Rabban Philip Issa, Priest of the Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church in Cairo, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and a delegation from the Council.
MECC delegation included the Associate Secretary General Reverend Refaat Fikry, Coordinator of Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, and Coordinator of Church Relations and Media at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
Attendees were also Members of the Church's Media Office Mr. Basil Wassouf, Mr. Mina Moussa, and Mrs. Nevine Salim.
At the outset, a visit to the Church of the Virgin Mary was made. Father Rabban Philip Issa presented a detailed explanation about the Church's history and the various stages it has passed through. He also highlighted the deep-rooted presence of the Syriac people in these lands.
His Grace Bishop Makary, General Bishop of South Shoubra, Receives the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs and the Council's Delegation in Cairo
Cairo, January 31, 2026
For the sixth consecutive day, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs continued his visits to the Church and Religious authorities in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and his participation in the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Professor Michel Abs and the Council's delegation visited His Grace Bishop Makary, General Bishop of South Shoubra, at his office in Cairo.
The Council's delegation included Reverend Refaat Fikry, Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Coordinator of Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, and Coordinator of Church Relations and Media at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
His Grace Bishop Anba Ermia Receives the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs
Cairo, January 31, 2026
His Grace Bishop Anba Ermia, General Bishop and Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs and a delegation from the Council in Cairo, in the presence of Mr. Mina Sleiman, a Researcher at the Coptic Cultural Center.
The delegation included the Associate Secretary General Reverend Refaat Fikry, Coordinator of Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, and Coordinator of Church Relations and Media at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
The meeting focused on various social issues of concern to the people of the region, particularly in light of the difficult circumstances they are facing. Discussions also covered diverse topics related to dialogue, human values, and ways to strengthen the bonds of love and fraternity among all segments of society.