Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: February 2026

The region braces for a possible showdown that might ignite the Middle East. Either both sides reach an agreement that puts an end to the years of tension, or the region will have to wrestle with massive ramifications that will emanate from the conflict should it take place. Observers agree that such a conflict will have economic implications not just for the region but for the whole world, in addition to the grave humanitarian toll on countries touched by its flames.

Produced By MECC

Produced By MECC

Produced By MECC

“Momentum”

27-2-2026

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 "The Word is Responsibility!".

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/a78885326429/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)

It is the word, that which the mind deems necessary, and when it is uttered, it transcends the speaker and can lead them to paradise or to hell.

It is the primary means of communication after humanity moved from a state of primitiveness to one of speech, from which logic is derived.

It is in constant contact with the mind, and some anthropologists have even said that speech is the father of the thought. The word programs the mind, and based on that, electronics engineers have invented software, without which a computer is useless.

The word is dangerous, for it reveals the inner thoughts of the human heart and mind. How many times have we said about someone, “I wish they hadn’t spoken!”

The word is the treasure of historical memory for nations, civilizations, and cultures. It carries generations of meanings, and from this, the science of linguistics was established.

Our popular culture is rich with sayings and proverbs that give the word its due place and highlight its importance in human life.

“Your tongue is your horse, guard it, and it will guard you,” says the popular wisdom, for how many have been led to peril by the words they spoke?…

A New article by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs in "Hoobo" Magazine

A new media collaboration between the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and "Hoobo" (meaning "Love") Magazine, issued by the Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church in Cairo, is launched with the publication of a new article written by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, entitled "My Story with the Syriacs (Part 1)," in issue 26, February, Year 3, 2026. In the article, Professor Abs presents a part of his relation and history with the Syriac people.

Hence, you can find the full text of the article.

Issued by the Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church in Cairo

An Article by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, Entitled "My Story with the Syriacs (Part 1)"

In a step aimed at strengthening media and Church relations, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has recently sought to develop its media and Church network by establishing a new collaboration with "Hoobo" Magazine (meaning "Love"), issued by the Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church in Cairo.

This collaboration culminated during the recent visit of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs to the Arab Republic of Egypt. He was accompanied by a delegation from the Council, including the Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity" Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, and the Coordinator of Media and Church Relations Lea Adel Maamary.

It is worth mentioning that "Hoobo" Magazine is a periodical online publication featuring many articles about spiritual, cultural and educational topics, as well as news, aiming at spreading culture and covering the activities and events of the Church each month.

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received the Pastor of the Sudanese Christian Community’s Church in Lebanon Reverend Paul Osman Kolti, accompanied by the Church's Secretary Servant of the Lord Johnson George Kir, on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

At the outset, Secretary General Professor Abs welcomed the visiting delegation, expressing his joy at the meeting and his aspirations for more cooperation with the Sudanese Christian Community in Lebanon.

Professor Abs also listened to the delegation highlighting the Community's situation in Lebanon and the challenges it faces, as well as the Church's urgent needs, particularly regarding its Prayer services and strengthening its ministry.

At the end, the attendees prayed together for peace in the world and for the service provided by the Middle East Council of Churches.

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received a delegation from the international organization Tearfund, in the presence of a team from the MECC General Secretariat, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

Strengthening coordination and cooperation was the focus of the meeting, during which the participants discussed the current challenges that the region is facing, presenting their suggestions, concerns, and aspirations.

Discussions centered also about how to improve the work mechanisms, particularly in operational and financial aspects, in order to achieve the desired goals.

Video Produced By MECC

مرصد فلسطين - تقرير الجمعة 27 شباط/ فبراير 2026

In light of the worsening humanitarian and social conditions in the region due to the escalation of security operations, the Middle East Council of Churches presents a weekly report entitled "Palestine Monitor," which includes the latest developments in Palestine, especially amid the deteriorating living, social, and security conditions in the country. Some texts will be in Arabic, and some others in English, depending on the source.

في ظلّ تفاقم الظروف الإنسانيّة والاجتماعيّة في المنطقة جرّاء تصاعد العمليّات الأمنيّة فيها، يقدّم مجلس كنائس الشرق الأوسط تقريرًا أسبوعيًّا بعنوان "مرصد فلسطين" حيث يتضمّن آخر المستجدّات الّتي تشهدها فلسطين خصوصًا وسط تدهور الظروف المعيشيّة والاجتماعيّة والأمنيّة في البلاد. ستكون بعض النصوص باللغة العربية، وبعضها الآخر باللّغة الإنكليزيّة، وذلك حسب المصدر.

Video Produced By MECC

Saviez-vous que de nombreuses Églises ajoutent la Fête de la Création à leur Calendrier Liturgique?

Participez à ce webinaire œcuménique pour en savoir plus et prendre part à cette étape historique : www.bit.ly/feastofcreation26

Did you know that many Churches are adding the Feast of Creation to their Liturgical Calendars?

Join this Ecumenical webinar to learn more and be part of this historic step: www.bit.ly/feastofcreation26