MECC
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II Receives a Delegation from the “Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling” Program Organized by MECC
“Easter Is a Season of Hope”
As part of a workshop within the Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling Program (THSC) organized by the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches(MECC), in Egypt, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, received the delegation participating in the program at the Papal Headquarters in Cairo.
During the meeting, His Holiness welcomed the delegation, especially during the Easter Season, noting that this is a time of hope. He also emphasized the importance of preserving hope in people’s hearts and spreading it among others.
From her side, the Program Coordinator Sister Emilie Tannous, gave a brief presentation on the goals and beginnings of the program, thanking His Holiness for his time and for receiving the delegation.
At the end of the visit, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II offered each visitor a Cross of the Coptic Orthodox Church as a souvenir of love from the meeting.
MECC Continues Its “Light of Hope” Campaign
In-Kind Assistance Contributes to Supporting Displaced People in Lebanon
Amidst the escalating daily challenges in Lebanon resulting from the repercussions of the war that has cast its shadow over the country, the human cause remains a priority above all other issues. Therefore, it has become essential to continue supporting and accompanying the neediest people in order to sow hope in their hearts, especially since the will to live remains the strongest.
In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its “Light of Hope” campaign, which it launched with the aim of supporting the affected people by the war and helping them overcome the hardships surrounding them with great hope.
As part of the latest developments in the MECC work, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office distributed multi-purpose cash assistance to 820 families, averaging 3 individuals per family, reaching a total of 2,460 individuals. This activity was directly carried out with the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs – per their policy and procedure to include lists of internally displaced people (IDPs) families.
MECC Selected as a GBV Actor
Conducting a Field Assessment for the Displaced People’s Conditions in a Shelter in Beirut
As part of following up on the conditions of displaced people in Lebanon who are suffering from the repercussions of the war, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) was selected as a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) actor to conduct a GBV Safety Audit at St. Joseph Shelter in Ashrafieh - Beirut, which hosts around 280 residents.
In coordination with the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and the GBV sector, and following the MoSA’s authorization for Protection (PRT), GBV, and Child Protection (CP) partners to implement such audits in collective shelters, MECC proceeded with the visit and conducted the assessment on site.
Video About the Greek Melkite Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Dormition in Aleppo
One of the City’s Oldest Churches and A Major Christian Landmark
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Issues Its Weekly Newsletter
“Momentum”
7-5-2026
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 "Role of the Church in Times of War: A Diaconal Response in the Middle East". It is the word he delivered at a joint webinar organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/4f009d057ff5/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.
Role of the Church in Times of War: A Diaconal Response in the Middle East
Professor Michel Abs
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
In times of war, the Church in the Middle East is called to be more than a place of worship. It is called to be a place of refuge, healing, truth, and service. War does not only destroy buildings; it wounds memory, family life, dignity, trust, and hope. Prayer remains the heart of the Church, but true prayer must also become action. This is where the diaconal mission of the Church becomes essential.
The Middle East has known repeated wars, occupations, displacement, economic collapse, and sectarian tension. In Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, and other parts of the region, people have often lived between fear and survival. Churches have sometimes found themselves caring not only for their own communities, but also for neighbors from different religions, backgrounds, and political identities. This is one of the most powerful forms of Christian witness: service without discrimination.
A diaconal response begins with presence. During war, many institutions disappear, become weak, or lose people’s trust. The Church, when faithful to its mission, remains present among the people. Priests, pastors, monks, nuns, youth groups, and lay volunteers often become the first line of support. They open church halls for displaced families, organize food and medicine, help children continue learning, visit the elderly, and comfort those who mourn. This presence is not symbolic; it is deeply practical. Sometimes the most Christian act is simply to remain when everyone else has left.
Another important role of the Church is healing trauma. War creates visible injuries, but also invisible wounds. Children become afraid of loud sounds. Parents feel powerless. Young people lose faith in the future. Families carry grief, anger, and anxiety. A diaconal Church therefore cares for the whole person: body, mind, and soul. It offers pastoral care, safe spaces for children, counseling, when possible, community gatherings, and spiritual support. In the Middle East, where many people may not easily speak about trauma directly, the Church helps by creating gentle spaces where pain can be expressed without shame…
The Middle East Council of Churches Congratulates His Beatitude Patriarch John X
On the Feast of His Patron Saint, Saint John the Evangelist and Theologian
On the occasion of the feast of Saint John the Beloved Apostle, the Evangelist Theologian, Patron Saint of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Greek Orthodox, the Thirteenth of the Holy Pure Apostles, and the President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Orthodox family, the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, on behalf of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) family, extends his heartfelt congratulations to His Beatitude, wishing him continued health, well-being, goodness, blessing, and holiness, through the intercession of Saint John the Beloved Evangelist and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Middle East Council of Churches also wishes His Beatitude continued success in his paternal and patriarchal care, lifting prayers to God to support him in his pastoral mission and service in the Lord's field for the good of the Church and its faithful people. May his years be many.
“Role of the Church in Times of War: A Diaconal Response in the Middle East”
A Joint Online Webinar Organized by the World Council of Churches and Middle East Council of Churches
Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: “A diaconal Church does not wait for peace before acting. It creates small signs of peace in the middle of war”
The World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) held an online Joint webinar entitled “Role of the Church in Times of War: A Diaconal Response in the Middle East,” with the participation of representatives from Church-based humanitarian organizations and actors engaged in relief and humanitarian work in the region.
The webinar was moderated by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, who delivered an opening word. He noted that, “A diaconal Church does not wait for peace before acting. It creates small signs of peace in the middle of war. It lights candles where there is darkness. It breaks bread where there is hunger. It listens where there is pain. It reminds every person, whatever their religion or background, that they are not abandoned. This is the Church’s calling: to be the presence of Christ among the wounded people of the Middle East.”
