Unprecedented since 1983, the adoption of a new feast for trial use in the ‘Revised Common Lectionary’ marks a historic milestone in Christian ecumenism and Liturgical attention to the doctrine of Creation. The ‘Feast of Creation in Christ’ is a fruit of nearly four decades of ecumenical celebrations inspired by an ancient Eastern Orthodox tradition, developed further through a multi-year Theological process of various Christian global bodies.

The Consultation on Common Texts (CCT) has officially adopted the festival of ‘Creation in Christ’, also known as ‘Feast of Creation’, by adding it to the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) for a three-year period of trial use. As the lectionary shaping the calendar of many Protestant Churches, this is a historic breakthrough in Christian ecumenism given its inspiration in the Eastern tradition.

The enhanced version of this feast, which will begin to be celebrated in September 2026, is the fruit of a Theological process with the participation of various Christian global bodies in recent years. By expanding the feast’s Theological symbolism with a rich set of Biblical Readings, this proposal elevates the doctrine of creation to a more prominent position within Christian worship, filling a gap in the Liturgical calendar of Churches who previously did not celebrate Christ's role in the creation of the world.

Solidarity with Displaced Families and Hosting Shelters

Based on the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)’ commitment to follow up on the field the humanitarian response in Lebanon amidst the repercussions of the war in the country, the team of the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office made field visits to the Municipality and to the Melkite Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Prophet Elijah – the Episcopal Vicariate in of Deir El Qamar.

These visits aimed to assess displacement situations and identify the most urgent humanitarian needs of affected families, as well as to distribute vouchers to internally displaced people in Deir El-Qamar and deliver first aid kits to collective shelters and displaced communities.

Distribution of First Aid Kits to Collective Shelters in Lebanon

As part of strengthening emergency preparedness and support frontline community response efforts, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) distributed 216 first aid kits to municipalities across Tyre, Saida, and Marjeyoun Districts as well as collective shelters hosting IDP’s in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, namely Deir El Amar, Ajaltoun, Rabwe and Rawshe/Lebanese University.

The kits were provided to areas hosting displaced families, collective shelters, and villages facing challenges in accessing healthcare services and medical supplies. In many of these communities, municipalities and local actors remain the first point of support during emergencies and periods of instability.

In a powerful act of solidarity with the people of South Lebanon, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized a humanitarian convoy to the hard-to-reach villages of Marjeyoun District, where communities continue to endure isolation, uncertainty, and limited access to essential services.

With the generous support of Tearfund, Danmission, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Church of Scotland, and in coordination with the Lebanese Army, the convoy delivered 595 hygiene kits and 1,040 food kits to vulnerable families in Bourj El Moulouk, Kleyaa, Jdeidet Marjeyoun, and Ibl El Saki.

This convoy was not merely about aid. But it represented presence in times when people feel forgotten, dignity when hardship becomes part of daily life, and a reminder to every family in the South that they are not alone.

In-Kind and Relief Assistance Alleviating the Burden of Crises

Amidst the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is passing through as a result of the war’s repercussions in the country, the will to live remains stronger, and the commitment to hope remains a light, strength, and consolation despite all challenges. In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its “Light of Hope” campaign, which it launched in response to the humanitarian situations in Lebanon, in order to heal the wounds of the neediest people and stand by their side.

In light of these events, the Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office at the Middle East Council of Churches worked to secure and distribute new assistance to support displaced families and collective shelters in various Lebanese regions.

On one hand, the Diakonia Department provided cleaning kits to a shelter in Ajaltoun serving around 280 people, as well as to another shelter at St. Joseph Church in Beirut serving more than 250 people.

On the other hand, diesel was distributed to collective shelters in Tyre, in order to ensure the continuity of essential services for displaced communities, improve living conditions inside shelters, and reduce pressure on municipalities.

“Momentum”

22-5-2026

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 “Brother Nour: A Model of Ascetic Simplicity, Leadership, and Achievement, On the Fortieth Day of His Repose”.

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/157f781471e0/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.

On the Fortieth Day of His Repose

Professor Michel Abs

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

When ascetic simplicity comes together with leadership, a rare model is born, one that is difficult to repeat. This is what Brother Nour embodied throughout his journey. For him, a position was never an end in itself, but a means to serve people and create lasting impact.

In a time when the spotlight often turns toward those with the most authority, a different kind of model stands out, one that does not need noise in order to be heard. It is a model that turns silence into action, humility into strength, and achievement into the answer to every question. This is the model of Brother Nour.

Ascetic detachment is a hidden strength that creates dignity and reverence.

Asceticism does not mean poverty or isolation. In Brother Nour, it was an inner discipline before it was an outward behavior.

It was detachment in appearance, combined with closeness to people.

His ascetic simplicity was not isolation, but freedom from the outward displays that separate a leader from those who work with him. Brother Nour was known for his simplicity and humility. He was closer to the team than to the chair of authority. This closeness broke barriers and opened the door to trust, because people do not follow titles; they follow those whose sincerity they can feel.

His detachment was also from status. He did not seek visibility or the front place in photos and occasions. He made room for others, and in doing so, he became greater in their eyes.

His detachment was in speech. He spoke little and acted much. This gave weight to his words. When he spoke, everyone listened, because they knew he spoke only when there was a need…

From Beirut to the villages of Marjeyoun district, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues to stand beside vulnerable communities in South Lebanon through the organization of humanitarian convoys reaching hard-to-reach areas with essential assistance.

While many roads in South Lebanon remain difficult and communities continue to endure isolation and uncertainty, MECC continues its commitment to stand beside the people who chose to remain in their villages despite all challenges.

Today, MECC is organizing a humanitarian convoy to the hard-to-reach areas of Marjeyoun district, carrying basic assistance to families living with limited access to essential services and daily needs.

Under the title “Service with Dignity,” Safadi Foundation, in collaboration with MECC-the Middle East Council of Churches and with the support of Danmission, launched two training courses in digital skills and light construction work at Safadi Center for Rural Development in Deir Dalloum, Akkar. This initiative aims to equip young men and women with the necessary skills and provide them with a paid three-month training program, helping them secure job opportunities that enable them to ensure a decent livelihood for themselves and their families.

مرصد فلسطين – تقرير الجمعة 22 أيّار/ مايو 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.

MECC Associate Secretary General Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros Says to the MECC Media:

The Church of Christ is one Church carrying a living tradition enlivened by the Holy Spirit Whom we await at the Feast of Pentecost

We strive together to bear witness to the Word

In a world burdened by hate speech, oppression, and injustice…, the language of love remains stronger than the sound of war, and Prayer remains the only hope that unites all people into one human family that has long yearned for peace. Therefore, it has become essential today to strengthen the Ecumenical spirit and work together to foster closer relations among the various Church Families and components of society.

This was emphasized by Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros, President of the Saint Paul Institute for Philosophy and Theology in Harissa, Lebanon, Professor of Dogmatic Theology, and Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in a special interview with the MECC Media.

Father Bustros pointed out that “the Church of Christ is one Church, carrying a history and a tradition, not a dead tradition, but a living tradition enlivened by the Holy Spirit, Whom we await at the Feast of Pentecost.”