Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: June 2026

The United States and Iran reached an agreement that would put an end to hostilities, open the Strait of Hormuz and carry out certain economic measures. However, many view as this is only a ploy crafted for domestic political and economic reasons as major points that were the reason behind the war in the first place, have yet to be agreed upon. For this reason, commentators speculate that the recommencement of the conflict is still on the table and the war may resume weeks or months from now. For the time being, the region can take a breather while the warmongers reconsider their plans and replenish their will and resources to fight. Hopefully sanity and reason will prevail and there will be no return to destabilizing the Middle East and the world.  

On the Occasion of the Feast of Saint Joseph of Damascus

The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

Participates in a Seminar Entitled: "The Treasury of Antiochian Heritage"

Balamand, July 7, 2026

With the blessing of 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, and on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Joseph of Damascus, Patron Saint of the Manuscript Preservation Center at Our Lady of Balamand Patriarchal Monastery in Lebanon, celebrated on the tenth of this month, the Monastery organized a seminar entitled "The Treasury of Antiochian Heritage."

The event was attended by His Eminence Bishop Constantine Kayyal, Abbot of the Greek Orthodox Saint Elie Chouaya Patriarchal Monastery, Archimandrite Yaacoub Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and Former President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), Priests, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, Coordinator of Media and Church Relations at MECC Journalist Lea Adel Maamary; as well as Members of the Parliament and personnalities from the political, judicial, labor, military, security, administrative, academic, educational, media, cultural, artistic, social, municipal, and local leadership sectors, in addition to those interested in Antiochian heritage and friends of the Monastery and the Center.

On an Interview Via Suboro TV

Monday 6 July 2026 at 7pm Beirut Time

Through the Diakonia and Social Service Department

“Momentum”

6-7-2026

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 “Transparency in Management and the Credibility of Institutions, With a Focus on Faith-Based Organizations”.

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/8acbaca063e7/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 an Interview Via Suboro TV

Monday 6 July 2026 at 7pm Beirut Time

With a Focus on Faith-Based Organizations

Professor Michel Abs

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

Transparency is not an imported management trend; it is a fundamental value inherent in every mission founded on noble human principles and dedicated to serving people. When an institution is built upon a religious foundation, transparency becomes even more significant and sensitive. Such an institution is not merely managing resources; it carries the name of God and is called to be a living witness before society. Its credibility ultimately rests on one simple yet profound question: Do our actions reflect what we proclaim?

Transparency is a necessity, not a choice. Every institution depends on the trust of its supporters, partners, volunteers, employees, and beneficiaries. They contribute their resources, time, talents, and financial support because they believe in the institution's mission. Once that trust is lost, the mission itself is weakened. Transparency is the bridge that preserves and strengthens this trust. When donors know how their contributions are used, employees understand the criteria for recruitment and promotion, and beneficiaries clearly understand the process by which services are provided, everyone becomes a partner in the mission rather than a mere observer. Secrecy and the concealment of information inevitably generate suspicion, and suspicion undermines credibility regardless of how efficient an institution's operations may appear.

For faith-based organizations, the responsibility is even greater. They are expected not only to demonstrate administrative competence but also to embody the values they proclaim. Society expects them to live according to the principles they preach—integrity, justice, love, humility, and self-sacrifice. If their message emphasizes honesty while their records and decisions remain hidden from accountability, people may lose faith in the mission long before they lose confidence in its administration…

Receives Former Lebanese Minister Dr. Hector Hajjar

Discussions centered on Enhancing humanitarian and Relief Work

As part of strengthening humanitarian services, the Former Lebanese Minister Dr. Hector Hajjar visited the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, in the presence of Ms. Nina Hallak, Director of the Lebanon’s Office at the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department. The visit took place on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.

During the meeting, discussions centered on the situation of the humanitarian and relief work in Lebanon, with a focus on the persons with disabilities and the challenges that the organizations and actors working in this field are facing, as well as ways to develop development programs aimed at meeting urgent humanitarian needs.

Land of Holiness 2 - The Blessed Patriarch Elias Howayek

Monastery of the Sisters of the Holy Family, Aabrine - Tomb of the Patriarch

Produced by MECC

A Journey of Blessings Through a Historic Legacy and a Path Crowned with Holiness

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches Media (MECC)

The Lebanese town of Aabrine witnesses a new Blessed upon the Lord's Altar: the seventy-second Maronite Patriarch, a man of providence, dialogue, love, and patriotism, and the Founder of the Congregation of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family. He is Blessed Patriarch Elias Howayek, who consistently demonstrated his love for his homeland and his steadfast attachment to its land.

Today, attention is focused on the Monastery of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family in Aabrine, where the faithful come to pray at the tomb of Patriarch Howayek. The Monastery includes the Patriarch's Museum, which comprises six sections documenting the most significant milestones of his historical, Ecclesiastical, cultural, and national life. It is a place that bridges a past crowned with God's blessings and a new journey towards holiness.

A Father, Shepherd, and Faithful Servant of the Church of Christ, A Life Crowned with Holiness

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

From the St. Elias district of Mkhallessiyeh, a new journey of holiness begins, as the Church in Lebanon and around the world witnesses an Ecclesial event that strengthens faith and renews hope. The Beatification of Father Bechara Abou Mrad marks a radiant spiritual milestone, embodying Christian witness, Ecclesial obedience, and humanitarian service.

Father Bechara Abou Mrad lived a life filled with Prayer, piety, and humility. He became a blessing to many faithful, guiding them back to the path of salvation. In 2026, the Holy See approved his Beatification after recognizing a miracle attributed to his intercession.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of July 2026. 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.

Sessions That Help Women Build Safe and Stable Families

Family and school play complementary roles in providing children with a safe and supportive environment.

Recognizing this role, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) seeks to raise students' awareness of child protection issues while also supporting mothers through positive parenting sessions.

The sessions, implemented by MECC through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, aimed to empower participating women to prioritize their mental well-being and strengthen their self-confidence.

With the Beatification of Father Bechara Abou Mrad, the Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) presents this video, which it filmed at the Holy Savior Monastery in Joun, Lebanon, Tomb of Father Bechara Abou Mrad, Our Lady Monastery in Joun, and the Holy Savior Secondary School.

Hymn: “Arak Fi Al Khafa’” (meaning “I See You in Secret”), performed by Father Makarios Haidamous, from the Basilian Salvatorian Order.

Revives Historical Memory and Celebrates the Beauty of Language

at a Cultural Seminar in Beirut

With the Participation of an MECC Delegation

In a cultural evening distinguished by its audience and vibrant literary engagement, St. Maron Church in Gemmayzeh hosted a seminar and book-signing ceremony for the novel “Oyoun Al Warak (meaning “Eyes of Pape “) by Father Dr. Michel Kanbar, Former Executive Secretary of Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), published by Kalima Art Liban Publishing House. The event was attended by a large gathering of Church, cultural, academic, media, and social figures.

Attendees were His Eminence Bishop Maroun Ammar, Maronite Bishop of Sidon, His Eminence Bishop Chokrallah Nabil El Hajj, Former Member of Parliament and Minister Edmond Rizk; Maroun Helou, President of the Maronite League, together with members of its Executive Council, and a delegation from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) including Father Dr. Antoine El Ahmar, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department, Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of the Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Rehabilitation Program, Journalist Lea Maamary, Coordinator of Church Relations and Media, Dr. Sultan Nassereddine, President of Dar Al Banan, the Mayor of Al-Hajja, several municipal leaders, as well as Priests, academics, students, friends of the publishing house, and members of the family of Bishop Youssef Rizk.