MECC
Palestine Observatory - Report: Monday 20 July 2026
مرصد فلسطين – تقرير الاثنين 20 تمّوز/ يوليو 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.
Day Four | ATIME Student Summer Conference – Cairo
The fourth and final day of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) Student Summer Conference brought to a close an inspiring week of prayer, learning, dialogue, and ecumenical fellowship.
The day opened with morning prayer according to the Byzantine Orthodox tradition, led by Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand, and ATIME Former President. He also offered the biblical reflection on the Gospel account of the Risen Lord's appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, emphasizing that true knowledge of Christ is possible only through a personal encounter with the living Lord.
Day Three | ATIME Student Summer Conference – Cairo
The third day of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) Student Summer Conference continued its exploration of the relationship between theology and artificial intelligence through a rich program of prayer, academic reflection, and ecumenical dialogue.
The day began with morning prayer prepared by the Evangelical group and led by Rev. Dr. Samuel Rozfy, Dean of the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo and Executive Secretary of ATIME, together with Ms. Basma Hosney, who led the participants in a series of beautiful worship songs, creating a spirit of prayer, joy, and communion among all those gathered.
A Webinar with Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian
About the topic of "Freedom of Conscience and Responsible Faith"
Organized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian is the President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family.
You can participate in this webinar through the following Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83235814639?pwd=IdcjVTD3hVEcWFDC6QHM4odxN1ajNK.1.
Courtesy Visit Strengthens Media Cooperation
Between the MECC Media and Suboro TV in Atchaneh
As part of efforts to strengthen media relations and foster mutual cooperation, the Executive Director of Suboro TV Mrs. Zeina Youssef, welcomed the Coordinator of Church Relations and Media at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Mrs. Lea Adel Maamary, at the TV's center located in the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate in Atchaneh. This friendly visit aimed to explore opportunities for media collaboration and the exchange of expertise in support of shared humanitarian and media mission.
Fruitful discussions centered on the importance of building effective media partnerships that contribute to highlighting meaningful Church and community activities.
Video - "Ecumenical Horizons" Program: Episode 37
Produced by MECC
“Ecumenical Horizons” is a weekly program that features spiritual, cultural, intellectual, educational, youth and environmental topics.
Video - "Ecumenical Horizons" Program: Episode 36
Land of Holiness 3 - The Blessed Father Bechara Abou Mrad
Holy Savior Monastery in Joun, Lebanon - Tomb of Father Bechara
Produced By MECC
Video - Hymn: O Father Bechara Bou Mrad
Lyrics by the Poet Emile Noun
Composed and Sung by Father Makarios Haidamous, from the Basilian Salvatorian Order
Video Produced by MECC
Video - Hymn: The Heart of an Angel
Lyrics by Father Sami Dagher, from the Basilian Salvatorian Order
Composed and Sung by Father Makarios Haidamous, from the Basilian Salvatorian Order
Video Produced by MECC
A Webinar with Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian
About the topic of "Freedom of Conscience and Responsible Faith"
Organized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian is the President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family.
You can participate in this webinar through the following Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83235814639?pwd=IdcjVTD3hVEcWFDC6QHM4odxN1ajNK.1.
The ATIME Student Summer Conference
Continues Its Activities in Cairo
With a Visit from His Beatitude Patriarch Anba Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak
And Explores Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Cairo, Egypt | 14 July 2026
The second day of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) Student Summer Conference began with morning prayer according to the Catholic tradition. The prayer was led by Rev. Fr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), together with Sr. Rose Abi Aad, ATIME Associate Executive Secretary. The biblical meditation was delivered by Dr. Laurent Yacoub (Theology student from Saint Joseph University of Beirut), inviting participants to begin the day in prayerful reflection before entering into the conference sessions.
ATIME Student Summer Conference Opens in Cairo with a Spiritual Encounter with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
The Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) Student Summer Conference 2026 officially opened on 13 July 2026 at Our Lady of Peace Guest House in Cairo, bringing together theology students from across the Middle East for a week of ecumenical formation, dialogue, and fellowship.
The conference began with a morning prayer according to the Coptic Orthodox tradition. The prayer was led by Dr. Gergis Saleh, former General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and current Associate Executive Secretary of ATIME, together with Fr. Movses Yosolkanian, representing the Armenian Faculty of Theology. All student participants took part in the prayer, marking the beginning of the conference in a spirit of worship, fellowship, and Christian unity.