Strengthening Christian Faith Unity: The 1700th Jubilee Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea

Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: It was a decisive Council for faith, settling doubt with certainty and producing the Creed, which the Church continues to follow to this day

Professor Najib Jahshan: Our duty as a cultural Society that sheds light on our ancient Roman heritage, we are holding this international conference to highlight this unique historical event

Engineer Abdallah Hayek: The conference will include sessions focusing on the historical situation and Church issues that preceded the Council, the Council's convening and agenda, and its near- and long-term outcomes

Dr. Elie Mouwakadie: During the conference, Dr. Asad Rustum will be inscribed in the Golden Register of Roman Creators during the conference

At the invitation of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and the Romaian Cultural Society, a press conference was held to announce the “The Fifth Scientific Conference - Strengthening Christian Faith Unity: The 1700th Jubilee Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea”, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, live from the Platform of the Word at the MECC headquarters in Beirut. Noting that the Fifth Scientific Conference will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Liqaa Center in Rabweh, Metn, Lebanon.

Attendees in the press conference, which was broadcasted live on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, and the MECC Facebook Page, were the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at MECC Fr. Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, and the Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity" program at MECC Dr. Laure Abi Khalil.

Following the Lebanese National Anthem, the press conference began, and was hosted by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at MECC.

"The Status and Role of Women in Christianity and Islam"

Within the framework of the “Cooperation Protocol”, the “Meeting for Religious and Social Dialogue” and the “Lebanese Council of Women” organized a symposium entitled "The Status and Role of Women in Christianity and Islam" on Tuesday, May 23, 2025, at the Auditorium of the Child and Mother Welfare Association in Beirut.

Attendees were the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, represented by Dr. Laure Abi Khalil, the Coordinator of the MECC "Dialogue, Social Cohesion and Human Dignity" Program, along with intellectuals, researchers, experts, and interested people.

An Episode Within the "Community Knowledge" Series

Invite You to Participate in a Press Conference, Today, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, To Announce:

The Fifth Scientific Conference

Strengthening Christian Faith Unity:

The 1700th Jubilee

Of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea

“Praying and working together” is a motto that the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) General Secretariat team has always embodied in a journey of faith, hope, and joy, aiming to consolidate the Ecumenical spirit and serve every human being with dignity. Hence, the weekly meeting, presided over by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, with the participation of colleagues from various departments, in person and online, provides a new opportunity for reflection, supplication to the Lord, and exchange of experiences.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut, began with a reading from the Gospel of John about the call of Peter the Apostle (John 21: 15-19), followed by a Biblical reflection delivered by Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at MECC. He spoke about the qualities of the Good Shepherd, his care for the sheep, and his vigilance for their safety. He also touched on the enthronement of Pope Leo XIV and the importance of the responsibility he bears in caring for the Catholic Church.

Then, the attendees raised their Prayers for the Pastors, remembering the new Pope and emphasizing life with Christ and serving the Church and humanity with boundless love.

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A Plan of Work Towards a More Peaceful World

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

“I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for he wants us all to be united in one family.” With these words, Pope Leo XIV announced the approach of his Pontificate as a program filled with service, love, and fraternity, during the Mass marking the beginning of his Petrine Ministry on Sunday.

"One family," the Supreme Pontiff emphasized, fully aware of the extent of the suffering of the human family today as a result of wars, conflicts, and crises, which he denounced in his meeting with the Representatives of Churches, other Christian Denominations, and Representatives of other Religions. Between "no" and "yes," the Missionary Bishop and Grandson of Migrants called for the need to be free from all ideological or political conditioning.

“No” to war and “yes” to peace, “no” to the arms race and “yes’” to disarmament, “no” to an economy that impoverishes peoples and the Earth and “yes” to integral development. This is what the Pope said to his guests, stressing that the witness of fraternity will inevitably contribute to building a more peaceful world.

While peace has become a dream for many people suffering from woes and tragedies, Christian and human unity has become essential to overcome life's difficulties and challenges. Is there anyone who truly understands the importance and gravity of this issue? This is a question we pose to the concerned world leaders and decision-makers!