THEOLOGICAL AND ECUMENICAL DEPARTMENT
Ecumenical Communion and Dialogue
The main commitment of MECC consists in seeking the visible unity and the full communion between Churches in the Middle East so that the World believes in the Good News. Therefore, the Theological and Ecumenical Department works on the promotion of the theological reflection and dialogue among the different Churches in the Middle East. It is also involved in the ongoing theological and ecumenical dialogues and programs on the international level, through a network of relations and partnership with the WCC, REO’s, Vatican, GCF and other ecumenical bodies or organizations.
MECC is committed to dialogue and activities which support interfaith relations, equitable citizenship and harmonious co-existence among people of diverse faith traditions, from high level dialogue among religious and political leaders, to grassroots efforts among youth that are aimed at breaking down barriers and increasing social integration across religious lines. The Theological and Ecumenical Department is providing all MECC departments with theological foundation and spiritual tools in order to accomplish this objective. The Department is also providing studies and reflection to spread the theological and ecumenical awareness throughout the Diakonia and Communication Departments.
The Department has four main Programs:
1. Theological commission and Advisory Group
2. Interfaith and Dialogue
3. Ecumenical formation
4. Family (Woman, Youth…)
DEPARTMENT NEWS
Friday 4 October 2024 - 4 pm Beirut Time
Amidst a world mired in wars and conflicts, the “Season of Creation” 2024 ends on 4 October, with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of ecology, as is customary annually, after it had started on 1 September, with the Feast of Creation.
On this occasion, the Ecumenical Youth Committee in the “Season of Creation” is organizing an international online celebration to Pray and praise God the Creator and thank Him for all His abundant Gifts and graces. It will be held on Friday 4 October 2024, at 4 pm Beirut time, and you may join it by clicking here, through the “Season of Creation” YouTube channel.
Let us participate together in this celebration and unite in Prayer on the intention of creation and our common home, hoping to achieve peace, truth and justice in the Middle East and the world.
The Ecumenical Lebanese Youth Raise Their Prayers from the Heart of Taanayel’s Nature to the Heart of God
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (Psalm 104 :24). With these sacred words from the Book of Psalms and with a heart full of hope, a group of Lebanese and Ecumenical youth united in Prayer on the occasion of the “Season of Creation.”
This season, which extends between 1 September and 5 October annually and internationally, calls us to Pray and work together to protect our common home and care for God’s creation. we share a common call to care for creation. We are co-creatures and part of all that God has made. Our well-being is interwoven with the well-being of the Earth.
They woke up early and went with all enthusiasm to the Lake Taanayel, where they walked in the middle of an integrated natural oasis to Pray together, glorify God the Creator, and contemplate all His creatures, on Friday 6 September 2024. They are the participants in the Ecumenical camp “Youth Leadership Building”, which is a joint project organized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in partnership with Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization, Bible Society, Youth for Christ (YFC), and Ithraa Center in Lebanon. Noting that the camp was held between 2 and 7 September 2024, at the Monastery of Our Lady of Consolation for the Jesuit Fathers, Taanayel - Lebanon.
Developing Youth Skills Towards Healthy Societies
They are the backbone of societies and an essential part for building a brighter future. They are also a source of vitality, health and well-being... They are the youth, carrying many energies and creativity with which they may benefit their communities and societies. However, young people today, in light of all the development that the world is witnessing amidst a wave of conflicts, are exposed to many challenges and difficulties that may limit their usual activity. Therefore, it has become necessary to care for them, educate them, develop their abilities, and protect them from all the pressures that surround them.
Hence, and in the context of supporting the youth, a new program was launched entitled “Youth Leadership Building”, which is a joint project organized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in partnership with Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization, Bible Society, Youth for Christ (YFC), and Ithraa Center in Lebanon. The program aims to develop youth skills, motivate them to serve, and train them on the foundations of leadership. It also contributes to the formation of youth networks capable of making positive change in their communities.
Together for A Better Future!
Following the implementation of the first phase of the Youth Leadership Building (YLB) Project in Lebanon, a coordination meeting was held between the partners who launched the project, which are the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Youth for Christ (YFC), the Bible Society, the Ithraa Center, and the Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization, on Thursday 11 September 2024, at the Bible Society headquarters in Beirut.
The meeting included the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Project Coordinator in the Department Ms. Maria Bzdigian, the Representative of Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization Mr. Dick Loendersloot, the Secretary General of the Bible Society Dr. Mike Bassous, the Psychosocial Support Coordinator at the Bible Society Mrs. Rita Zakhour, the National Director in Lebanon for Youth for Christ (YFC) Mr. Maher El Hajj, the Executive Assistant at YFC Mrs. Rouba Yammine, and the Founder and Director of the Ithraa Center in Lebanon Dr. Chady Rahme.
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), represented by Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department, participated in the General Assembly of the “Danmission” organization held in the Danish city of Nyborg, between 31 August and 1 September 2024.
The first meeting was with the “Danmission” Board, in the presence of the new Secretary General of the organization Mrs. Julie Koch, and the participation of representatives of the organizations invited to the General Assembly, including Reverend Dr. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Churches in Egypt and the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, and Dr. Nayla Tabbara, Director of Adyan Foundation.
The General Assembly included a special session entitled “Tour of the World,” during which each of “Danmission’s” partners gave a presentation about the organizations and regions they represent, accompanied by the regional Directors of these regions. During this session, the part dedicated to the Middle East region was moderated by Mrs. Kristen Auken, the Director of the region in “Danmission”, where she highlighted the circumstances that the Middle East is passing through.
In his turn, Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar spoke about the history of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), its structure, goals, and the activities it implements, in addition to the experience of cooperation with “Danmission” and the aspirations for future joint work. He also talked about the situation of the Church in the region and the challenges it faces, especially in responding to the crises taking place in the Middle East.
Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), was the guest of the Journalist Zouhour Abou Mansour, in an episode of her program “Hawana Hawak,” broadcasted on Charity Radio TV, to talk about the “Season of Creation.”
During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Father Dr. Antoine hughlighted the meanings of this Season, its goals, and the theme it carries this year, which is “To hope and act with Creation.” He also discussed about the environmental activities implemented by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in addition to the Council’s future aspirations.
Archdeacon Garen Yosolkanian, the Coordinator of the EcoJustice Unit at the Middle East Council of Churches and environmental activist, was the guest of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Coordinator of Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches, in an episode within her program “Moubadarat” (“Initiatives”), on Radio “Voice of Van”, to talk about the “Season of Creation.”
During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Archdeacon Garen shed light on the meanings of this Season, its goals, and the theme chosen for this year, which is “To hope and act with Creation,” in addition to the environmental work of the Middle East Council of Churches in various countries of the region.
The Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar was the guest of an episode within the program “Al Nour Maana” (“The Light Is with Us”) program broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat, on Wednesday 28 August 2024. The topic centered around the “Season of Creation,” which extends annually between September 1, the Feast of Creation, and October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Ecology.
During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Father Dr. Antoine presented a historical overview about the “Season of Creation,” and talked about its importance, goals and the meanings that it carries, in addition to the theme that was chosen for this year, “To hope and act with Creation”. He also highlighted the work of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) within the framework of the “Season of Creation,” especially since that MECC is a member of the international Ecumenical Steering Committee which is charged of preparing the resources of this Season’s guide.
“To hope and act with Creation”
Under the theme “To hope and act with Creation” and the symbol of “The firstfruits of hope” based on the Epistle to the Romans 8: 19-25, the Ecumenical family in the Middle East and the world unites to celebrate the “Season of Creation” 2024. An Ecumenical, Christian and environmental season that begins every year on 1 September, with the Feast of Creation, and ends on October 4, with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of ecology.
In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) issues the guide for the “Season of Creation” 2024 in Arabic after finishing its translation, as is customary annually. It includes all the details and information about the season and the slogan of this year, in addition to Prayers and suggestions for participating in the celebrations... Hence, you can find below the guide in Arabic, as well as in English.
MECC Implements a New Session of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” Program for Jordan and Palestine
Within the framework of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” program implemented by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Theological and Ecumenical Department, in various countries of the Middle East, a new session of the program was dedicated for Jordan and Palestine, between 21 and 26 July 2024, at Theodor Schneller School - Amman.
The session, which was titled “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6: 31), was held at a time when the region is witnessing a series of wars, conflicts, and crises that have burdened the people of the East and disrupted their usual activities. Thus, that they became in dire need of spiritual and psychological accompaniment to help them restore hope to their lives.
Preparing for New Ecumenical Activities in Iraq
His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, Chaldean Patriarch in Iraq and the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), received Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department, on Monday 17 June 2024, at the Patriarchal headquarters in Erbil.
Noting that this visit comes as part of Father Al Ahmar’ tour in Iraq in order to prepare for the implementation of a new session of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” program in the country, aiming at supporting the Parish ministers and their assistants to overcome the daily challenges.
MECC Implements a New Session of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” Program in Iraq
Amidst the worsening security, social and economic crises afflicting the region, the Eastern people live in front of an unknown future as a result of the difficult living conditions that have burdened them and plunged them into a cycle of despair and endless daily challenges. Therefore, today, spiritual and psychological support has become an urgent necessity for many people, especially for Church workers who help the needy and affected people to overcome life’s difficulties with deep faith and firm hope.
In this context, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches continues to implement the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” program in various countries of the Middle East for Churches’ ministers and their assistants, both consecrated and lay people, who lived harsh experiences due to the various crises and difficult conditions that the region is suffering from, or who are accompanying, in their turn, people who have experienced trauma in their lives.
Of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” Program in Egypt
Together We Walk Towards Hope!
Under the title “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6: 31), the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Theological and Ecumenical Department, implemented a new session of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” program in Egypt - Saint Mark’s Center, between 12 and 17 May 2024.
Attendees were a group of 26 participants, including Churches’ ministers and their assistants, both consecrated and lay people, who lived harsh experiences due to the various crises and difficult conditions that the region is suffering from, or who are accompanying, in their turn, people who have experienced trauma in their lives.
The session aimed to support Churches’ workers and activists on a personal level, and to help them psychologically and spiritually so that they can complete their mission and perform their tasks in a better way. It also included times of Prayer and meditation, group participation meetings, in addition to spiritual and psychological topics. The participants were accompanied by a team of Fathers spiritual guides, and specialized psychologists with experience in this field.
On the Lebanese MTV Channel
In preparation for the Ecumenical musical event “Beirut 2024”, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, and the organizer of this event Mr. Marc Merhej, were the guest of the journalist Elie Ahwash in an episode within the “MTV Alive” program on the Lebanese MTV channel, on Thursday 11 January 2024.
During the interview, which you can watch on the MTV website by clicking here, this Ecumenical musical event, which is held on the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the fiftieth year of the founding of the Middle East Council of Churches, was highlighted, in addition to the idea of its launch, its ongoing preparations, and the most prominent segments that will be included in its program. In addition, the interview stressed the importance of this event Spiritually and Ecumenically, as well as the Week of Prayer and the Jubilee of the Middle East Council of Churches.
Participate in Seminars During the COP28 Conference in Dubai
Amidst a world suffering from severe environmental risks that threaten human lives as a result of environmental crises, the United Nations is holding the COP28 Conference of the Parties on Climate Change in Dubai, between 30 November 30 and 12 December 2023. The conference’s activities include meetings between world presidents and official meetings, in addition to several environmental lectures and seminars from various parts of the world.
In this context and stemming from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)’ belief in the importance of the environmental issue, the MECC Secretary General Prof. Dr. Michel Abs, and the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, headed to Dubai, where they participated in a series of seminars held within the COP28 activities with Arab and Faith groups. All of these seminars centered around environmental, theological, and scientific topics and issues. Moreover, this tour aimed to build new relations aimed at strengthening communication with international and Arab parties in order to cooperate and work together in the future.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs: The environmental burden has become immense!
The Church of Christ must intervene to curb the deterioration, deter the saboteurs from continuing in their wrongdoing, preserve and protect what remains of creation for us
At the invitation of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and besides the convening of the COP28 activities, Conference of the Parties on Climate Change, held by the United Nations in Dubai, an Ecumenical Prayer Service related to the “Season of Creation” was held on Saturday 2 December 2023, in the Anglican Church of Christ, in Jebel Ali - Dubai. The Service emphasizes the importance of uniting together in Prayer and work to preserve the creation and our common home.
The Prayer which you can watch it in the video, was presided over by His Eminence Bishop Hosam Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, the Primate of the Episcopal Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, and MECC Executive Committee Member. Participants were the WCC Secretary General Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, the MECC Secretary General Prof. Dr. Michel Abs, and the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar who led the Prayer. As well as, participants were a group of Heads of Churches and clergy from various Church Families, in addition to many Church organizations.
Of the Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling Program in Lebanon
Spiritual and Psychological Support for Churches’ Ministers and their Assistants
Amidst the difficult living conditions that the countries of the Middle East are witnessing due to the various crises that cast their shadows over the region, people have become burdened with the daily life concerns and the challenges that surround them. Thus, they are searching for a space of hope that will alleviate their pain and sorrow for them positive vibes away from the troubles and negativities of this world.
In this context, many people of the region are in need of spiritual and psychological support to relieve the pressures that inbound them and reduce their usual activities. Therefore, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches seeks to implement the “Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling” program in various countries of the region, as it held a new session in Lebanon entitled “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6: 21).
Organized by the MECC Eco Justice Justice Unit
The Eco Justice Unit at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized an environmental day in the Bekaa, Lebanon, on Saturday 25 November 2023, under the auspices of the Heads of Churches, with the participation of the General Director of the Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Louis Lahoud, and in the presence of the region’s officials and Parishes’ Servants from various Churches, with the contribution of Michel Daher Foundation.
Participants in this environmental activity were also school students from: “Saint Anne’s School - Rayak, Holy Family School - Ibrin, Holy Family School - Rayak, Educational Friendship House – Al Ferzel, Redeemer Sisters School - Ablah, Haratch School - Anjar, Armenian Evangelical School - Anjar, and Saint George Syriac Orthodox School – Al Midan.”
This environmental day came within the framework of the Season of Creation special program which was launched by MECC in the countries of the Middle East in cooperation with the Danmission Organization. The Season included Ecumenical Prayer celebrations, Cultural meetings, Environmental tours, and afforestation campaigns, with media and social media coverage, including Télé Lumière TV Station which covered audio visually the activities of this environmental day, in coordination and cooperation with the media of the Middle East Council of Churches.
“You shall love the Lord your God... and your neighbour as yourself” (Luke 10:27)
The Middle East Council of Churches releases the Arabic version of the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” booklet 2024, under the title “You shall love the Lord your God ... and your neighbour as yourself” (Luke 10:27). The title has been chosen at a time when the world and the Middle East are suffering from many wars, conflicts, crises and divisions in light of a wave of injustice, inequity and hate speech...
Hence, the booklet invites us to Pray and work together in mutual love during this difficult period that the world is facing, especially that the love of Christ which unites all Christians is stronger than their divisions and will overcome all violence.
The booklet is centered around the biblical text from Luke 10:25-37, in which Jesus reaffirmed the traditional Jewish teaching from Deuteronomy 6:5, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might”; and Leviticus 19:18b, “you shall love your neighbour as yourself”.
Within the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium
Between the environment and Theology, researchers and specialists gathered at the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium organized by The Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME). Its sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon, following an Ecumenical Prayer Service for the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.
During the Symposium, speakers and participants explained that the issue of creation is at the core of our faith. They also stressed the importance of the Church’s role in reducing injustice to the environment. Hence, you will find, in the video, some opinions and aspirations from the Symposium’s participants.
Details about the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Symposium’s first day
The “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium, organized by the Middle East Council of Churches in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was an important opportunity to shed light on the role of the Church towards the environment, based on the environmental Theology and our Christian faith. This is what the Symposium’s participants focused on. Thus, you can find some of their opinions and experiences in the video.
Noting that the Symposium’s sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon, following an Ecumenical Prayer Service for the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.
Details about the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Symposium’s first day
And the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium
On Télé Lumière and Noursat
On the occasion of the “Season of Creation” 2023 ending, the Middle East Council of Churches organized an Ecumenical Prayer Service under the title “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, on Wednesday 4 October 2023, hosted by the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) – Lebanon, with the participation of Church Leaders from various Ecclesiastical Families.
Stemming from its belief in the importance of preserving God’s creation, working to protect our common home, and enhancing environmental Theological awareness, the Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), organized a Symposium entitled “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”. Its sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.
The video presents a report broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat, which includes a highlight of the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Opening of the Symposium. The report was prepared by the journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
Organized by MECC in Cooperation with ATIME
Environmental Lectures Combining Theology and Science
For the second day in a row, the symposium “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”, continued its sessions at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut, at the invitation and organization of the Middle East Council of Churches in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME). It was held in the presence of their Eminences Bishops and Priests, Nuns and Monks, the President of the Saint Joseph University in Beirut Father Professor Salim Daccache, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Professor Michel Abs, alongside Deans, Professors and students from different Institutes of Theology, as well as specialists in the topic of environment and climate, and attendees concerned with the issue of climate and social justice.
The first part of the second day began with a speech delivered by Father Professor Salim Daccache, President of the Saint Joseph University in Beirut, in which he said “Your initiative is truly appreciated amidst the environmental problems that are threatening our world and the countries of our region. You have made a lot of efforts to organize this symposium. I am certain that the solidarity and cooperation of the Middle East Council of Churches and ATIME has led to this achievement that we witness today, which encourage the Church to prepare a policy of initiatives that concern the environment. The environmental issue is not marginal, but rather a responsibility to protect nature and creation."
With an Ecumenical Prayer Service at USEK - Lebanon
The Council Inaugurates in Cooperation with ATIME
The Symposium “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) concluded the “Season of Creation” for this year with an Ecumenical Prayer Service under the title “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, on Wednesday 4 October 2023, hosted by the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon.
“Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”
Organized by MECC and ATIME
Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was the guest of the journalist Roula Zeidan, in an episode of the morning show “Al Nour Maana” (the Light is with Us), on Télé Lumière and Noursat, on Thursday 21 September 2023, which you can watch it in the video.
During the episode, Father Dr. Kanbar highlighted the Symposium which is being organized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), under the title “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”. It will be held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at 5:30 pm Beirut time, in the Pope John Paul II Amphitheater at the Holy Spirit University – Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, starting 9 am Beirut time until 5:30 pm Beirut time, at the François Bassil Amphitheater in the Saint Joseph University (USJ) – Beirut.
Global Ecumenical Prayer with the World Council of Churches
The Middle East Council of Churches Participating in the Prayer
A global Ecumenical Prayer hosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC) on 18 September focused on the World Week for Peace in the Holy Land, and the meaning of finding a spiritual home in the Holy Land, with the participation of concerned and Church parties, alongside the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) which was represented by the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar who gave the final blessing.
After the Prayer, the World Council of Churches published on its website the following press release:
People gathered online and in-person to pray, advocate, and stand in solidarity with people in the Holy Land.
The World Week for Peace in the Holy Land is being observed this year from 16-23 September under the theme “No place to lay my head,” a theme that reflects the challenge for Palestinian families as well as other people facing difficulties to a uniting home.
WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay opened the Prayer with a greeting, noting that the theme is “deeply rooted in the suffering of the Palestinian people.”
They Pledge to Strengthen the Environmental Work in the Bekaa Valley
The Ecumenical family in the Middle East and the world unites in an environmental Christian season which is the “Season of Creation,” that starts, as every year, on September 1, and ends on October 4, aiming at praying and working together to protect God’s creation and our common home. Based on the theme of this year’s season which is “Let Justice and Peace Flow” and its symbol “A Mighty River,” the world celebrates God’s creation through a series of various events and activities that enhance spiritual and environmental awareness.
Since the Middle East Council of Churches launched this season in the region, Churches, Christian, Ecumenical and youth groups in the Middle East are implementing several initiatives to celebrate the season and glorify God the Creator. In Lebanon, specifically in the Bekaa Valley, which is considered a place of resources for the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf, the youth of the Ebleh Church organized an environmental activity through which it established the first Church youth group concerned with environmental issues. The group decided to develop the environmental work in the Bekaa Valley, and took the name of “Our Lady of Ebleh Youth.”
Talks About the Forestation Campaigns Implemented by the Council in an Interview with “Danmission” Organization
On the occasion of the “Season of Creation,” “Danmission” organization, a partner of the Middle East Council of Churches, made an interview with Deacon Garen Yosolkanian, a member of the MECC Eco Justice Committee, and expert in the environmental issues, in which he talked about the forestation campaigns that MECC implements as part of its environmental activities. He also highlighted its importance, especially in environmental awareness, as well as the forestation campaign organized by MECC in Mhardeh, Syria, with a group of youth.
Highlights the Importance of the “Season of Creation” in an interview with “Danmission” Organization
As part of the “Season of Creation” 2023 activities, “Danmission” organization, a partner of the Middle East Council of Churches, made a video interview with Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department, during which he highlighted the meanings and goals of the “Season of Creation.” He also talked about the importance of celebrating this season in the Middle East and the MECC mission in this context, especially in environmental awareness.
He calls for Ongoing Work to Preserve the Environment:
“The gift of being created in the image of God also carries the responsibility of caring for all creation”
“In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss, while a mighty wind swept over the waters.” (Genesis 1: 1-2). This is how God created Earth and everything on it, and gathered all of them in one environment, thus creating Man in His image, and after His likeness, making him guardian of the Earth "Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground." (Genesis 1:26).
On the occasion of the “Season of Creation” 2024 which carries this year the theme “To hope and act with Creation”, His Eminence Metropolitan Anba Thomas, Bishop of Al-Qusiyah and Primate of the Coptic Orthodox Church, founder of the Anafora Center in Egypt, presented a spiritual reflection full of hope, faith and an emphasis on the need to continue working to preserve the Earth and everything on it, based on the responsibility that God has entrusted human to it.
This reflection came within the international Ecumenical celebration that was held online on the first of September 2024, at the invitation of His Holiness Pope Francis, His Beatitude the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, His Beatitude Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and Head of the Anglican Church, as well as many Heads of Churches and Ecumenical Leaders from around the world, in addition to the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and concerned organizations and institutions.