From Dr. Souraya Bechealany to Dr. Michel Abs
The Ecumenical Mission in progress
The transfer of the Ecumenical mission took place in the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches from Dr. Souraya Bechealany to Dr. Michel Abs who was elected by the Executive Committee of the MECC as the new Secretary General for a period of four years, during its last meeting on 18 September 2020 at Bkerki. The committee also called Bechealany an Honorary Secretary General due to her achievements, sacrifices and exceptional dynamism during her assumption of responsibility for the past three years.
After a transitional week to handover the administrative Council files, the departments’ reports and the strategic plans for the future, a final handshake took place in the Secretary General's office. After which the two Secretary General moved to Bkerki, where the ceremony of the handover was held in the presence of the members of the strategic support group, namely, the Right Reverend Dr. Habib Badr, His Eminence Archbishop Paul Sayyah and Dr. Jean Salmanian. This was in honor of Dr. Michel Abs, also member of the Strategic Support Group and the Treasurer for three years.
The new Secretary General is one of the pillars of the Council, he supported its Ecumenical mission for decades; carrying within him talents, and he aims to invest in the Ecumenical Service, the service of the Christian presence as well as promoting the Ecumenical culture. According to the first letter he dedicated to the Council members and the Secretariat team: “This council is very dear to me because of what it holds in its core, and what I have in it; starting with A decade of intense work, follow-ups, friendships and commitments. It is by far, as I always say, the best place for Christian togetherness or common work It is the place where churches can achieve while united what they cannot achieve apart. Therefore, its continuity, support and back up constitute an indisputable priority of faith.”
Best of luck to the new Secretary General, and with the Master we repeat “You were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities” Mt 25:23
