A Christmas Spiritual Retreat for the Team of the MECC General Secretariat at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut
You can find a photo album at the end of the text
“You shall love the Lord your God... and your neighbour as yourself” (Luke 10:27). With this Bible verse, the team of the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) gathered in a Christmas Spiritual Retreat, held at the Near East School of Theology in Ras Beirut.
Participants in the Retreat were Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, President of Haigazian University, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Evangelical Family, Dr. George Sabra, President of the Near East School of theology in Beirut, Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah, Environmental Advisor at MECC, Dr. Michel Abs the MECC Secretary General, Father Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department, and the teams of the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches and the Near East School of Theology.
The Spiritual Retreat began with a Prayer Service inspired by the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Father Antoine Al Ahmar started the prayer with a call for meeting and fellowship in God’s love. He welcomed the participants in the same way that Abraham welcomed the three visitors and offered water to refresh them. Based on this, Father Antoine Al Ahmar invited the attendees to drink water, as one of the colleagues distributed water from a jug to the participants, while listening to hymns, and the jug was placed at the front of the Church.
Then, Dr. George Sabra delivered a speech in which he welcomed the participants at the Near East School of Theology.
Afterwards, praises, thanksgiving, and Gospel readings, as well as psalms and intercession readings were recited by the participants.
After that, Reverend Rima Nasrallah read the Gospel of Luke “10: 25-37,” which revolves around the Good Samaritan and the answer to the question, “Who is my neighbor?”.
As well as, many questions were raised in light of the Gospel, which includes the meanings of mercy, love, help, and forgiveness for the neighbor, whoever he or she may be, and the paths leading to forgiveness, reconciliation, service to the neighbor, and unlimited giving. The attendees discussed the topic at hand, and each participant expressed his and her opinion on the topic.
Then, Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian delivered a closing speech in which he presented his greetings to the participants in the Prayer and the Spiritual Retreat, stressing the importance of renewing hearts and being born again.
Following the Prayer, the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs delivered a speech in which he spoke about the importance of the Near East School of Theology, the important historical stages it passed through, and the spiritual and intellectual radiance that distinguished it during its local and regional role, congratulating everyone on Christmas and wishing that Lebanon and the East would live in security, safety and peace.
The Prayer Service included Christmas hymns and chants that embraced the birth of Jesus Christ.
At the end of the Spiritual Retreat, all met around the annual Christmas agape that the Middle East Council of Churches holds for its team.
