His Beatitude Patriarch John X Presides Over the Last Judgement Sunday Mass in Balamand
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Participating in the Mass Meets with His Beatitude
And Also with Archimandrite Dr. Jack Khalil
Photo: Facebook Page of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East
His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, presided over the Last Judgment Sunday Mass, on Sunday 19 February 2023, at Our Lady of Balamand Patriarchal Monastery in Lebanon. The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs participated in the Mass, alongside Human Rights Advocate Karl Abou Mrad.
During the Mass, His Beatitude Patriarch John X delivered a Homily in which he said, "Although Antioch is, in these days, feeling pain and wounded due the earthquake that struck our homes, and caused repercussions on all levels, as well as destruction in many Churches, I say this is the splendor of Antioch. Antioch stands forever and ever, and He is present is in the midst of all what is happening, and it will not be shaken...".
His Beatitude stressed that “the disciples of the Lord were first called Christians in Antioch,” and added, “if Christianity had a cradle, then there is the physical cradle where the Lord was born in Jerusalem, and the intellectual cradle, Antioch, from which the Apostle Paul started his preaching to all nations.”
As well as, His Beatitude spoke about the meanings of the Last Judgement, Meatfare, Sunday, which “reminds us of the philosophy and Theology of giving and service.” His Beatitude also focused on the importance of giving and serving away from selfishness and arrogance. Hence, he renewed his call to support the sisters and brothers in Antioch, especially following the earthquake that struck it.
After the Holy Mass, the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs met with His Beatitude Patriarch John X. The meeting’s discussions centered on the situations of the Antiochian Parishes in Turkey and the tragic circumstances they are passing through as a result of the earthquake. Noting that His Beatitude appointed a Patriarchal delegation to visit the stricken cities and Parishes in Turkey and Antioch. As well as, discussions revolved around the latest updates and developments of the MECC work, in addition to the programs to be implemented in the future.
Moreover, the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs met with Archimandrite Dr. Jack Khalil, President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), at the St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology in Our Lady of Balamand Patriarchal Monastery. During the meeting, they discussed how to develop the ATIME’s work mechanisms and enhance its activity through various projects, as well as the programs which are planned to be organized soon.
Photos: Facebook Page of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East
