The MECC General Secretariat Team Holds a Spiritual Retreat Hosted by the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate in Atchaneh
A Journey of Prayer and Lent Towards the Joy of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
With the organization and invitation of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), headed by Fr. Antoine Al-Ahmar, and hosted by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Kyrillos Babi, the Patriarchal Vicar for the Syriac Orthodox Charitable Institutions in Atchaneh, the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate - Atchaneh hosted a Spiritual Retreat for the Council’s General Secretariat team headed by the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Alongside the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, participants were the MECC Associate Secretary General Fr. Dr. Nicolas Bustros, the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Fr. Antoine Al-Ahmar, and colleagues from the Council's team in Lebanon.
The Retreat began with a talk by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Kyrillos Babi about the history of the Syriac Orthodox Church and its most prominent historical milestones, as well as its structure, institutions, and geographical spread. His Eminence also talked about the massacres and crises that the Church has witnessed, speaking about the challenges and concerns facing Christians today.
Then, the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs delivered a word in which he thanked His Eminence for hosting the Retreat, mentioning that the Church is a martyr and a witness, recalling his studies on the issue of massacres as well as his experiences with the Church and development projects.
Afterwards, there was a spiritual lecture with Sister Theodora Praya, from the Mor Jacob Baradeus Congregation of the Syriac Orthodox Church, about the Lent in the church, its importance, and dimensions, drawing on examples from the Old and New Testaments.
As well as, the Midday Prayer of the second week of Lent according to the Rite of the Syriac Orthodox Church was held and included Prayers, meditations, readings, and Syriac hymns. Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros also read a Biblical Text from the Gospel of Luke 16:19-31, and His Eminence Archbishop Mor Kyrillos Babi delivered a spiritual speech about Lent and the meanings it carries.
After the lunch break, the attendees participated in a spiritual conversation with Sister Theodora Praya, which developed into a workshop. Participants interacted on the life of our Lord Jesus Christ during Lent, the Passion, and the Resurrection. The discussion touched on the importance of Fasting in the lives of believers and its benefits for their faith, as well as the challenges faced during this Blessed Season, particularly for families and their members.
Furthermore, the Retreat included a tour in the Patriarchate and its museum, where participants learned about the traditions and characteristics of the Syriac Orthodox Church. The attendees and the MECC media team, also toured in the Patriarchate' Suboro TV station as it prepares to celebrate its founding anniversary on the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25, 2025.
