Health, peace and security... This is what our colleagues in the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Office in Syria wished for, raising their prayers to God, the God of justice and peace, and looking forward to blessed seasons of hope.

From the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs and the MECC team, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Wishes, aspirations and Christmas messages of hope were carried by colleagues in the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) with hearts ready to welcome the Jesus Christ. With the beginning of the New Year, their hope is embodied in days full of health, peace and security.

From the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs and the MECC team, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) issues its annual report for the year 2023. It compiles in its pages the activities of the Middle East Council of Churches and the achievements it has accomplished at various Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian and media levels. Despite a year burdened with global fluctuations, the MECC was not prevented to achieve its mission and desired goals of building bridges and standing together, in addition to spreading the values of love and fraternity, and the culture of peace and dialogue among all Church Families and Religions, from the Cradle of Christianity to the whole world.

Hence, through this report, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) reaffirms the necessity of adhering to faith, continuing to Pray together, and relying on our Lord Jesus Christ, in order to overcome all the difficulties and challenges that cast their shadows over the Middle East.

“Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26)

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) releases the Arabic version of the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” booklet 2025, under the title “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26), based on the Biblical Text 11: 17-27.

The booklet presents resources that were prepared by a group of brothers and sisters of the Monastic Community of Bose in Northen Italy. The resources were jointly edited and published by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity (DPCU) and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches (WCC), and were translated into Arabic by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as every year.

The title of this year has been chosen to emphasize once again the necessity of adhering to faith, hope, and unity in Prayer, at a time when the world and the Middle East are suffering from many wars, conflicts, crises and divisions amidst a wave of injustice, inequity and hate speech...

Ecumenical Youth Empowerment in a New Leadership Training: Together for a Better World!

In continuation of the Ecumenical Youth Camp “Youth Leadership Building" in Lebanon, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) implemented a new training within this program, stemming from its belief in the importance of empowering youth and developing their capabilities. It was held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Moore Conference Center & Guesthouse in Mansourieh - Lebanon. Noting that the program was organized in partnership with Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization, Bible Society, Youth for Christ (YFC), and Ithraa Center in Lebanon.

Attendees were 36 youth and 11 leaders from different Church Families, who participated in the previous Ecumenical camp. The course comes at a time when young people face many challenges that may often hinder their usual activities. Therefore, this meeting aimed to develop the skills of the participants, motivate them to serve, and train them on the foundations of leadership, thus contributing to the formation of youth networks capable of making positive change in societies.

The course included various games that brought the participants closer together, as well as dynamic sessions that focused on leadership skills, as well as how to deal with crises and ways to work together to build a brighter future in peace.

A Webinar Organized by the WCC

MECC Highlights the Church’s Response in the Region to the Environmental Crises

In a world burdened by environmental disasters that have cast their shadows on the planet, the World Council of Churches (WCC) held an international webinar entitled “Churches in the Mediterranean: Addressing Desertification Through Responsible Banking,” in order to raise awareness about the various environmental issues that threaten human life.

The webinar, which was held on Monday, December 9, 2024, featured speakers from Member Churches in the region, experts from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) represented by Deacon Garen Yosolkanian, the Coordinator of the MECC Eco-Justice Unit, the Conference of European Churches (CEC), and All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), as well as Dr. Mercedes Caron, Scientific Researcher at the European Forest Institute.

Attendees were also specialists and concerned participants from various countries around the world. The sessions focused on the issue of desertification in the Mediterranean region, its causes and repercussions, in addition to ways to confront it and reduce its negative effects. In this context, the speakers presented various facts and data about this worsening issue due to the ongoing increase of CO2 emissions, and how Churches respond to this problem.

MECC Implements Two New Sessions of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” Program

The Middle East is suffering... a sentence that perfectly describes the situation that the region has been passing through for many years as a result of wars, crises and conflicts. It is a tragic scene in every sense of the word: destruction, displacement, death, and extreme poverty... Hence, the will to live remains the strongest! This is what the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has sought to affirm since its establishment, especially that the issue of humanity, of every marginalized and suffering person, lies at the core of its priorities.

Therefore, alongside its social services, MECC continues to implement psychological and spiritual support programs to accompany the people of the region in facing the difficulties surrounding them with great hope and deep faith.

In this context, the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department organized two new sessions of the "Spiritual and Psychological Support" program between October and November 2024, specifically implemented for Lebanon due to the difficult conditions it is facing on various levels—security, social, economic, and health. These sessions took place at Saint Jacob Monastery in Karm Saddeh.

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.

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.