Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian: Let Us Together Build Bridges Between the Eastern Churches in Order to Consolidate the Spiritual Communion Among Them

Video - Dr. Michel Abs: The Ecumenical Culture Has Made Great Strides Since the Establishment of the MECC, But We Still Have a Long Way

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs headed a delegation from the MECC General Secretariat on a visit to Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, MECC President for the Evangelical Family, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, and President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, today, Wednesday 27 July 2022, in his office at the University.

This visit followed the election of Reverend Dr. Haidostian as MECC President for the Evangelical Family at the MECC 12th General Assembly, and is part of the program of visits that Dr. Abs is making to the Presidents of the Council and to the Church leaders.

The Communication and Public Relations Department at the Middle East Council of Churches have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of August 2022. It includes the Ecclesiastical and Liturgical feasts of the various families of Churches in the Middle East. In addition to international days identified by the United Nations, and which are related to the MECC identity and its spiritual and human mission. Noting that the remaining months of the year will be published consecutively.

As part of the Middle East Council of Churches 12th General Assembly’ s activities, the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs was the guest of Father Elias Karam in “I Came to Serve” program broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat, Sunday 19 June 2022. During the episode, Dr. Abs emphasized the Christian and humanitarian issues and themes tackled during the General Assembly, in light of its slogan “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" (Matthew 14: 27). This is in addition to highlighting the main points of the final statement issued by this Ecumenical event and the MECC future projects.

In the new issue of the weekly newsletter Momentum issued by the Communication and Public Relations Department of the Middle East Council of Churches you can find the weekly message of the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, which is entitled “Elijah the Zealous and Adversity”, on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Elijah. Dr. Abs tackled in his message the lesson that we must draw from the biography of Elijah the Zealous, amidst the crises that the contemporary person is living today.

As well as, the issue presents a report about the tragic situations the elderlies are witnessing especially in Lebanon, and the MECC work in supporting them. The report is entitled “Elderlies in Lebanon Are Waiting for Any Protection to Ease Their Pain, Grandma Osana and Mr. Said: Suffering with Great Pain!”.

Grandma Osana and Mr. Said: Suffering with Great Pain!

Alone, abandoned... Many elderlies are drowning in despair and trying to stay alive... These expressions seem to be harsh amidst the absence of human dignity and decent life. But in fact, words cannot be harsher than the bitter situation witnessed by our grandmothers and grandfathers, elderlies searching for a ray of light in the midst of the dark days they were forced to live. Why are they passing through this alienation? Answers to this legitimate question lie in many reasons reflected in the difficult living conditions they are suffering from in the absence of laws protecting them, especially in our region, in the wounded Middle East.

Last June, His Holiness Pope Francis said "Old age moves ahead toward its destination, towards God’s heaven", describing the eternal path in which elderlies strengthen their faith and live with comfort and tranquility. A path free of life's thorns and difficulties towards the joy of meeting God. However, many elderlies are today deprived from living this peaceful phase of their lives, due to life dangers that everyone is aware of, threatening them and depriving them from their rights.

The Pope prays during this month of July for the elderly, so their “experience and wisdom may help young people to look towards the future with hope and responsibility”. But how can they spread hope and a positive spirit when they lost hope in an East that also lost its youth?

In the new issue of the weekly newsletter Momentum issued by the Communication and Public Relations Department of the Middle East Council of Churches you can find a details and pictures about the visit of a delegation from the World Council of Churches (WCC) to Lebanon and its tour in Syria. As for the weekly message of the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, it was entitled “On Political Chemotherapy”, in which he denounced all sieges and sanctions imposed on some countries, stressing on its severe humanitarian repercussions, as whole populations were affected.

As well as, you can find a podcast video including a special interview with His Grace Anba Antonios, Metropolitan of Jerusalem and the Near East for the Coptic Orthodox Church, and MECC President for the Eastern Orthodox Family.

Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian: The Jubilee Celebrations Are an Opportunity to Glorify God, Be Humble Before the Lord, And Strengthen Hope in Times of Decadence

We Prayed for A New Beginning in the Life of the Church

The Armenian Evangelical Church starts a new bright era in its path, as it celebrates its 175th anniversary, crowned with faith and martyrdom, pursuing its mission with great hope and determination. For the occasion, the Armenian capital Yerevan witnessed many celebrations between 1st and 7 July 2022, during which the children of the Armenian Evangelical Church met together and intended to celebrate, coming from the United States of America, Europe, Australia, Canada and the East.

Participation of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East

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, participated in these Jubilee and historical celebrations.

Report: June 2022

Nearly every nation in the region is struggling to cope with the aftermath of the war in Eastern Europe. Some succeeded in implementing policies that would adequately address ramifications such as grain and fuel shortages. Others still struggle with past hurdles and are finding it difficult to maneuver in the difficult situation, especially when they are still mired with corruption. Nevertheless, the world is looking towards the Middle East to solve the energy crisis and this might provide the required impetus for a new beginning.

In the new issue of the weekly newsletter Momentum issued by the Communication and Public Relations Department of the Middle East Council of Churches you can find a news about the first meeting of the MECC new Executive Committee that thanked His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, for hosting the activities of the MECC 12th General Assembly, and discussed the recommendations issued by this General Assembly, and ways to develop the work mechanisms. As for the weekly message of the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, it was entitled “Reflections on the Feast of the See of Antioch”.

The Communication and Public Relations Department at the Middle East Council of Churches have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of July 2022. It includes the Ecclesiastical and Liturgical feasts of the various families of Churches in the Middle East. In addition to international days identified by the United Nations, and which are related to the MECC identity and its spiritual and human mission. Noting that the remaining months of the year will be published consecutively.

In the context of strengthening a more sustainable partnership, the CEO of the International Humanitarian Organization “Embrace the Middle East” Tim Livesey, and the Programmes and Partnerships Manager in the organization Bruce Clark, visited the headquarters of the Middle East Council of Churches General Secretariat in Beirut, on Thursday, June 23, 2022. The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs welcomed them alongside with the Council's Finance Director Manal Bechara Bou Habib and the Coordinator of the Beirut Office of the Council’s Service and Relief – Diakonia Department Nina Hallak.

Adyan Foundation Launches "Zakiratuna"

A film That Enhances the Syrian Refugees' Sense of Belonging To Their Homeland

On the occasion of the International Refugee Day, Adyan Foundation, an MECC partner, produced with the support of the US Embassy in Lebanon, a documentary entitled “Zakiratuna” written and directed by Michèle Tyan. The film came within the framework of Adyan’s project, which aims, according to it, to “restore and strengthen the positive connection of Syrian refugee children and adolescents with their homeland”, especially those who were born and raised outside Syria, carrying a negative image of their homeland. Thus, the documentary aims also at "collecting and composing some beautiful memories from the older generation and transmitting them to the younger generation…”

In our Orthodox Church We Have Faith and a Very Serious Endeavor in Building Bridges Between Christians in the Middle East

Dr. Michel Abs: Crises Are Threatening the Antiochian Eastern Region, so the Role of the Church and MECC Is Essential

In a follow-up to the results of the MECC 12th general Assembly, the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs headed a delegation from the Council in a visit to His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, and MECC President for the Orthodox Family. The visit was on Monday, June 20, 2022 at the Patriarchal Headquarters in Balamand, North Lebanon, in the presence of the Abbot of Our Lady of Balamand Monastery, Archimandrite Romanos El Hannat.

On the occasion of the MECC 12th General Assembly and in preparation for the celebration of its golden jubilee, the MECC Communication and Public Relations Department presents a documentary entitled “The Middle East Council of Churches… 50 years of Continuous Witness”, highlighting the founding of the Council and the most prominent bright stations that MECC achieved through its ecumenical and humanitarian mission. Since 1974, MECC started a new ecumenical era in the Church of the East, spreading the spirit of fraternity and dialogue “Building Bridges, Standing Together”.

Gender-Based Violence is Ongoing

Women Refugees Are in Danger More Than Ever, Does Anyone Hear Their Cry for Help?

Say no to early marriage, no to harassment, no to beatings, no to racism, no to discrimination... Slogans the Middle East Council of Churches works all year long to transform into living reality with groups of women in awareness sessions about gender-based violence implemented by the MECC Service and Relief Department, Beirut office. Slogans saying "No to Violence", in the face of a painful reality: "No Laws"??!!!

The sad truth is there are no feasible laws, or perhaps no implementation of laws to protect women today, due to unfair policies that some countries in our region adopt. A reality we can’t escape, especially since the rate of violence against women continues to rise in the world and the Middle East. Figures and statistics confirm this tragedy!

The Service and Relief Department- Diakonia, at the Middle East Council of Churches, Syria’s office, launched a WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) campaign in Dara’a city to support the local community. This activity was implemented within the Cash for Work Program.

The two-month campaign contributes to providing temporary job opportunities for 100 workers including women and persons with disabilities.

MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs in an Interview About the Sayfo Massacres on Suboro TV

On the 107th Commemoration of the Syriac Genocide or the "Sayfo Massacre", the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs was the guest of “Each Day By Day" program broadcasted on Suboro TV, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. The episode was under the slogan of "Sayfo 1915 We Forgive but Never Forget”, during which Dr. Abs talked about the Sayfo massacres, considered from the most brutal massacres in the history of the Church.

In the new issue of the weekly newsletter Momentum issued by the Communication and Public Relations Department of the Middle East Council of Churches you can find the message of the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, which is entitled this week “The Elderly”.

The issue also presents an interview with Dr. Abs on “Kadaya Sakhina” program (which means “Hot Issues”) broadcasted on Al Keraza Egyptian TV channel, highlighting the activities of the MECC 12th General Assembly, the most important decisions taken in light of its final statement, and the MECC future vision.

The Dream of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II Chronicles the Ecclesiastical Heritage

"The library was a dream that has been on my mind for a long time. Today libraries are fund in churches and monasteries. But we were thinking of an integrated central institution through which we could show the Coptic Church’s care in education and scientific research. We Thank God for giving us this great blessing. What was just a dream has now become a reality!”

The dream of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, according to his words, has come true and has become a great cultural and intellectual reality in an oasis of one of the holiest lands that the Holy Family has passed through, here in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt.

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches, Dr. Michel Abs was, on Monday, June 13, 2022, the guest of the Egyptian Al-Keraza channel, in the program "Hot Issues" prepared and presented by the Co-Secretary-General of the Middle East Council of Churches, Rev. Rifaat Fikry.

During the program, Dr. Abs highlighted the activities of the MECC 12th General Assembly, which was hosted by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, between 16 and 20 May 2022, at the Logos Papal Center in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt.