
MECC
His Holiness Pope Francis... Friend of the Youth and Their Greatest Supporter
The General Coordinator of APECL Jeune in Lebanon Lawyer Roy Jreich in an Interview with the MECC Media:
"His Holiness gave youth his thoughts, heart, his life. He listened to their challenges, concerns, hopes, and aspirations"
Exclusive: Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
"Walk in hope! Hope overcomes all weariness, every crisis and every worry. It gives us a powerful incentive to press forward, for it is a gift received from God himself. The Lord fills our life with meaning, sheds light on our path and shows us its ultimate direction and goal."
This is what His Holiness Pope Francis wanted from youth in his message on the occasion of the 39th World Youth Day. He wanted them to embark on a journey as pilgrims, discover life through love, seek God’s face, and experience God's merciful embrace.
His Holiness Pope Francis, a friend of youth and their greatest supporter, has accompanied them in many stages, celebrations, conferences, and gatherings. On every occasion, he encouraged them to strengthen their faith and face life's challenges with hope and perseverance. He was the one who called on them to seek happiness, without giving up, and to have the courage to replace fears with dreams.
Between these Papal encounters and events, many youth experiences from the Middle East and the world document the closeness of His Holiness to today's youth and the future leaders.
The Camerlengo Assumes the Management of the Vatican
Who is Cardinal Kevin Farrell Executing this Mission?
Media of The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
Cardinal Kevin Farrell is the most frequently mentioned Vatican figures in the media following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Heavenly Father on the morning of Easter Monday. Cardinal Farrell was the first to announce the Pope’s passing away in an official statement.
He is the Vatican’s Camerlengo, currently managing the daily affairs of the Holy See, particularly during the Sede Vacante which is the period from the moment of the Pope's passing away until the election of a new Pope. During this time, he also has the right to request financial information from various Vatican departments.
A Holy Mass for the Repose of the Soul of the Late Dr. Michel Joseph Maamary, Husband of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, at the Chaldean Eparchy of Beirut
With the Presence of the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs
On Saturday, April 19, 2025, and on the occasion of Holy Saturday, the Chaldean Eparchy of Beirut held a Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of the Late Dr. Michel Joseph Maamary, husband of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, in the presence of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, as well as relatives, friends, and journalists.
The Prayer was presided over by His Eminence Bishop Michel Kassarji, the Head of the Chaldean Community in Lebanon, assisted by Monsignor Raphael Traboulsi, the Episcopal Vicar General, Father Antoine Ghanem, the Antonian Monk, and the Deacons: Dani Cheba, Nawwar Ramo, and Nabil Riad.
Bishop Kassargi delivered a speech that highlighted the significance of the occasion and praised the virtues of the Late Dr. Michel. The service was also attended by Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Journalists, cultural and humanitarian workers, as well as the Widow of the Deceased, his two children, and other family members.
Following the Liturgy, the family received condolences in the Eparchy's salon.
The MECC General Secretariat Team Raises Its Prayers During the Holy Week
Following Up on Work Updates with Great Hope
The General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its weekly meetings, with colleagues uniting in work, Prayer, and reflection in an Ecumenical and fraternal spirit, praying for peace and justice in the region and the world. Today, the team is living the Holy Week with humility and hope in preparation for the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In this context, the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, held the latest weekly meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Council’s headquarters in Beirut, with the presence of the General Secretariat team from various departments and the online participation of colleagues from Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Canada.
At the beginning of the meeting, Professor Michel Abs, delivered, on behalf of the MECC family, a word of consolation, sympathy, and support to the colleague Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at MECC, who lost her life partner. He prayed that the Lord, through His Resurrection, would grant her strength and determination in this new chapter of her life.
Youth Pray and Walk Together Towards the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ
What Are the Preparations of the Syrian Orthodox Religious Education Center in Qamishli for the Feast of Feasts?
Exclusive: Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12: 12). With the words of Saint Paul to the Romans, youth today walk in an era shadowed by crises and conflicts. Amidst all the challenges surrounding them, they have chosen to hold fast to their upright faith, continuing their Prayers with great hope and believing that Jesus Christ, the Captain of the ship, will not abandon them.
The youth have found in the Church a safe haven and a warm embrace that eases their daily pressures. They are the heartbeat and movement of the Church, both its present and future, as their constant activity within it makes them an inseparable part of it.
Today, they are preparing together for the Feast of Feasts and the Season of Seasons in a journey of Lent and Prayer, each according to their Ecclesiastical Traditions, towards the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This year, their joy is even greater, especially since all the Churches are celebrating Easter on the same date. So, what are their preparations and what are their aspirations?
The Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) reached out to the brothers and sisters in Qamishli, this vibrant city that brings together different Christian Families, and asked them about their activities during this Blessed time.
A Pilgrimage Trip for Journalists to the Monastery of Saint Anthony Qozhaya – Northern Lebanon
As part of the Jubilee Year "Hope Does Not Disappoint," the Episcopal Committee for Media Outlets and the Catholic Media Center organized a pilgrimage for journalists to the Monastery of Saint Anthony Qozhaya in Northern Lebanon.
The trip began with a Prayer procession to the Monastery. After learning about the Monastery’s rich and ancient history, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated, and presided over by Bishop Antoine Nabil Andari, the Head of the Episcopal Commission for Media Outlets, with the participation of Monsignor Abdo Abou Kassem, the Director of the Catholic Media Center.
This was followed by a press conference in which Andari spoke about the importance of the Jubilee Year, which carries noble and ethical meanings, emphasizing that every journalist has the responsibility to convey these values in any institution they belong to.
Monsignor Abou Kassem also outlined the upcoming activities for the year, aiming to strengthen hope and love within Christian media work.
After the recitation of the Media Creed, it was signed by all attendees.
The Media of the Middle East Council of Churches Participates in a Training About the International Humanitarian Law
As part of its efforts to enhance the capabilities and skills of its team, the Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) participated in a training course for journalists and media professionals on International Humanitarian Law at the Fouad Shehab Command and Staff College in Rihaniye, Baabda.
The training was organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Beirut Mission and the Directorate of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights in the Lebanese Army, and under the patronage of the Minister of Information Dr. Paul Morcos. It covered topics related to International Humanitarian Law and the groups protected by it during armed conflicts.
The training also highlighted the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross, in addition to the scope and tasks of international criminal law, how to manage combat operations, and the protection of journalists during armed conflicts.
At the end of the training, certificates were distributed to the participants.
A Special Episode of the Program "From Misery to Healing" with His Grace Bishop Antonios
On the occasion of the Blessed Season of Lent, His Grace Anba Antonios, Metropolitan of Jerusalem and the Near East for the Coptic Orthodox Church, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Eastern Orthodox Family, was the guest of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in an episode of the program "From Misery to Healing."
The episode focused on the meanings of Lent and its dimensions in our lives today, as well as the traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Church during this Holy Season.
The episode is produced by the Platform of the Word at MECC and will soon be broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, and the MECC platform.
In addition to recording the episode, the MECC team met with His Grace, seeking his paternal blessing and listening to his Pastoral guidance.
Noting that His Grace is visiting Lebanon, where he participates in many Prayers and meetings.
Video - From Misery to Healing
An Episode with Father Kamel Kamel
From the Platform of the Word at MECC
In this episode, Father Kamel Kamel, a Priest in the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli, talks about the meanings of Lent.
"From Misery to Healing" is prepared and presented by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).
The Middle East: Just A Real Estate
Project for those in Power?
Middle East Socioeconomic Overview
Report: February 2025
Over the centuries the Middle East seemed to be one giant chess board in which powerful world players clash and every time power shifts in the region the board itself changes. As a result, we have observed map reshuffles such as Sykes–Picot which have created the current region we live in. Today, we are observing somewhat of a repetition of History. What’s more, the Middle East is now being looked at one real estate project that aims to displace millions of people just to quench to thirst of the egos of world leaders.
Father Kamel Kamel Meets with the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs
Father Kamel Kamel, a Priest in the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli, met with Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut. The meeting was attended by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches.
During the meeting, Father Kamel spoke about the Church's initiatives in the Lebanese Governorate of Akkar and the challenges it faces in light of the difficult living conditions that the country is passing through. He also talked about the Church's work in standing with the neediest people and healing their wounds.
Video - The Word Unites Us
An Episode with Father Kamel Kamel, a Priest in the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli, About the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
The Media Team of the Middle East Council of Churches Visits the Suboro TV Studio at the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate in Atchaneh
Together in an Ongoing Media Cooperation and Service to the Ecumenical Mission!
Video - Messages in Time of Lent
With His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif, Archbishop of the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli and President of the Episcopal Committee for Ecumenical Work at the Assemblée des Patriarches et Evêques Catholiques du Liban (APECL)
John Paul II Foundation Supports the Sisters of Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital and Many Hospitals in Lebanon
A Ceremony Emphasizes the Need to Preserve Human Dignity and Enhance Cooperation and Solidarity
Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
The Sisters of Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Gemmayzeh, Beirut, held a ceremony to launch an initiative by John Paul II Foundation, which has provided the hospital, as well as many hospitals in Lebanon, with essential medical machines for their hospital services. The donation was made with the support of associations and donors in Italy.
The ceremony, held on Monday, March 17, 2025, was an initiative to support the hospital sector, particularly the Sisters of Our Lady of the Rosary, given their lofty mission. This is not the first such initiative, especially that hospitals in Lebanon are in dire need of essential support amidst the difficult circumstances that the country is passing through, which often hinder their normal work in serving people.
Reverend Dr. Hadi Ghantous
Meets with the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs
And Participates in an Episode within the Program "From Misery to Healing" Produced by the Platform of the Word
As part of his participation in an episode within the program "From Misery to Healing" produced by the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Reverend Dr. Hadi Ghantous, the Secretary of the Ecclesial and Spiritual Affairs Committee in the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, met with Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.
Both parties discussed the latest developments in the work of MECC in light of the circumstances that the region is passing through, in addition to the most prominent challenges surrounding the MECC mission, as well as aspirations to enhance the Ecumenical spirit. They also discussed the importance of the media in spreading the values of love, peace and dialogue, emphasizing the role of the Platform of the Word in conveying the good word.