The official investigation into the remains of the Servant of God, Cardinal Krikor Pedros XV Agagianian, was concluded. The seals were placed on the wooden coffin, which contains a crystal box containing the relics of the Servant of God, that were placed with great piety in the Shrine of Saint Gregory the Illuminator.

Thus, this video highlights the official ending of the investigation.

There is no doubt that the contradictions that we witness on a daily basis in the modern world pose a challenge to any person in terms of the values he was raised with, which he was proud of, and which determined the course of his life.

The transformations that began with the Industrial Revolution and the emergence of the modern colonial era are still ravaging humanity with great momentum, and the changes that dominate our lives on a daily basis are too fast and powerful for humans to understand or be able to adapt to.

Man in modernity today destroys what he built yesterday, citing the necessity of change, not caring about what this does to his values, his psychological stability, his harmony with his surroundings, and his future. Man in modernity no longer lives under any control, to the point that it appears as if he has lost his reference and the parameters of his life.

Riding on the machine and its derivatives, he is sweeping the globe in search of natural resources or new markets. On his way, he is destroying whatever societies and civilizations he can find, and displacing or annihilating peoples.

At the same time, we read writings and principles produced by modern people that stimulate the conscience, distributing values left and right to the peoples of the world, to the point that you almost ask yourself: Is it the same person who did this and that?

His Beatitude Greek Orthodox Archbishop of New Justiniana and All Cyprus Georgios

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs visited His Beatitude Greek Orthodox Archbishop of New Justiniana and All Cyprus Georgios, on Wednesday 28 February 2024, at the Patriarchate headquarters in Nicosia. The meeting was attended by the Member of the MECC Executive Committee Father Younes Nikolaou, and the Director of His Beatitude’s Office Mr. Michael Spiro, Alternative Member of the MECC Executive Committee.

During the meeting, the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs briefed His Beatitude Archbishop Georgios, on the program of activities that the MECC is implementing in the Fiftieth Year of its Founding. The attendees also discussed the type of activity that the MECC will implement in Cyprus during this Year which is also the Commemoration of the division and occupation of Cyprus. His Beatitude blessed the suggestion which a specialized committee will develop the program of the activity that had been agreed upon.

In addition, the attendees discussed the circumstances that the Middle East is passing through, talking about the plight of the Christians of the region, their role and the challenges they are facing at various levels, especially in the issue of their presence and rootedness in their land.

With great hope, 270 students from Theological Institutes in Lebanon participated in a gathering organized by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It.” It was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024 at La Sagesse University – Beirut.

The video sheds light on this gathering full of love and fraternity, as its participants stressed the importance of the Ecumenical dialogue and building bridges between them, in preparation for future Leaders and Managers in the Church and the Ecumenical movement.

Standing Together for a Decent Life and a Better Future

Lebanon’s dire economic crisis has impacted the poorest areas in Lebanon such as the Akkar District where the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has recently launched an Early Recovery and Livelihood Business Development project. Because of the absence of adequate government policies to develop rural areas in the country, people residing in the area have limited livelihood options which have forced them into elevated levels of poverty and food insecurity.

For this reason, the Middle East Council of Churches, supported by Kerk in Actie, decided to intervene in this particular area by supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in an effort to drive economic growth and create more job opportunities. Through Business Development, which is a strategic priority of MECC’s Diakonia and Social Service Department, the Council aims to provide various kinds of support which can encompass training, capacity building, mentoring, and access to resources, enabling the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to improve their business practices, operational efficiency, and product/service quality.

And Celebrates the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” in Egypt 

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Communication and Public Relations Department, have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of March 2024. 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 Middle East Council of Churches will celebrate the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” 2024 in Egypt through a program of celebrations and Prayers that will be held in partnership with the Egyptian Council of Churches, between Wednesday 13 and Friday 22 March 2024. 

Within the “Reflections Sessions” Series in “Ilmolmabdaa” Quarterly Journal

“The Values of the West in their Cognitive and Moral Integration” (Current Evidence)

As part of the “Reflections Sessions” series organized by the “Ilmolmabdaa” quarterly journal, the first seminar was held in cooperation with the “Tahawoulat” (Transformations) Center and the “Delta Center for In-depth Research,” under the title “The Values ​​of the West in Their Cognitive and Moral Incoherence” (Current Evidence), on Friday 23 February 2024, at the journal’s conference room in Beirut. It was held in the presence of intellectual and cultural personalities and interested people in the topic at hand. 

The seminar was moderated and presented by Professor Sarkis Abou Zeid, and included two interventions by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, and the Researcher and Professor of Sociology Professor Talal Atrissi. 

In partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel 

On the occasion of the fiftieth year of its founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV channel, is launching a new TV program entitled “Ecumenicals”, presented by Tony Chedid, which will be broadcasted every Sunday at 9:30 pm Beirut time and 7:30 GMT. 

Organized by ATIME

This video report presents a highlight of the opening session of the gathering of the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, which was organized by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), in addition to excerpts from the speeches delivered during the session. Noting that this gathering was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University – Beirut.

With the rise of the gender-based violence (GBV) rate in the Middle East and the world, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) seeks to reduce this phenomenon through its various humanitarian programs. The MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, implements, throughout the year, awareness sessions on the types of violence and its risks. In this context, the video highlights the importance of these sessions and their goals, emphasizing the necessity of living in dignity and gender equality. 

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs received a delegation from the international organization “Danmission”, an MECC partner, on Thursday 22 February 2024, at the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut. The delegation included Danmission's Regional Director in the Middle East Mrs. Kristen Auken, the Programme Director Mr. Martin Rosenkilde Pedersen, and the Senior Advisor, Sustainable, Just and Equitable Stewardship Mr. Ernst Jürgensen. 

Attendees were also the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Administrative and Project Assistant in the Department Ms. Maria Bzdigian, and Member of the MECC Eco-Justice Committee Deacon Garen Yosolkanian. 

In the new issue of the weekly newsletter Momentum issued by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Communication and Public Relations Department, you can find the message of the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs which is entitled this week “Mother tongue, multilingualism, and knowledge acquisition”, and it is for the occasion of International Mother Language Day which the United Nations has designated on February 21st. Hence, Dr. Abs talked about multilingualism and its importance in the progress of societies.

The issue also presents a news, videos and interviews about the gathering of the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon organized by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It.” It was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University - Beirut.

As well as, the issue includes the invitation of the journal “Ilmolmabdaa”, “Tahawoulat” (Transformations) Center and the Delta Center for In-depth Research, to participate in the first episode entitled “The Values of the West in their Cognitive and Moral Integration” (Current Evidence), within the “Reflection Sessions” series. The episode includes two interventions with Professor Michel Abs, Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and Professor Talal Atrissi, a Researcher and Professor of sociology. The episode is moderated and presented by the Researcher Sarkis Abou Zeid, and the two interventions are followed by an open discussion. The seminar will be held on Friday 23 February 2024, at 3 pm Beirut Time, at the headquarters of the journal “Ilmolmabdaa” - Sami El Solh Street - Badaro - from the side of Tayouneh Roundabout - opposite to Marsaco Company - Nouwaihed Building - sixth floor.

Under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It,” students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon met in a general gathering held by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University - Beirut. During the meeting, the participants stressed the need to meet together and exchange experiences.

Organized by ATIME

This report highlights the importance of Ecumenical dialogue, which students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon emphasize, stressing the necessity of building bridges and devoting love and solidarity. These students met in a gathering organized by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), for the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, on Tuesday 20 February 2024 at La Sagesse University – Beirut.

The United Nations has designated February 21st as International Mother Language Day. It views the preservation of one’s mother tongue as a pathway to prosperity, as it serves as a conduit for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage (https://www.un.org/ar/observances/mother-language-day). The organization is concerned that the increasing disappearance of languages poses a challenge to linguistic diversity, given that 40% of the world’s population does not have access to education in their mother languages. This figure may exceed 90% in some regions of the world.

The international organization also emphasizes the many benefits that accrue to learners when their mother tongue is used in education. These benefits include improved education, self-esteem, and the development of critical thinking. In this respect, the mother tongue is the means of transmitting culture from generation to generation, fostering intergenerational learning and cultural preservation. This implies that this language is the primary means of socialization and sustainable development.

Addressing a significant issue in our modern society, the United Nations Organization has highlighted the problem of multilingual education policies for the year 2024. Under the title “Multilingual Education as One of the Pillars of Intergenerational Teaching and Learning”, it outlines the need for inclusive education and the preservation of indigenous languages. The organization suggests that basic knowledge should be in the learner’s mother tongue, followed by the gradual introduction of other languages. This approach aims to prevent a gap between the learner and his family.

The Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) held the annual gathering for the students of the Theological Institutes in Lebanon under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It”. It was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University - Furn El Chebbak, Beirut. What did this gathering include and what is its importance? Answers are in this video, which provides an overview about the gathering’ sessions and its Ecumenical goals.

Holds A Gathering for the Students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon :

“The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It”

La Sagesse University - Lebanon

Aiming at bridging distances between Theology students from different Institutes, The Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) organized the annual gathering for the students of Theological in Lebanon under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It.” The meeting was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024 at La Sagesse University - Beirut, and attended by students representing seven Theological Institutes in Lebanon, which are part of the eighteen Institutes of ATIME.

Attendees were Professor Georges Nehme, President of La Sagesse University, Archimandrite Dr. Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology - University of Balamand and President of ATIME, Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, ATIME Executive Secretary, Father Dr. Bassam Nassif, Professor at the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand and ATIME Associate Executive Secretary, Father Dr. Elias Hanna, Dean of the Pontifical School of Theology at the Holy Spirit University – Kaslik, Father Tanios Khalil, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at La Sagesse University, Sister Dr. Yara Matta, Director of the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (ISRR) at the Saint Joseph University in Beirut, and Dr. Georges Sabra, President of the Near East School of Theology (NEST) in Beirut. Participants were also Professors and Fathers from various Theological Institutes and 270 students of Theology in Lebanon.

Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: January 2024

The War in Gaza continues to claim the lives of many while expanding in scope and intensity. As such, the armed conflict has spread to Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and the Red Sea inflicting economic repercussions to the whole region. With consistent escalations on both sides occurring the world is wary of a massive showdown that will put the security of the region in jeopardy. Moreover, humanitarian funding has decreased immensely even though the situation is consistently deteriorating. As such, the socioeconomic repercussions will be felt in the months to come.

On Charity Radio TV

Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was the guest of the journalist Zouhour Abou Mansour, in an episode within the program “Hawana Hawak”, broadcasted on Charity Radio TV, on Monday 19 February 2024.

During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, highlighted the ATIME, its goals and the most prominent programs it implements, especially with students of Theological Institutes in the region. He also talked about the gathering organized by the ATIME for the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It.” It was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University, Furn Al-Chebbak - Beirut.

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs met with the Secretary General of the Bible Society in the Gulf Mr. Hrayr Jebejian, on Thursday 15 February 2024, at the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut. Attendees were also the MECC Associate Secretary General Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, and the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar.

During the meeting, the attendees talked about many topics related to the Churches in the Gulf and the activities they implement, in addition to the challenges they face amidst the presence of millions of displaced workers who need care in this region. They also discussed the cooperation between the Middle East Council of Churches and the Gulf Fellowship Churches.