Aleppo, September 4, 2024

His Eminence the Mufti of Aleppo Dr. Mahmoud Akam received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, in Dar Al-Fatwa in the city of Aleppo, at the head of a delegation that included the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

During the meeting, the bonds of Christian-Islamic relations were emphasized as a cornerstone in consecrating the values of citizenship and love and preserving common moral values, which are the result of participation in life among the various components of society.

Both sides denounced what is happening in the region, especially in Gaza, which violates human rights and destroys people and stone.

Words Praising the MECC Role and Its Purposeful Programs

Aleppo, September 4, 2024

As part of his official follow up visit to the office of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in Aleppo, the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs met with the Church Authorities at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, at the invitation of the Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta and their Dependencies.

Attendees were alongside His Eminence Bishop Ephraim Maalouli, the Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo His Eminence Archbishop Boutros Marayati, the Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo His Eminence Bishop Antoine Audo, the Maronite Archbishop of Aleppo His Eminence Bishop Youssef Tobji, the Armenian Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo His Eminence Bishop Magar Ashkarian, the Head of the Armenian Protestant Community in Aleppo Reverend Dr. Harutyun Suleiman, Father Raymond Girgis, the Episcopal Vicar of the Latin Church in Syria, Father Bahjat Karakach, the Head of the Latin Monastery in Aleppo, Father Kommidas Dadaglian, Armenian Catholic Archdiocese, Father Gabriel Azar, the Director of MECC Office in Aleppo Lamis Makhoul, the MECC Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

Aleppo, September 3, 2024

Within the framework of his official visit to the Syrian Arab Republic, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs visited the Governor of the City of Aleppo Mr. Hussein Diab, at the Governorate headquarters. Dr. Abs headed a delegation that included the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

Firstly, the Governor Mr. Hussein Diab received Dr. Michel Abs with great warmth, expressing his happiness with this visit, which reflects the love of the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs for the city of Aleppo and his follow-up of the MECC work and projects. He congratulated him on his re-election for a new term of four years.

In his turn, Dr. Michel Abs thanked Mr. the Governor for his lovely reception, and talked about the goals of his visit to the city of Aleppo and the program that will include.

Dr. Michel Abs, the General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited the Council's Office in Damascus today, Monday, September 2, 2024. He was welcomed by Eng. Ghassan Shaheen, the Council’s Program Director in Syria, and the staff of the Council’s Office.

This visit to the Damascus Office is part of Dr. Abs’ tour in the Syrian Arab Republic to follow up on the activities of MECC and the implementation of its programs.

Eng. Ghassan Shaheen welcomed Dr. Michel Abs and congratulated him on his re-election as General Secretary for a second four-year term. He commended Dr. Abs' efforts in managing the Council over the past four years.

Dr. Abs then addressed the Damascus Office team, providing an overview of the goals and future strategies of the projects undertaken by MECC. Among these activities, the most significant project is the Church Agricultural Dimension Project, which involves rural housing complexes dealing with agriculture and crafts. The aim is to help the Church withstand Christian emigration, as providing housing and food reduces the likelihood of people considering emigration.

As part of his tour program in the Syrian Arab Republic, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs visited Dr. Georges Jabbour, President of the Arab League for International Law, Founding President of the Syrian League for the United Nations, Former Syrian Presidential Advisor, and Receiver of the Order of Saints Peter and Paul, on Sunday 1 September 2024, at his home in Damascus.

During the meeting, Dr. Abs congratulated Dr. Jabbour on the occasion of honoring him the Order of Saints Peter and Paul. As all as, both attendees discussed many issues related to the Middle East, the security, social and economic conditions and the state of instability it is experiencing, in addition to the possible ways to reduce the difficult social and humanitarian situations that the region is witnessing.

Moreover, Dr. Abs and Dr. Jabbour agreed to hold subsequent and future meetings to discuss matters related the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as well as issues related to the countries and Churches of the Middle East.

As part of following up the works of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and implementing its programs, the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs visits the Syrian Arab Republic, where he will hold a tour during which he will visit various religious, cultural, social and official Leaders.

Dr. Abs will also hold a series of meetings and gatherings to discuss different matters concerning the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and many issues related to the Church and the developments in the region.

In addition, the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs will participate in the “Nour Men Halab” (Lights from Aleppo) activities launched by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta & Dependencies.

Extraordinary Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches

Our Lady of Balamand Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Monastery and St. John of Damascus Theological Seminary, Lebanon

30 August 2024

The Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches held an extraordinary meeting to elect a Secretary General of the Council at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand and St. John of Damascus Theological Seminary in Lebanon, on Friday, August 30, 2024. The meeting was chaired by the Presidents of the Middle East Council of Churches, hosted by His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, President of the Council for the Orthodox Family; His Beatitude Patriarch Raphael Pedros XXI Menassian, Catholicos, Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic House of Cilicia, President of the Council for the Catholic Family; His Eminence Anba Antonios, Metropolitan of the See of Jerusalem and the Near East for the Coptic Orthodox, President of the Council for the Eastern Orthodox Family; and Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Federation of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, President of the Council for the Evangelical Family.

The meeting included both physical and remote participation of the Executive Committee members from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, and Cyprus, representing the Middle Eastern churches that are members of the Council. Also in attendance were the Secretary General of the Council, Dr. Michel Abs, the Associate secretaries-general, and the General Secretariat team, including directors of departments, sections, and administrators.

The meeting commenced with an opening prayer and biblical reflection led by His Beatitude Patriarch John X. The agenda was reviewed, and a detailed report on the work of the Secretary General over the past four years was presented. Subsequently, Dr. Michel Abs was unanimously re-elected as Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches for a second four-year term.

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.

There is a frantic race in the world between those who strive to protect the environment, willing to sacrifice everything for its sake, and those who, driven by selfishness and armed with ignorance, persist in its destruction to secure interests that prioritize profit above all else.

Environmental advocates have only two human weapons: knowledge and morality. They seek advocacy to amplify their voice and grow their support, but their influence remains limited against their opponents, who are armed with vested interests and their consequences.

The enemies of the environment are relentlessly destroying it, embarking on an irreversible path. If they are aware of their actions, it is a calamity; if they are unaware, the calamity is even greater.

In “The Season of Creation”: 

“It is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all Creation through worship, repentance, and commitment together” 

On the occasion of the celebration of the “Season of Creation” 2024, His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Orthodox Family, addressed a word via video to the believers in the whole world, in which he spoke about the importance of renewing our relationship with God the Creator and all Creation, stressing the necessity of solidarity, communication, and responding to the cry of creation. 

At the beginning of his word, His Beatitude pointed out that the “Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all Creation through worship, repentance, and commitment together. The “Preparation” stage for Season of Creation this year begun in February.” 

In the “Season of Creation”:

"We have to say STOP somewhere to the damage we are inflicting on purpose to the creation, blinded by our greed and lust for profit"

In celebration of the “Season of Creation” 2024 and given its Ecumenical and environmental importance, a group of Heads of Churches and Ecumenical Leaders from around the world addressed words of hope and faith to the international Ecumenical family. These words, which were published in this year’s season guide, emphasized that caring for our common home is not just an environmentalist or technocratic cause, but a more holistic, integral, human, spiritual vision, as well as a matter of integral ecology. 

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs addressed a word on the occasion which is published in the guide. He condemned all the crises, corruption and greed that creation is exposed to. He pointed out, "We should not disappoint the Creator by spoiling His creation, with which He entrusted us from the dawn of the times and keeps protecting us from ourselves. We have to say STOP somewhere to the damage we are inflicting on purpose to the creation, blinded by our greed and lust for profit.” 

Saturday 14 September 2024 - At the New Papal Residence in Anba Royce

On the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Churches of Egypt invite you to participate in an official celebration in Egypt with the participation and presence of Their Holiness, Beatitudes, and Eminences Heads of Churches in Egypt, representing the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Coptic Catholic Church, the Evangelical Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Episcopal Church. 

Sunday 1 September 2024, at 4 pm Beirut time

The Middle East Council of Churches

The “Season of Creation” begins in the Middle East and the world on September 1 with the Feast of Creation, or Creation Day, also called the Day of Prayer for Creation or World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends on October 4, on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Ecology. 

On this occasion, the season, which this year carries the theme “To hope and act with Creation,” will be inaugurated in an international Ecumenical online celebration, 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. 

During the difficult times that Lebanon is facing with socioeconomic woes and forced displacement as a result of escalation at the border, the mental health of those residing in Lebanon is put into question. Unfortunately, women are one of the most affected individuals in our society and are suffering from increased levels of isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, cultural stigmas and societal expectations can compound the stress of daily life, making it difficult for women to seek help or even recognize their own mental health needs.  

For this reason, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) created a safe space for women so that they can talk about their emotions while learning how to deal with them and the difficult situation. Hence, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, implements a series of psychological support sessions in which participants are being taught about how stress affects them physically, what are the symptoms, how to treat and how to prevent, they become more knowledgeable about the topic and therefore will better understand themselves.  

Media Coordination Between WCC and MECC

With great hope, the world and the Middle East will celebrate in 2025 the 1700th anniversary of the world’s first Ecumenical Council, the Council of Nicaea which was held in the year 325 to constitute a fundamental and pivotal station in the history of the Christian faith and the Ecumenical path. 

For this occasion, the World Council of Churches (WCC) is preparing to implement a series of activities with Churches and Christian World Communions, as well as regional and international organizations, Theological and Ecumenical institutions. The most prominent celebration will take place within the WCC Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, which will be held around the theme “Where now for visible unity?”, between 24 and 28 October 2025, at the Papal Logos Center in Wadi El Natroun - Egypt. 

Together We Unite in Prayer and Supplication to God the Creator

The Ecumenical family in the Middle East and the world gathers during an awaited annual Ecumenical and environmental season, which is the “Season of Creation.” It extends between September 1, the Feast of Creation, and October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Ecology. 

In celebration of this season, you can find below the text of the 2024 “Season of Creation” Prayer: 

Triune God, Creator of all,

We praise you for your goodness, visible in all the diversity that you have created, making us a cosmic family living in a common home. Through the Earth you created, we experience love and nourishment, home and protection. 

Who is the Committee Charged with Preparing It? 

The Middle East Council of Churches

The world and the Middle East celebrate the “Season of Creation” between September 1 and October 4 of each year, during which the Ecumenical family unites in Prayer and work for the creation care. For this occasion, every year a special guide for the season is issued including all the details and information about the season and the theme of the year, in addition to Prayers and suggestions for participating in the celebrations... Noting that the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) translate each year this guide, which is available in different languages, into Arabic. 

In this context, it is worth noting that the resources for the “Season of Creation” guide are being prepared by an Ecumenical Steering Committee which is comprised of the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, Laudato Si’ Movement, Anglican Communion Environmental Network, the Lausanne World Evangelical Alliance Creation Care Network, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches, the European Christian Environmental Network, ACT Alliance, A Rocha International, World Methodist Council, and Christian Aid.  

What Are the Meanings of the Season’s Theme for This Year?

The Middle East Council of Churches 

In preparation for celebrating the “Season of Creation” around the world between September 1 and October 4 of each year, the Ecumenical Steering Committee for the Season proposes each year a theme for this Ecumenical and environmental station. This year, the committee chose the theme “To hope and act with Creation” and the symbol is “The firstfruits of hope”, inspired by the Epistle to the Romans 8: 19-25. So. what are the meanings of this theme? 

Together We Unite in Prayer and Work to Protect Our Common Home! 

The Middle East Council of Churches 

The Ecumenical family around the world is preparing for an environmental Ecumenical season, a season that holds a lot of hope for glorifying, praising and thanking God the Creator for all His blessings and gifts. It is the “Season of Creation,” a station that extends annually between September 1, the Feast of Creation, and October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Ecology. 

The Season of Creation is an Ecumenical celebration for praying and responding together to the cry of creation. Hence, its calls on us to renew our relationship with the Creator and creation by learning and working, through studying the Holy Bible and delving deeper into the Teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as through commitment to the environmental issue and making efforts to protect our common home, Oikos of God.