Friday, September 13, 2024

As part of his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt to participate in the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, was the guest of a media interview with Reverend Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General and Journalist at Al Keraza TV Channel - Egypt, within " Kadaya Sakhina" ("Hot Issues") program."

Firstly, Professor Michel Abs talked about his re-election for a new term, stressing that this election is a well-recognized proof in the trust of the Churches in the work of the MECC team, speaking at length about what he achieved in the Council over the past four years of his term.

Professor Abs also spoke in an emotional language about his experiences in the Council and the stages he went through until he assumed the responsibility of the MECC General Secretariat.

Friday, September 13, 2024

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.

This video report, which was broadcasted on Sama Syrian TV Channel, presents an overview about the “Divine Love” evening, which was held within the “Nour Men Halab” (“Light from Aleppo”) week, under the patronage of the Ministries of Culture and Tourism and organized by the Aleppo Endowments Directorate and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta & Dependencies, in the Throne Hall of the Citadel of Aleppo. The report also includes an interview with the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs.

Tomorrow, we head to Cairo to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Middle East Council of Churches in an event filled with love and meaningful content.

The celebration is under the patronage and blessing of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, who has always been a strong supporter and advocate for the MECC. The event has been organized as a symposium by the See of St. Mark, which has consistently provided moral and material support, never wavering in its commitment to the MECC’s activities.

The timing of the celebration coincides with Nowruz, the Coptic New Year, which reflects the deep place the MECC holds in the hearts of Egyptian Christian leaders, particularly His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. His Holiness personally oversaw the planning of the event, providing all logistical and material support to ensure its success.

It is important to acknowledge the contributions of the Honorary Secretary-General and the Associate Secretary-General, who have played their part in making this celebration possible.

Amidst the multiple security, social, economic and environmental crises that Syria is witnessing, the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria seeks to heal the wounds of the neediest and affected people by the difficult living conditions, through accompanying them on various spiritual, psychological, material and moral levels. 

Hence, this video sheds light on the various activities and programs implemented by the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria, under the patronage of the President of the Community Reverend Dr. Haroutune Selimia, in order to sorrow hope in the hearts of many whose lives have become difficult. 

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, was the guest of the Journalist George Makdis in an episode of “Kel Yom Be Yawmo” (“Each Day By Day”) program, broadcasted on Suboro TV. It was filmed within the framework of his visit to the Syrian Arab Republic, at the channel’s studio in Aleppo. 

During the episode, which you can watch in the video, Dr. Abs highlighted his tour in Syria and the various meetings included in the visit’s program. As well as, Dr. Abs also talked about many affairs related the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in addition to the most prominent current issues and challenges. 

This video report, which was broadcasted on the Syrian TV Channel, presents an overview about the “Divine Love” evening, which was held within the “Nour Men Halab” (“Light from Aleppo”) week, under the patronage of the Ministries of Culture and Tourism and organized by the Aleppo Endowments Directorate and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta & Dependencies, in the Throne Hall of the Citadel of Aleppo. The report also includes an interview with the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs.

 The Light Was Lit Again, And A Procession Took Place in the Streets of Aleppo with the Icon of Our Lady of Guidance

The Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Participates in the Conclusion of the Event and Finishes His Visit to Aleppo

Aleppo, September 6, 2024

“It is more blessed to give than to receive. You have given a lesson in culture and creativity and established a school of light and joy over the course of an entire week. This school will be registered in the records of your giving and love.”

These words summarized the week of “Light from Aleppo,” which lit the light of Aleppo with knowledge, culture, and creativity until it reached a moment of joy with the Mother of Light, the Mother of God. Here, the rebirth of the event began.

Yes, the sun of justice shone in the city of Aleppo with the icon of Our Lady of Guidance from which the faithful people were blessed at the conclusion of the “Light from Aleppo” event. The icon is one of the icons of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Al Jdeideh Neighborhood in Aleppo. It was drawn by the Monk John from the Monastery of Kasropotamo from the Cell of Saint Athanasius, on Mount Athos - Greece, dated 1895 AD.

Aleppo, September 6, 2024

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs continued his official follow up visit to Aleppo, and visited the Head of the Franciscan Fathers Monastery in Aleppo, accompanied by the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, and the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul.

They were received by Father Raymond Girgis, the Episcopal Vicar of the Latin Church in Syria, and Father Bahjat Karakach, the Head of the Latin Monastery in Aleppo.

Following the reception, both sides discussed many Ecumenical, relief, social and media issues and the way to confront the challenges according to clear aspirations and strategy.

As well as, both sides discussed the activities and programs being implemented by MECC in general and in Aleppo in particular.

Aleppo, September 6, 2024

In a friendly and fraternal meeting, the Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo and Environs received His Eminence Archbishop Mar Boutros Kassis, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, at the head of a delegation that included the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary and the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul.

The meeting was attended by Father Choukri Touma, Father Reverend Georges Clore, Father Reverend Ephraim Wazir, Malfono Majd Lahdo, the Director of the Archdiocese Relief Office, the Deacons of the Archdiocese, and the Journalist Georges Makdis Antoun.

Firstly, His Eminence welcomed the Secretary General in his home and among his brothers, congratulating him on his re-election for a second term of four years, and praising the MECC role and the prosperity and generosity it has achieved at various levels. He extended a special invitation to the Secretary General to deliver a lecture on cultural topics of interest to the Church and society.

Aleppo, September 6, 2024

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs continued his follow up visit to the city of Aleppo, and visited the Maronite Eparchy of Aleppo, accompanied by the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, and the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul.

Afterwards, both sides discussed many issues and files of interest to the Church, Ecumenical, relief and social work in light of the current challenges and crises, in addition to the projects that could be implemented.

Aleppo, September 6, 2024

For the fourth consecutive day, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs continues his follow up visit to the city of Aleppo.

The fourth day began with a visit to the Armenian Catholic Archdiocese of Aleppo, in which he was accompanied by the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, and the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul.

They were received by the Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo His Eminence Archbishop Boutros Marayati, Father Komidas Dadaghlian, Father Zareh Der Sarkissian, and the Media and Relief Officer in the Archdiocese Mr. Tony Charki.

Following the reception, Archbishop Boutros Marayati delivered a speech in which he welcomed Dr. Michel Abs in his home and Church, congratulating him on his re-election for a new term of four years.

The Minister of Culture Dr. Lubana Mashouh said: “The music that we listened today embodies your love for each other”

Aleppo, September 5, 2024

Today, the Throne Hall in Aleppo Citadel witnessed the common message between Christians and Muslims about loving God and getting closer to Him. Today's evening was a patriotic scene written by the people of Aleppo in the "Divine Love" event that was held within the “Nour Men Halab” ("Light from Aleppo") week, under the patronage of the Ministries of Culture and Tourism and organized by the Aleppo Endowments Directorate and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta & Dependencies, in the Throne Hall of the Citadel of Aleppo.

This evening was attended by: the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo, Alexandretta & Dependencies His Eminence Metropolitan Ephraim Maalouli, the Minister of Culture Dr. Lubana Mashouh, Mr. Hussein Diab, the Governor of Aleppo and Member of the Central Committee of the Arab Socialist Baath Party, Comrade Ahmed Mansour, the Secretary of the Arab Socialist Baath Party Branch in Aleppo, Comrade Louay Chachati, the Secretary of the Arab Socialist Baath Party branch at the University of Aleppo, His Eminence the Mufti of Aleppo Dr. Mahmoud Akam, Dr. Maral Sarkis, the Vice President of the University of Aleppo for Scientific Affairs and Member of the Central Committee of the Arab Socialist Baath Party, Members of the People’s Assembly in Aleppo, a Representative of the Director of Endowments Dr. Rami El Obaid, the Director of Tourism Mrs. Nayla Chahoud, Their Eminenes the Bishops of Aleppo and their representatives, the Fathers Priests, their Eminence Sheikhs and Islamic Religious Scholars, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, and other political, administrative, security, social, educational and media figures, as well as Members of Church councils, institutions and committees, in addition to organizations, associations, charities, and invitees.

Aleppo, September 6, 2024

As part of his official visit to the city of Aleppo, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, accompanied by the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, and the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul, visited the Cilicia Private Educational Institution.

They checked out the work progress in the restoration project of the Traditional Arab House of Cilician School, primary section, which is funded by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), under the patronage of His Eminence Bishop Armash Nalbandian, the Armenian Orthodox Bishop of Damascus and Its Environs.

They were received by the President and Members of the Board of Directors of the Cilicia Cultural Association in Aleppo and its educational institution, headed by Mr. Avo Khoshavian.

Homs, September 3, 2024

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs visited His Eminence Archbishop Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, the Syriac Orthodox Bishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, at the Archdiocese Headquarters in Homs.

During the visit, His Eminence the Archbishop and the Secretary General made a tour in the Archdiocese, where they went to the Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt and its museum, which is being prepared to be launched and inaugurated in a larger way later.

Homs, September 3, 2024

In follow-up to the ongoing Ecumenical and humanitarian work in the Syrian Arab Republic, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, visited His Eminence Metropolitan Gregorios Khoury, Greek Orthodox Bishop of Homs and Its Dependencies, at Archdiocese Headquarters in Homs.

After discussing the deteriorating conditions happening in the Middle East, they talked about the social, humanitarian and developmental situations and called for continuing efforts to support the neediest people on various psychological, material and moral levels. Moreover, they discussed various current issues such as youth, emigration, education, development, and the role of the Church.

Damascus, September 2, 2024

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs headed to the offices of the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development (GOPA-DERED) in Damascus, and which is affiliated to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, where he met with the Director of the Department Archimandrite Meletios Chattahii, as part of his tour in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Firstly, Dr. Abs thanked Archimandrite Chattahi for the ongoing cooperation between the Council and the Department, which its fruitful results are seen in the relief and humanitarian work in order to heal the wounds of the neediest and people and support them on various psychological and material levels. Dr. Abs also expressed his gratitude for the facilities provided by the Department for the Council’s work in order to achieve the desired Ecumenical and humanitarian goals.

Aleppo, September 5, 2024

For the third consecutive day, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs continues his follow up visit to the city of Aleppo, where he visited the Greek Melkite Catholic Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Aleppo, Seleucia and Cyrus His Eminence Archbishop Georges Masri. Dr. Abs was accompanied by the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.  

They were received by Archbishop Georges Masri and the General Episcopal Vicar Archimandrite Tony Mkhallali.

Following the reception, His Eminence Archbishop Georges Masri congratulated the Secretary General on the occasion of his re-election for a new term of four years.