The Ecumenical Lebanese Youth Raise Their Prayers from the Heart of Taanayel’s Nature to the Heart of God

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (Psalm 104 :24). With these sacred words from the Book of Psalms and with a heart full of hope, a group of Lebanese and Ecumenical youth united in Prayer on the occasion of the “Season of Creation.”

This season, which extends between 1 September and 5 October annually and internationally, calls us to Pray and work together to protect our common home and care for God’s creation. we share a common call to care for creation. We are co-creatures and part of all that God has made. Our well-being is interwoven with the well-being of the Earth.

They woke up early and went with all enthusiasm to the Lake Taanayel, where they walked in the middle of an integrated natural oasis to Pray together, glorify God the Creator, and contemplate all His creatures, on Friday 6 September 2024. They are the participants in the Ecumenical camp “Youth Leadership Building”, which is a joint project organized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in partnership with Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization, Bible Society, Youth for Christ (YFC), and Ithraa Center in Lebanon. Noting that the camp was held between 2 and 7 September 2024, at the Monastery of Our Lady of Consolation for the Jesuit Fathers, Taanayel - Lebanon.

A team from ACT Alliance organization visited Aleppo, on 18 September 2024, accompanied by a team from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in order to review the projects being implemented by the Council there. These projects aim to alleviate the economic hardships resulting from years of conflict and instability. 

Both teams met at the MECC Office in Aleppo, where they were briefed on the projects implemented by the Council to support those affected by the earthquake over the past year. The briefing also covered current programs, including the restoration of clinics, schools, and Church and social facilities damaged by the crisis in Syria, as well as cash assistance programs for the elderly, among other initiatives.  

The meeting included discussions about the deteriorating economic situation in Syria, particularly in Aleppo, and the challenges that the community faces amid rising living costs and unemployment. In addition, the importance of the role played by humanitarian organizations in general, and MECC in particular, in securing the community's needs was emphasized, along with the vital partnership between ACT Alliance and MECC in supporting the most vulnerable groups and addressing their basic needs. 

The Diakonia and Social Service Diakonia, at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), continues to support education and alleviate the financial burdens on families through organizing remedial classes for 9th-grade students in the areas of Erbin, Jaramana, and Sahnaya in rural Damascus, which targeted 410 students.   

The course lasted for about two and a half months, during which students received essential information for the core subjects in the curriculum. The aim was to improve the academic level of students to enable them to pass the 9th-grade official exams successfully. 

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Professor Michel Abs, was the guest of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in an episode of her program “Moubadarat” (“Initiatives”), broadcasted on Radio Voice of Van and all its social media platforms, on Thursday 26 September 2024, to talk about the statement issued by the MECC General Secretariat following the dangerous security incidents in Lebanon.

During the episode, which you can watch in the video, Professor Michel Abs highlighted the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is passing through, as well as the urgent humanitarian needs, speaking about the MECC response to help the affected people by the security conditions taking place in the country. He also talked about the most prominent programs of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), especially the activities it is implementing on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of its Founding.

Lebanon is in pain... a sentence that may perfectly express what this wounded country is witnessing. A country that has been torn by conflicts and crises for several decades. In the recent days, Lebanon is witnessing a new and violent wave of dangerous security incidents which have turned into comprehensive aggression against various Lebanese regions. The scene is tragic, even catastrophic, and expresses the pain of people who have not yet recovered from their old wounds...

In fact, Lebanon is currently recording the martyrdom of thousands of citizens, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands from all its regions, especially from its South and the Bekaa to other regions due to concerns for their lives being threatened. The scenario is repeated daily amidst deteriorating humanitarian conditions, embodied by the screams of grieving mothers who are searching for a glimmer of hope from under the rubble of their destroyed homes, and the crying of children who have lost their childhood and their simplest dreams.

In the wake of the accelerating and worsening security events in Lebanon, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) issued a statement in which it strongly condemns the killing of innocent people, children, women, the elderly, and other civilians, and deplores the attacks carried out by aggressor forces on densely populated areas that have led to the death of thousands of people and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of citizens from their areas. MECC said that these crimes indicate the forces of aggression's disregard for the principles of international law, the rules of the Geneva Conventions, and all conventions governing armed conflicts.

Friday 27 September - 4 pm Beirut Time

Watch the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, in a live intervention, today at 4:30 pm, during the news bulletin on the ME Sat TV Channel.

Topic: Highlighting the importance of the humanitarian initiative launched by the Pastoral Office for Persons with Disabilities at the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke.

Its Journey and Path in Its Fiftieth Year (2)

Vision and Aspirations for the Next Phase

The foundations of today's approach to planning and managing the affairs of the MECC center on the belief that it deserves and requires a long-term organizational structure and organizational culture. Therefore, it must be approached from a long-term perspective, not a temporary one, with a view toward the continuity of the team and the consolidation of its organizational culture.

The organizational structure, including procedural texts and culture, is the cornerstone of a long-term organization that can assume the tasks as defined in the Constitution and operate as stipulated in the Bylaws.

In the past, this was not adequately recognized, and the Middle East Council of Churches went through a cultural vacuum. A significant number of its team left the institution during a difficult stage in its history. When people leave, they take part of the culture with them because it is an interactive compound.

In the same methodological-strategic context, the Middle East Council of Churches applies scientific methods in its organizational development to achieve the optimal performance required of it. Therefore, we are applying the basic principles and rules for the Organizational Development (OD) and leadership skills that are contained in the science of organization and management.

Here, it must be clarified that within the Council, we apply the academic model of internal compatibility and cohesion at the level of the work team, in addition to the requirements of an organization that is reconciled with its environment and in constant interaction with it.

On the Feast of His Patron Saint, Saint John the Evangelist and Theologian

The General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC),

Extends its heartfelt greetings and long life wishes to His Beatitude Patriarch John, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Orthodox Family, on the occasion of the Feast of his Patron Saint, Saint John the Evangelist and Theologian.

Thursday 26 September - 4 pm Beirut Time

Watch the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs in a live interview and episode on Radio Voice of Van and all its social media platforms, on Thursday 26 September at 4 pm, as part of the “Moubadarat” (“Initiatives”) program with the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Dr. Michel Abs, was a guest on an episode of “Masaa’ El Kheir” (“Good Evening”) program broadcasted on the Egyptian ME Sat TV Channel, on Tuesday 24 September 2024, to talk about the statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches following the dangerous security incidents in Lebanon.

In the episode, which you can watch in the video, Dr. Abs also highlighted the urgent developments in Lebanon, and talked about the deteriorating social conditions and urgent humanitarian needs in the country.

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Dr. Michel Abs, was a guest on an episode of the “Zawya Tanya” (“Another Angle”) program broadcasted on SAT 7 TV Channel, on Tuesday 24 September 2024, to shed light on the statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches following the acceleration of the security events that Lebanon is witnessing.

During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Dr. Abs spoke about the dangerous reality that Lebanon is passing through and the difficult circumstances that the people of the country are experiencing, in addition to the urgent humanitarian needs.

The video sheds light via the Egyptian ME Sat TV Channel on the statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) following the escalation of new security events in Lebanon—which have turned into comprehensive aggression against various Lebanese regions, resulting in the martyrdom of thousands of citizens and the displacement of hundreds of thousands from southern Lebanon and the Bekaa to other regions due to concerns for their lives.

With the acceleration of the dangerous security incidents in Lebanon, the Egyptian ME Sat TV Channel highlighted the statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) regarding the new circumstances in the Lebanese scene. The Egyptian strategic researcher Dr. Yasser Farawila praised, through this video, the statement, expressing his support for the position of the Middle East Council of Churches.

How Do the Diakonia Department’s Volunteers in Syria Describe Their Experiences in Humanitarian Work?

On the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), this video presents some interventions from volunteers in the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department in Syria, during which they presented their experiences and expertise in humanitarian work, expressing the joy of giving and emphasizing the MECC slogan in serving with dignity.

Developing Youth Skills Towards Healthy Societies

They are the backbone of societies and an essential part for building a brighter future. They are also a source of vitality, health and well-being... They are the youth, carrying many energies and creativity with which they may benefit their communities and societies. However, young people today, in light of all the development that the world is witnessing amidst a wave of conflicts, are exposed to many challenges and difficulties that may limit their usual activity. Therefore, it has become necessary to care for them, educate them, develop their abilities, and protect them from all the pressures that surround them.

Hence, and in the context of supporting the youth, a new program was launched entitled “Youth Leadership Building”, which is a joint project organized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in partnership with Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization, Bible Society, Youth for Christ (YFC), and Ithraa Center in Lebanon. The program aims to develop youth skills, motivate them to serve, and train them on the foundations of leadership. It also contributes to the formation of youth networks capable of making positive change in their communities.

Together for A Better Future!

Following the implementation of the first phase of the Youth Leadership Building (YLB) Project in Lebanon, a coordination meeting was held between the partners who launched the project, which are the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Youth for Christ (YFC), the Bible Society, the Ithraa Center, and the Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization, on Thursday 11 September 2024, at the Bible Society headquarters in Beirut.

The meeting included the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Project Coordinator in the Department Ms. Maria Bzdigian, the Representative of Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization Mr. Dick Loendersloot, the Secretary General of the Bible Society Dr. Mike Bassous, the Psychosocial Support Coordinator at the Bible Society Mrs. Rita Zakhour, the National Director in Lebanon for Youth for Christ (YFC) Mr. Maher El Hajj, the Executive Assistant at YFC Mrs. Rouba Yammine, and the Founder and Director of the Ithraa Center in Lebanon Dr. Chady Rahme.

On the occasion of the reception of the incorrupt body of the Servant of God Cardinal Patriarch Krikor-Bedros XV Aghajanian, the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate of Cilicia, held a national and official celebration on Thursday, September 12, 2024, in the Martyrs’ Square in Downtown Beirut, with the blessings and presence of His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian, Catholicos Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church of Cilicia, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Catholic Family.

The celebration was attended by Lebanon's Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, His Beatitude Patriarch Mor Ignatius Youssef III Younan, Syriac Catholic Patriarch of Antioch, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Al-Absi, Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the UAECNE, President of Haigazian University in Lebanon and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family, Their Eminences Bishops, Heads of Sects, and clergy, as well as official, political, religious, cultural and social figures, and believers from various Churches and sects.

As well as, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs participated at the head of a delegation that included the Member of the MECC Executive Committee Lawyer Mr. Ibrahim Traboulsi, the MECC Associate Secretary General Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, and the MECC Media and Communication Officer Elia Nasrallah.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), represented by Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department, participated in the General Assembly of the “Danmission” organization held in the Danish city of Nyborg, between 31 August and 1 September 2024.

The first meeting was with the “Danmission” Board, in the presence of the new Secretary General of the organization Mrs. Julie Koch, and the participation of representatives of the organizations invited to the General Assembly, including Reverend Dr. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Churches in Egypt and the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, and Dr. Nayla Tabbara, Director of Adyan Foundation.

The General Assembly included a special session entitled “Tour of the World,” during which each of “Danmission’s” partners gave a presentation about the organizations and regions they represent, accompanied by the regional Directors of these regions. During this session, the part dedicated to the Middle East region was moderated by Mrs. Kristen Auken, the Director of the region in “Danmission”, where she highlighted the circumstances that the Middle East is passing through.

In his turn, Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar spoke about the history of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), its structure, goals, and the activities it implements, in addition to the experience of cooperation with “Danmission” and the aspirations for future joint work. He also talked about the situation of the Church in the region and the challenges it faces, especially in responding to the crises taking place in the Middle East.

After a two-year journey in the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), our colleague Sub-Deacon Chady Chata, the Social Media Officer, leaves the Council, carrying in his heart a lot of hope and moving to a new Ecumenical phase, where he will continue his Ecumenical studies at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas – Angelicum, in Rome.

The family of the MECC General Secretariat felicitates Chady on the occasion of embarking on this path full of love, joy and humanity, as it bids farewell to a colleague who was known for his service, dedication, and zeal for the Council’s mission, as well as his kindness and support for all colleagues, partners and friends.

In this context, the MECC General Secretariat team held a farewell gathering for Chady, on Tuesday 10 September 2024, at the General Secretariat Offices in Beirut, where the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel thanked him for his efforts and dedication, praising his hard work and continuous diligence, and stressing his competence and the progress he has achieved in the Council and the Ecumenical world. He also wished him success in his new step.

Following the Dangerous Security Incidents in Lebanon

As a result of the escalation of new security events in Lebanon—which have turned into comprehensive aggression against various Lebanese regions, resulting in the martyrdom of thousands of citizens and the displacement of hundreds of thousands from southern Lebanon and the Bekaa to other regions due to concerns for their lives—the Middle East Council of Churches held an emergency meeting of the Extended General Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by the Secretary-General, Dr. Michel Abs, and attended by the Associate Secretaries-general and the directors of departments and sections. The aim was to study the emergency situation in Lebanon and the Levant, monitor urgent humanitarian needs, and take measures that ensure the continuation of work in the event of an escalation of security and severity of living conditions.

The participants discussed urgent humanitarian issues and ways to support families at various levels, praising the national human solidarity witnessed by Lebanese society since the beginning of the attacks.

The Middle East Council of Churches strongly condemns the killing of innocent people, children, women, the elderly, and other civilians, and deplores the attacks carried out by aggressor forces on densely populated areas that have led to the death of some 500 people in one day and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of citizens from their areas. These crimes indicate the forces of aggression's disregard for the principles of international law, the rules of the Geneva Conventions, and all conventions governing armed conflicts.