The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of November 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.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and Télé Lumière - Noursat launched a New Media Ccenter entitled “The Platform of the Word,” in an official ceremony held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Center’s headquarters in the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut.

Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs: "Through the documents we intend to produce, we will address—from an Ecumenical Christian perspective—all phenomena that concern modern humans”

Under the slogan "The Word Became Flesh," and on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV station, launched a new Media Production Center titled "The Platform of the Word." The official ceremony was held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the platform's headquarters in the offices of the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches in Beirut, in the presence of Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs.

Participants in the celebration included:

• Dr. Marie-Thérèse Kreidy, Director of Programs at Télé Lumière and Noursat, representing the station

• Ms. Marutzella Abboud, representing the Near East School of Theology (NEST)

• Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Responsible of the Platform and Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Council

• Dr. Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of the Social Capital Rehabilitation Project at the Council

• The team of the General Secretariat from various departments

Under the theme: "The Word Became Flesh", and on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of its founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, launches the Media Production Center “The Platform of the Word", as an Ecumenical media message from the Middle East to the World.

Watch with us this video, which presents an overview about the the center based on the words of the MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs.

On Mariam TV

The Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Responsible of “The Platform of the Word” and Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), was the guest of “On Time” program, to talk about “The Platform of the Word,” the new Media Production Center launched by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel.

Christian and Islamic Spiritual Leaders Emphasized the Role of Télé Lumière and Praised the Opening of the Office

Professor Michel Abs: "It is a step of love and creativity for the good of the Word"

Because the Word is stronger than wars, and because love is stronger than hostility, Télé Lumière-Noursat has opened an office in the North, specifically in the Al-Zahiriyah area of Tripoli, to be the resounding voice of truth and to build bridges of love and connection amidst crises and wars.

Participants in the inauguration included:

• His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif, Maronite Archbishop of Tripoli

• His Eminence Bishop Edouard Georges Daher, Metropolitan of Tripoli, Koura, and all the North for the Melkite Greek Catholics

• His Eminence Bishop Ephraim Kyriakos, Metropolitan of Tripoli, Koura, and their dependencies for the Greek Orthodox, represented by Reverend Father Ibrahim Sarouji

• His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios Mansour, Shepherd of the Archdiocese of Akkar and its Dependencies for the Greek Orthodox, represented by Reverend Father Gabriel Yakoumi

• His Eminence the Mufti of Tripoli and the North, Sheikh Mohammed Tarek Imam, represented by Mr. Mohammed Hassoun

• His Eminence Sheikh Ali Kaddour, President of the Alawite Islamic Council, represented by His Eminence Sheikh Mohammed Abdul Karim, Member of the Sharia Committee in the Alawite Islamic Council

• Reverend Dr. Hadi Ghantous, President of the Evangelical Church in the North

• Father Quirico Calella, Head of the Franciscan Fathers' Monastery in Al-Mina, Tripoli

• Father Krikor Yaghiaian, Representative of His Eminence Bishop Shahe Panossian in the North

• Esteemed Professor Michel Abs, Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

• Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Director of the Télé Lumière-Noursat Office in the North

• Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of the Social Capital Rehabilitation Project at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

• Father Jean Moura, General Chaplain of Prisons in Lebanon, represented by Journalist Joseph Mahfoud, Head of the Central Media Committee in Lebanon

• Mr. Amin Kamil Brer, Coordinator of Tripoli and the North at the Association of the Security and Religion Council

• Ms. Nancy Najjar from the Antiochian Orthodox Media Center

A group of Priests, Pastors, dignitaries, and media professionals were also in attendance.

After the national anthem and a Blessing Prayer by the Christian and Islamic Spiritual Leaders, the master of ceremonies, Ms. Noha Maamary, delivered a speech highlighting the importance of the occasion, summarizing her words with the Gospel verse: "Go and make disciples of all nations."

The Final Day of ACT General Assembly Activities in Indonesia

Many phrases describe the gathering of brothers and sisters at the Fourth General Assembly of the "ACT Alliance": mutual love, continuous cooperation, and a promising future...

With this unifying Ecumenical spirit, ACT continued the work of its Fourth General Assembly on its final day, Friday, November 1, 2024, in the Yogyakarta region, Indonesia, in the presence of ACT Alliance General Secretary Mr. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria and World Council of Churches General Secretary Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay.

This event, hosted by the Indonesian YAKKUM Center, was characterized by an Ecumenical atmosphere full of positivity, where participants from all over the world gathered in an oasis of faith and hope. They all emphasized the need to continue communication among themselves—the ACT family, its staff, and representatives of its members from regional and international bodies, including the Middle East Council of Churches.

World Council of Churches General Secretary Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay: "Your Responsibility Is Great in Serving Jesus Christ and Your Organizations Through Your Energies and Abilities"

In the presence of ACT Alliance General Secretary Mr. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria and the World Council of Churches General Secretary Reverend Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, the General Assembly of ACT, held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, elected a new Governing Board on Friday, November 1, 2024.

What Are the Details?

As a gesture of appreciation from the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Professor Dr. Michel Abs, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay, was gifted the medal commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Middle East Council of Churches, as a token of love, respect, and thanks for the continuous support.

This presentation took place on Thursday, October 31, 2024, during the activities of the Fourth General Assembly of the global "ACT Alliance," held under the theme "Hope in Action, Together for Justice," between October 28 and November 1, 2024, in the Yogyakarta region, Indonesia.

This event is attended by the ACT Alliance family, its staff, and representatives of its members from regional and international organizations and bodies, including the Middle East Council of Churches, represented by the Regional Director of the Department of Diakonia and Social Service, Eng. Samer Laham, and the Communication and Media Officer in the Department of Communication and Public Relations, Elia Nasrallah.

ACT Alliance General Assembly and World Council of Churches Confront Gender-Based Violence

Thursdays in Black

The Middle East Council of Churches - Indonesia

How tragic it is to live in a world filled with injustice and discrimination! How unfortunate it is for a person to lose their dignity! Yes, it's a bitter reality that societies face today due to the phenomenon of violence, which manifests in dangerous ways that devastate human lives and hinder their activities.

Gender-based violence is considered one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world, especially since it knows no social, economic, or national boundaries. Its repercussions are countless... It undermines the health of survivors, as well as their dignity, security, and independence, and is often surrounded by a culture of silence and stigma.

Moreover, societies face the phenomenon of gender-based discrimination, which lies in any distinction, exclusion, or restriction made on the basis of gender, and its effects are based on weakening or nullifying the recognition of women's human rights and fundamental freedoms in various fields.

Highlighting the Region's Characteristics and Challenges Through Interaction, Dialogue, and Art

The Middle East Council of Churches - Indonesia

From the cradle of Christianity, the region where Christ was born, grew up, and rose from the dead, they headed to the Yogyakarta region in Indonesia with much hope in their hearts.

They are the representatives of the Middle East and North Africa MENA region in the global "ACT Alliance," who brought the customs and traditions of their countries to the Fourth General Assembly of ACT, held under the theme "Hope in Action, Together for Justice," between October 28 and November 1 in Yogyakarta.

With a presence filled with faith, hope, and determination to hold onto their land, they actively participated in the General Assembly's work, where they discussed urgent humanitarian and social issues, presented their most significant challenges, and explored solutions with partners and friends representing humanitarian organizations from various continents of the world.

Anticipation for Its Final Statements!

Participants Emphasize the Language of Love and the Importance of Solidarity Among Them

"As we represent the Church and are deeply rooted in our Christian values and universal human rights principles, we are called—now more than ever—to be beacons of hope and advocates of peace, justice, solidarity, equality, and inclusion."

With these words emanating from the depths of Christian faith and Jesus Christ's call to serve with love, the Fourth General Assembly of the global organization "ACT Alliance" prepares on its fourth day to issue final statements on urgent social and humanitarian issues after completing the review of their clauses and scrutinizing their content.

Guest of the Episode: Dr. Marie Mikhael

As part of the activities of the Fiftieth Year of Its Founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, launched a new TV program entitled “Ecumenicals”. The episodes of the program’s first season were presented by Tony Chedid. The guest of the episode twenty six, which you can watch in the video, was Dr. Marie Mikhael.

The program sheds light on the stages that the MECC passed through during half a century, its most prominent Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media programs and projects, in addition to several issues related to Christian unity and Ecumenical work, Christian witness and the role of Christians in the region

Guest of the Episode: Dr. Marie Mikhael

As part of the activities of the Fiftieth Year of Its Founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, launched a new TV program entitled “Ecumenicals”. The episodes of the program’s first season were presented by Tony Chedid. The guest of the episode twenty Fifth, which you can watch in the video, was Dr. Marie Mikhael.

The program sheds light on the stages that the MECC passed through during half a century, its most prominent Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media programs and projects, in addition to several issues related to Christian unity and Ecumenical work, Christian witness and the role of Christians in the region

As modern society becomes increasingly violent, and daily life resembles a jungle where predators clash, the need for those who sow seeds of love and harmony among people grows greater. They remind us that those who share society with us are our brothers in humanity, and any harm that befalls them will ultimately affect us as well.

Recently, negative feelings and rhetoric of all kinds have escalated: fanaticism, religious, ethnic, racial, and political extremism, and hate speech. This extends even to social tendencies and lifestyle choices, where we have witnessed the emergence of turbulent lifestyles that can at least be described as pathological. Unfortunately, these have proven to go viral, spreading rapidly in a society that has lost its restraints.

In this gloomy atmosphere and existential uncertainty, humanity—especially in our afflicted region—needs a light to lead it out of the darkness it has become accustomed to, considering it a fait accompli, and which our people have come to regard as the natural state of affairs.

In this context, Noursat is considered a milestone in the history of sound and peaceful media, concerned with preserving the Christian faith and spreading its principles and values as guidance for people from all denominations.

Guest of the Episode: Lawyer Professor Ibrahim Traboulsi, MECC Executive Committee Member

As part of the activities of the Fiftieth Year of Its Founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, launched a new TV program entitled “Ecumenicals”. The episodes of the program’s first season were presented by Tony Chedid. The guest of the episode twenty fourth, which you can watch in the video, was Lawyer Professor Ibrahim Traboulsi, MECC Executive Committee Member.

The program sheds light on the stages that the MECC passed through during half a century, its most prominent Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media programs and projects, in addition to several issues related to Christian unity and Ecumenical work, Christian witness and the role of Christians in the region

Guest of the Episode: Lawyer Professor Ibrahim Traboulsi, MECC Executive Committee Member

As part of the activities of the Fiftieth Year of Its Founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, launched a new TV program entitled “Ecumenicals”. The episodes of the program’s first season were presented by Tony Chedid. The guest of the episode twenty three, which you can watch in the video, was Lawyer Professor Ibrahim Traboulsi, MECC Executive Committee Member.

The program sheds light on the stages that the MECC passed through during half a century, its most prominent Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media programs and projects, in addition to several issues related to Christian unity and Ecumenical work, Christian witness and the role of Christians in the region

We Join Hands and Collaborate for a Better World!

The Third Day of the ACT Alliance General Assembly in Indonesia

For the third consecutive day, the Fourth General Assembly of ACT Alliance, held under the theme "Hope in Action, Together for Justice," continued in Yogyakarta Region, Indonesia, in the presence of ACT Alliance General Secretary Mr. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria and the Secretary General of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay.

This global Ecumenical event is attended by the ACT Alliance family, its employees, and representatives of its members from regional and international organizations and bodies, including the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), represented by the Regional Director of the Department of Diakonia and Social Service, Eng. Samer Laham, and the Communication and Media Officer at the Department of Communication and Public Relations, Elia Nasrallah.

After the Morning Prayer and Biblical Reflection, the General Assembly's procedures and agenda were presented and voted on by the participants authorized to carry out these tasks.

Young Men and Women from Around the World Participate in the ACT Alliance General Assembly

A Global Ecumenical Platform for Their Opinions and Aspirations!

The Middle East Council of Churches - Indonesia

In a world mired in injustice, violence, hate speech, and inequality, young men and women from different countries have embarked on a journey of harmony and fraternity to Yogyakarta, Indonesia. They aim to affirm with one voice and united hearts the urgent need to work together in solidarity to promote the values of love, peace, and justice—the human values that our world urgently needs today!

Their mission in Yogyakarta is embodied in their participation in the ACT Alliance Youth Pre Assembly and, consequently, in the Fourth General Assembly of this international organization, held under the theme "Hope in Action, Together for Justice," from October 28 to November 1, 2024.

ACT Alliance General Assembly in Indonesia Watches a Documentary on the Middle East

Within the framework of the activities of the General Assembly of the international organization "ACT Alliance," held under the theme "Hope in Action, Together for Justice," in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, a cultural evening was dedicated on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, to highlighting the richness of the Middle East and North Africa region. It should be noted that the program of the General Assembly included cultural evenings for the various regions embraced by ACT Alliance.

During the celebration, a documentary film entitled "From the Wounds in Our Countries to the Resurrection of Those Suffering from Wars and Disasters," produced by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), was screened. It was specially prepared for the occasion, highlighting the civilizations of the region as well as its challenges and the needs of its people.