Emphasizing the Necessity of Cooperation to Achieve Social Progress and Civil Peace

As part of the conference “Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment” in Amman, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs met with His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, who invited him to a dinner he hosted with His Holiness and Beatitude the Patriarchs of the East.

Both parties exchanged ideas about the possibility of future cooperation between the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies and the Middle East Council of Churches, particularly on the topics raised at the conference, with the aim of following up on these topics through future seminars, conferences, and activities.

In this context, the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs praised the work of the Royal Institute, particularly its mission related to coexistence and civil peace in the Middle East, and everything that leads to social and cultural progress in the region. He also valued the shared concerns with Jordanian Leaders regarding maintaining social stability through awareness and education.

As well as, both parties agreed on holding a future meeting in Amman, as well as coordination with His Eminence Bishop Qais Sadiq and Dr. Renée Hattar to enhance cooperation and communication.

With His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III in Amman

Discussions Centered Around the Council's Work for the Good of the Church and Society

During the conference "Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment" held in Amman under the patronage and presence of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs met with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine and Jordan, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Christoforos Atallah, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan, and President of the Council of Heads of Churches in Jordan

At the meeting, both sides discussed many issues related to the MECC work and mission, as well as ways to develop its working mechanisms to achieve the desired Ecumenical and humanitarian goals for the good of the Church and society. They also agreed to hold future meetings to follow up on various issues related to the Council's work.

Moreover, the Secretary General offered His Beatitude a book about the Monasteries of the Antiochian See, produced by the University of Balamand in Lebanon, as well as the logo of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding as a token of love and respect.

Within the framework of strengthening Church and Ecumenical cooperation between various Churches, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) met with Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Nader Salim Saouk, Pastor of the Greek Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Jabal Amman. The meeting was held within the framework of the conference " Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment" in Amman.

As well as, both parties also agreed to strengthen communication in future meetings.

Promoting Intellectual and Cultural Issues

As part of the " Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment" conference held in Amman, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs met with Professor Mitri Raheb, President of Al-Kalima University, in a fruitful coordination meeting, discussing shared future aspirations.

During the meeting, the Secretary General Professor Abs thanked Reverend Raheb for delivering a valuable speech at the recent MECC partners' meeting. Noting that he had prepared the speech specifically for this meeting.

Both parties also agreed to hold subsequent meetings and to enhance intellectual and cultural interaction between them, particularly by involving the contributions of Reverend Mitri Raheb in MECC activities.

At the end, the Secretary General Professor Abs offered Reverend Raheb the logo of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding.

His Eminence Bishop Qais Sadiq at the Center for Ecumenical Studies – Amman

Emphasizing the Importance of Promoting the Ecumenical Spirit

As part of his visit to Amman to participate in the conference " Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment," the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs visited the Center for Ecumenical Studies, where he met with its Founder and Director His Eminence Bishop Qais Sadiq, Bishop of Erzurum and Patriarchal Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East.

During the meeting, ways of future coordination were discussed, particularly regarding the Ecumenical dialogue and activities aimed at developing the Ecumenical spirit among the youth in the Churches of the Middle East.

At the end, the Secretary General offered His Eminence the logo of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding, praising the cooperation between the Council and the Center for Ecumenical Studies.

For the Conference “Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment”

With the convening of the “Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment” conference Under the patronage and presence of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, in Amman, the conference's administrative team met with the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, who thanked them for their outstanding performance and generous hospitality. He also praised the effective cooperation and rapid response to all matters necessary for the successful running of the conference.

The administrative team included Ms. Renée Hattar, Ms. Zein Fachho, Ms. Rima Badawi, and Ms. Emma Casper.

The Secretary General also commended the efforts of His Eminence Bishop Qais Sadiq, Bishop of Erzurum and Patriarchal Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East, who played a key role in the conference segments.

Noting that the conference was held between May 7 and 8, 2025, with the participation of Their Beatitudes and Eminences Patriarchs, Metropolitans, and Priests, Representatives of various Churches in the Middle East, and Religious, political, media, and social figures.

A Conference in the Capital of Jordan, Amman

His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal: “the world is witnessing multiple conflicts and increasing flashpoints of tension, at a time when humanity needs a profound review of its values and universal concepts”

The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: “The risks posed by politics to religion—and vice versa—are grave, potentially shaping human destiny as history has often shown”

Under the patronage and presence of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, the Institute held a conference entitled “Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment”, on 7 and 8 May 2025, in the capital of Jordan, Amman.

The conference was attended by Their Beatitudes and Eminences Patriarchs, Metropolitans, and Priests, Representatives of various Churches in the Middle East, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, and Religious, political, media, and social figures.

During the conference, His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal emphasized in his speech that the world is witnessing multiple conflicts and increasing flashpoints of tension, at a time when humanity needs a profound review of its values ​​and universal concepts. His Royal Highness also highlighted historical events that embody the values ​​of fraternity and solidarity, noting how Jordanians, both Muslims and Christians, welcomed hundreds of Christian families arriving from Mosul and opened their hearts to those arriving from Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflecting the inclusive spirit of Jordanian society.

As well as, the conference included many sessions in which Church Leaders delivered speeches that stressed the importance of protecting the Christian presence in the region, as it is an essential part of the social and historical fabric of the Arab Levant.

The Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its daily coverage of the procedures, meetings, and events related to the election of the new Pope, and the Conclave's procedures, history, and rules.

Follow a daily series of reports, news, and articles about the election of the new Pope and the latest Vatican updates, on the Middle East Council of Churches’ platform.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of May 2025. 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.

Speech of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs at the Conference "Christians in the Arab East and Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment", held on 7 and 8 May 2025, in Amman.

Session Two: Religion and Politics Between Civil Society and the Political Utilization of Religion.

Between religion and politics lie strong ties, whose manifestations fill the pages of history and have been deeply analyzed, criticized, and condemned for the calamities they have brought upon humanity. We in Lebanon, and the Antiochian-Arab East, live through the ugliest expressions of this bond, with Lebanon’s experience exported to the rest of the region. The alliance between religion and politics seems eternal here, and any exit from it appears costly on all fronts.

However, the intersection of religion and politics presents challenges that can only be properly addressed by assigning each its rightful domain and maintaining a deliberate, barren distance between the two. The risks posed by politics to religion—and vice versa—are grave, potentially shaping human destiny as history has often shown…

What Are the Latest Updates?

A Ceasefire Call On the Eve of the Conclave

Have They Discussed the Qualifications of the New Pope?

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

With hearts filled with hope, the world's eyes are fixed on the Vatican, awaiting the good news that will reveal the name of the new Pope. But will the Cardinals agree on the Pope’s name? Will white smoke billow out from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel?

The answer remains on hold as the chimney becomes stable and ready, and the Vatican prepares for this delicate mission.

The Cardinals are making the necessary measures with complete transparency and objectivity. Daily meetings, highlighted by the Vatican News Website, discuss the issue of the new Supreme Pontiff, who will assume the leadership of the Catholic Church amidst many international challenges. They also address various Ecclesiastical, Liturgical, and social issues that the Vatican will bear in the coming period.

According to the Vatican News Website, the Press Office had previously published a statement in which the cardinals participating in the meetings preceding the Conclave called on the faithful to live this Ecclesial moment as an act of grace and spiritual discernment in listening to God's will. The statement indicated that the Cardinals recognize the importance of the responsibility to which they are called, but they hope the faithful will pray for them, emphasizing the need to be meek instruments of the wisdom and providence of the Heavenly Father in obedience to the Holy Spirit.

Historical Traditions Honoring the Virgin Mary

Exclusive: Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

“Hail, Mary! Full of grace, The Lord is with thee; Blessed are thou among women” (Luke 1: 28). Blessed are you, Mary, the greatest and holiest woman! Blessed is your obedience and the fruit of your womb! How great is your motherhood, full of grace!

The Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the entire universe, is the Queen of Peace, the safe haven, and the source of all comfort and love. She accepted with all her heart God's will of salvation: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1: 38), becoming a model of purity, obedience, and holiness. The Mother of God and the Mother of Light is the savior from adversity, the pride of creation, and the ocean of gifts from which we draw all strength and hope.

In honor of her and to glorify her love, the Catholic Church has dedicated an entire month to the Virgin Mary in May of each year. This month bears many Prayers and hymns to the Mother of God, asking for her protection and intercession. Believers flock to her Shrines to seek her blessing. This month is characterized by peace, hope, and purity, sowing joy, reassurance, and tranquility in the hearts of the beleivers.

But when does this special Marian Month begin?

Professor Michel Abs

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Christian religious leaders, along with intellectual elites from both Christian and Muslim backgrounds, are arriving to the beloved Jordan to participate in a consultative intellectual meeting on the topic: “Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment.” The meeting will reflect on priority issues in public life in the Antiochian-Arab Levant, issues directly related to the destiny and future of our peoples.

This intellectual event is organized by the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies and held under the patronage and with the participation of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, Chairperson of the Institute’s Board of Trustees.

The focus of the meeting is the dignity and rights of peoples from a Christian-Islamic perspective; religion and politics between secularism and political instrumentalization of religion; ethics from a religious standpoint; the shared Christian-Islamic heritage and overarching Levantine Arab identity; and unity, diversity, and pluralism in the Levant.

The overall theme of the meeting and the subjects of its sessions clearly indicate a deep awareness on the part of the leadership of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, foremost among them His Majesty King Abdullah II, and the Institute’s leadership, of the importance of the diversity present in modern societies, as well as the importance of observing and managing its dynamics wisely.

In addition, the meeting reflects deep affection and appreciation on the part of Jordanian authorities toward Christians, a sentiment that is not new. This noble family has demonstrated humanity and love toward Christians since the days of their ancestor, His Majesty Sharif Hussein bin Ali of Mecca, who is credited with saving those who fled Ottoman massacres, Armenians and Syriacs, by taking refuge in northern Syria…

Holds its Annual Meeting for the Theological Students in Lebanon, Hosted by the Near East School of Theology (NEST)

"The Council of Nicaea, The Faith of the Church from the Preaching of the Apostles to the Evangelization Today"

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Under the title "The Council of Nicaea, The Faith of the Church from the Preaching of the Apostles to the Evangelization Today," the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) organized its annual meeting in Lebanon in order to consolidate the Ecumenical spirit and bridge the distances between the Theological students from various Institutes. The meeting was held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, hosted by the Near East School of Theology (NEST) in Beirut.

In the presence of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, attendees were Archimandrite Dr. Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand – Lebanon, and ATIME President, Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, ATIME Executive Secretary, Archpriest Father Bassam Nassif, ATIME Associate Executive Secretary for the Orthodox Family, Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros, MECC Associate Secretary General, Archpriest Professor Porphyrios Georgi, and Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah, Professor of Practical Theology at the Near East School of Theology (NEST). As well as, attendees were Professors, Priests, Pastors, and students from various Theological Institutes, in addition to the MECC Media.