MECC
I Do Not Fear God… I Love Him!
Professor Michel Abs
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
The phrase “fear of God” is widely used among people and has become universally associated with virtue. It is commonly applied as a positive attribute to describe those of good character who are trusted and respected by their communities.
As a believer who has deeply contemplated religious faith—both in its metaphysical and social dimensions, I find that this phrase reflects an incomplete understanding of the Creator of the Universe and the role of religion in society.
To act in your daily life, in your relationships, in your dealings with others, out of fear of the Lord who has given you everything is, in essence, an accusation. It accuses the Creator, glory be to Him, and His creatures, who are inspired by the One who formed creation.
To act out of fear suggests that the human being is innately inclined to evil and can only be restrained by fear of a higher power that will punish and retaliate harshly. It implies that a human being cannot be trusted unless constantly threatened with doom and destruction. This presumes that mankind is inherently bad and cannot be relied upon.
On the other hand, the phrase also implies that the Creator has a harsh heart, one who constantly threatens His creatures with punishment and casts a shadow over their daily lives. It turns the universe into an open courtroom, where every being is judged with eternal reward or punishment, and humanity is always under surveillance, standing trial…
Video - A Special Coverage from the Middle East Council of Churches News for the Passing of Pope Francis With the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary
An Interview with Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, President of the Lutheran Federation, MECC Honorary President, and One of the Presidents of the Religions for Peace Organization
His Holiness Pope Francis... Friend of the Youth and Their Greatest Supporter
The General Coordinator of APECL Jeune in Lebanon Lawyer Roy Jreich in an Interview with the MECC Media:
"His Holiness gave youth his thoughts, heart, his life. He listened to their challenges, concerns, hopes, and aspirations"
Exclusive: Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
"Walk in hope! Hope overcomes all weariness, every crisis and every worry. It gives us a powerful incentive to press forward, for it is a gift received from God himself. The Lord fills our life with meaning, sheds light on our path and shows us its ultimate direction and goal."
This is what His Holiness Pope Francis wanted from youth in his message on the occasion of the 39th World Youth Day. He wanted them to embark on a journey as pilgrims, discover life through love, seek God’s face, and experience God's merciful embrace.
His Holiness Pope Francis, a friend of youth and their greatest supporter, has accompanied them in many stages, celebrations, conferences, and gatherings. On every occasion, he encouraged them to strengthen their faith and face life's challenges with hope and perseverance. He was the one who called on them to seek happiness, without giving up, and to have the courage to replace fears with dreams.
Between these Papal encounters and events, many youth experiences from the Middle East and the world document the closeness of His Holiness to today's youth and the future leaders.
Video - The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs In An Episode on Mariam TV
Talking About the Journey of His Holiness Pope Francis and the Issue of Genocides
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs was the guest of an episode on Mariam TV. He was interviewed by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), along with the Journalist George Maalouli, the Programs’ Director of Mariam TV.
The episode focused on the spiritual journey and humanitarian mission of His Holiness Pope Francis, highlighting his key achievements, positions, and apostolic visits. It will also include a discussion on genocides, massacres, and the silence around the disappearance of the Archbishops of Aleppo Youhanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi.
Additionally, the episode featured reports, spots, and videos produced by the media team of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which continues to provide a special coverage about the latest Vatican updates.
Video - The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs In A Media Interview on Charity Radio TV
Highlighting the Life of His Holiness Pope Francis
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs appeared in a media interview on Charity Radio TV with the Journalist Rita Sbeih. The interview highlighted the life of His Holiness Pope Francis and his peaceful journey, in addition to His Holiness' relations with the Churches and his work to strengthen the Ecumenical spirit.
The Violet Flower: The Will to Live is the Strongest
On the 110th Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide: What Does this Flower Symbolize?
Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
A violet flower... a flower that carries many meanings and symbols... it connects the past with the present and calls for hope in the future. A flower that tells the stories of people who have suffered tragedies and wars, and whose wound still bleeds today. It is the flower that symbolizes the Armenian cause and affirms the resilience of the Armenian people. These people, who have clung to their history and heritage, held tight to their identity, and decided to endure and survive, are known for their steadfastness in the face of challenges and hardships.
On the 110th annual commemoration of the Armenian genocide on April 24th, it is important to recall the historic significance of this violet flower, which was launched in 2015 as the emblem of the centennial commemoration (1915-2015) of the Armenian Genocide. It is a symbol to confirm that the Armenians are alive in their cause that cannot be forgotten and to consolidate their belief that justice is not lost. The flower is often accompanied by the phrase "I remember... and I demand," translated into many languages. So, what do its components symbolize, and what do its colors represent?
In fact, the flower has five petals, which represent the continents where Armenians fled and spread after the massacres. The primary color of the emblem, dark violet, symbolizes eternity as well as the Armenian soul and identity, meaning the future. This color was chosen due to its use in the majority of Priestly Vestment in the Armenian Church.
The Middle East Council of Churches Extends Its Condolences on the Passing of His Holiness Pope Francis
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Writes a Message of Condolence in the Condolence Book at the Holy See in Harissa
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs extended his condolences on behalf of the Council's General Secretariat team at the Apostolic Nunciature in Harissa.
The MECC delegation included the Associate Secretary General Father Nicolas Bustros, and the Media Officer and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at MECC Lea Adel Maamary.
Firstly, the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs assured the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon His Excellency Monsignor Paolo Borgia that “His Holiness Pope Francis has left an unforgettable legacy, and his path is full of openness, justice, humanity, and mercy."
Professor Michel Abs then wrote a message of condolence in the condolences book of the Holy See - Harissa.
The Camerlengo Assumes the Management of the Vatican
Who is Cardinal Kevin Farrell Executing this Mission?
Media of The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
Cardinal Kevin Farrell is the most frequently mentioned Vatican figures in the media following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Heavenly Father on the morning of Easter Monday. Cardinal Farrell was the first to announce the Pope’s passing away in an official statement.
He is the Vatican’s Camerlengo, currently managing the daily affairs of the Holy See, particularly during the Sede Vacante which is the period from the moment of the Pope's passing away until the election of a new Pope. During this time, he also has the right to request financial information from various Vatican departments.
The MECC General Secretariat Team Prays for the Soul of His Holiness Pope Francis
Christ Is Risen… He Is Risen Indeed!
During the time of the Glorious Resurrection, His Holiness Pope Francis left our world after completing his Ecclesiastical and humanitarian mission with great dedication, to move on to the true Resurrection in the Kingdom of the Lord. With this sad news, which the Church received worldwide, the General Secretariat Team of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) gathered in their weekly meeting, where they raised Prayers for the repose of the soul of the Supreme Pontiff, who had always emphasized hope in the Lord Jesus.
The meeting was held at the invitation of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Council's General Secretariat offices in Beirut, with the presence of colleagues from various departments, along with some colleagues who participated online.
The meeting included Prayers prepared by Fr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at MECC, as well as readings from Pope Francis' decree calling for the ordinary jubilee in 2025, titled "The Hope That Does Not Disappoint," where he wrote: "Christian hope is this: in the face of death, and where everything seems to end, we are certain that 'life does not vanish, but changes,' thanks to Christ, and by the grace given to us in Baptism."
Video - What Are the Arrangements for Pope Francis's Funeral?
The Answer Is In this Report
