His Eminence Bishop Anba Ermia, General Bishop, President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, received and hosted on Saturday evening, September 14, 2024, Professor Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations.

This meeting comes on the occasion of the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which carries within it a rich history of cooperation and growth between Churches in the region.

The meeting was attended by Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Honorary Secretary General, Mr. Bassem Saad, the General Director of the MeSat TV Channel, and Mr. Michael Bahij, the General Coordinator of Church Relations for the Channel in the Middle East.

 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.

The Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Rev. Dr. Refaat Fikry, devoted a segment in his program “Kadaya Sakhina” (“Hot Issues”) on Alkeraza Egyptian TV Channel, to shed light on the extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which was held under the chairmanship of its Presidents, on Friday 30 August 2024, at Our Lady of Balamand Patriarchal Monastery for the Greek Orthodox and the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology, in Lebanon. During the meeting, Professor Dr. Michel Abs was unanimously re-elected as MECC Secretary General for a second term of four years. 

Within the context of the episode that you can watch in the video, Rev. Dr. Refaat Fikry talked about the details of the meeting’ sessions, in addition to its agenda and the most prominent topics and issues that were discussed. He also highlighted the final statement issued by the meeting and the most important points that it included. 

Aleppo, September 5, 2024

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

They were received by His Eminence the Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo Antoine Shahda, His Eminence the Episcopal Vicar Bishop Mounir Sakal, and Father Ephraim Al Makaabri.

At the beginning of the meeting, Bishop Shahada welcomed the Secretary General, wishing that his new term would be full of achievements as the previous one was, and praising the role of Dr. Abs and his distinguished performance for the good of the entire Church.

Afterwards, His Eminence Bishop Antoine Shahada gave an extensive presentation about the Syriac Catholic Church in Aleppo and the initiatives and activities it implements for its people despite the challenges. He stressed that the challenges are many amidst the economic crises, but the biggest one is the issue of presence in this country as a result of the emigration dilemma that the country is witnessing. Thus, this is what puts us in front of an existential challenge.

A Church, Social, and Educational Workshop Marked the Visit with the Honoring of the Secretary General

Aleppo, September 5, 2024

The visit of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, to the headquarters of the Presidency of the Armenian Protestant Community in Aleppo, included a spiritual, social and educational workshop that was combined with a lovely and warm reception which reflects the Church’s respect and love for the Secretary General and its appreciation for his work and performance in the Council.

Dr. Michel Abs was accompanied by the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

They were received by the President of the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria Reverend Dr. Haroutune Selimian, as well as Priests and Directors of the Community’s schools and institutions.

The meeting began with the Lord's Prayer inside the Bethel Church, which was followed by laying a wreath in front of the commemorative monument of the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide in honor of their memory.

Then, a meeting was held between the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs and Reverend Dr. Selimian, in which discussions centered around the most prominent MECC activities in the fields of development and relief, achieving effective communication between various components of the society, in addition to the aspiration to prepare courses and lectures that include Church, social, and educational issues.

Praising the Performance of the MECC Role and Honoring the Secretary General

Aleppo, September 5, 2024

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs continued his official follow up visit to the city of Aleppo, and visited the Armenian Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo at the head of a delegation that included the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

They were received by His Eminence the Armenian Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo Magar Ashkarian, and the Engineer Dikran Bedrossian.

During the meeting, Bishop Magar Ashkarian congratulated the Secretary General on the occasion of his re-election for a second term of four years. He also thanked the Council for all its initiatives towards the Church, and expressed his pride in the performance of the MECC Secretary General over the past years, stressing the Bible Verse, “You Will Know Them by Their Fruits.”

The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Honored by His Eminence Bishop Ephraim Maalouli

Aleppo, September 4, 2024

From the Apostolic Antioch, which witnessed and bears witness to Jesus Christ, and in a dramatic theatre play filled with the fragrance of faith and hope for the future, within the week of “Nour Men Halab” (“Light from Aleppo”) event, and under the patronage and presence of the Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta and their Dependencies His Eminence Bishop Ephraim Maalouli, the Prophet Elias Theater Team in the Orthodox Youth, held a play that raised questions about the essence of one truth, and presented the conflict between logic and madness. It also answered several questions of human concern amidst the virtual world and artificial intelligence that have entered into the concerns of families and society. One of the most prominent questions that were raised, was: What does the general call, which is the call to holiness, mean to us? How do we live it? What are the most important challenges it faces?

These questions were answered in the most important dramatic play that inflamed the hearts of the attendees, with a bold and strong direction, written by Brother Houssam Abdallah. It was performed by many actors and actresses from the Prophet Elias Theater Team.

The play was held on the stage of the Prophet Elias Cathedral and was based on the lives of the Hieromartyrs Damascene Saints Fathers Nicolas Khasha and his son Habib, which ended with martyrdom.

Aleppo, September 4, 2024

His Eminence the Mufti of Aleppo Dr. Mahmoud Akam received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, in Dar Al-Fatwa in the city of Aleppo, at the head of a delegation that included the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

During the meeting, the bonds of Christian-Islamic relations were emphasized as a cornerstone in consecrating the values of citizenship and love and preserving common moral values, which are the result of participation in life among the various components of society.

Both sides denounced what is happening in the region, especially in Gaza, which violates human rights and destroys people and stone.

Words Praising the MECC Role and Its Purposeful Programs

Aleppo, September 4, 2024

As part of his official follow up visit to the office of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in Aleppo, the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs met with the Church Authorities at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, at the invitation of the Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta and their Dependencies.

Attendees were alongside His Eminence Bishop Ephraim Maalouli, the Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo His Eminence Archbishop Boutros Marayati, the Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo His Eminence Bishop Antoine Audo, the Maronite Archbishop of Aleppo His Eminence Bishop Youssef Tobji, the Armenian Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo His Eminence Bishop Magar Ashkarian, the Head of the Armenian Protestant Community in Aleppo Reverend Dr. Harutyun Suleiman, Father Raymond Girgis, the Episcopal Vicar of the Latin Church in Syria, Father Bahjat Karakach, the Head of the Latin Monastery in Aleppo, Father Kommidas Dadaglian, Armenian Catholic Archdiocese, Father Gabriel Azar, the Director of MECC Office in Aleppo Lamis Makhoul, the MECC Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

Aleppo, September 3, 2024

Within the framework of his official visit to the Syrian Arab Republic, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs visited the Governor of the City of Aleppo Mr. Hussein Diab, at the Governorate headquarters. Dr. Abs headed a delegation that included the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

Firstly, the Governor Mr. Hussein Diab received Dr. Michel Abs with great warmth, expressing his happiness with this visit, which reflects the love of the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs for the city of Aleppo and his follow-up of the MECC work and projects. He congratulated him on his re-election for a new term of four years.

In his turn, Dr. Michel Abs thanked Mr. the Governor for his lovely reception, and talked about the goals of his visit to the city of Aleppo and the program that will include.

Dr. Michel Abs, the General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited the Council's Office in Damascus today, Monday, September 2, 2024. He was welcomed by Eng. Ghassan Shaheen, the Council’s Program Director in Syria, and the staff of the Council’s Office.

This visit to the Damascus Office is part of Dr. Abs’ tour in the Syrian Arab Republic to follow up on the activities of MECC and the implementation of its programs.

Eng. Ghassan Shaheen welcomed Dr. Michel Abs and congratulated him on his re-election as General Secretary for a second four-year term. He commended Dr. Abs' efforts in managing the Council over the past four years.

Dr. Abs then addressed the Damascus Office team, providing an overview of the goals and future strategies of the projects undertaken by MECC. Among these activities, the most significant project is the Church Agricultural Dimension Project, which involves rural housing complexes dealing with agriculture and crafts. The aim is to help the Church withstand Christian emigration, as providing housing and food reduces the likelihood of people considering emigration.

With the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All The East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Orthodox Family, His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Saad, the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Bosra, Hauran, and Jabal Al-Arab, inaugurated the halls of the Lady of Annunciation Church in the city of Dara’a, after MECC completed its rehabilitation work. 

The opening ceremony was attended by the MECC team, the Governor of Dara’a Loae Khareta, in addition to political and judicial figures, the members of the City Council, and a large gathering of residents.

The event began with a Prayer of Thanksgiving led by His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Saad in the Lady of Annunciation Church, followed by a speech in which he thanked MECC for restoring the Church halls. Then, he made the inauguration and visited the halls with the attendees. As well as, His Eminence visited the office of MECC in Dara’a.

MECC Implements a New Session of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” Program for Jordan and Palestine

Within the framework of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” program implemented by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Theological and Ecumenical Department, in various countries of the Middle East, a new session of the program was dedicated for Jordan and Palestine, between 21 and 26 July 2024, at Theodor Schneller School - Amman.

The session, which was titled “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6: 31), was held at a time when the region is witnessing a series of wars, conflicts, and crises that have burdened the people of the East and disrupted their usual activities. Thus, that they became in dire need of spiritual and psychological accompaniment to help them restore hope to their lives.

The family of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) bids farewell to the colleague Jean-Pierre Eid, MECC Events Coordinator, after a journey in the Ecumenical world and humanitarian work that lasted for 3 years of giving, dedication, and loyalty to the MECC mission. He was known for his kindness, love, and continuous support for all colleagues, partners, and friends.

In this context, the MECC General Secretariat team held a farewell gathering for Jean-Pierre, on Tuesday 20 August 2024, at the General Secretariat offices in Beirut. During the meeting, the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel addressed Jean-Pierre with a speech in which he praised his continuous efforts, emphasizing his competence, experience and performance. Dr. Abs also thanked him for his efforts and diligence, and wished him success in his new journey.

 The Diakonia and Social Service Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Syria’s Office, continues raising awareness among pregnant and lactating women about the importance of breastfeeding and the correct way to care for infants.

This is being done through holding health and Psychosocial sessions for pregnant and lactating mothers in three governorates: Damascus and its countryside, Aleppo, and Dara’a.

These sessions shed light on all aspects related to breastfeeding, the difficulties mothers face with breastfeeding, and clarification of some misconceptions. They also addressed complementary feeding for infants, maternal nutrition, and dietary practices when the child is ill.

Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: July 2024

With the notorious warmonger visiting Washington to address the US congress about the war in Gaza, the world watched as he spewed lie after lie, unashamedly denying the reports of genocide coming from occupied Palestine. As though the plethora of images, recordings, and UN-confirmed reports are nothing but a fabrication and that he and the entity he represents, are the victims. To make matters worse, he is taking advantage of an event which occurred in the Golan Heights to increase the intensity of the war. Things are definitely escalating towards a dangerous situation, a probable breaking point.

Together Towards Creating a Media Network Unifying the Voice of the Church

Together we join hands, communicate and build bridges! Together we work to consolidate human values ​​and spread love and fraternity throughout the earth! From this perspective, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) seeks, through its media activities, to embody these slogans through service, work, and solidarity in order to raise the voice of the Church so that it remains a prophetic voice carrying the call of our Lord Jesus Christ “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14: 27).

Given the importance of the role of Christian media, especially in conveying the good word and good News, coordination is being made between various Christian media offices in the Middle East. It aims at enhancing communication among them and work together to create an Ecumenical media network towards unifying efforts and coordinating at various media levels.

In this context, and following the invitation of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, an Ecumenical media meeting was held on Tuesday 20 August 2024, in the presence of a group of specialists in the field of Church media from various Church Families and countries of the Middle East. They participated in person at the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut, and online via Zoom.

A Round Table Organized by the Middle East Council of Churches

Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs: people find themselves in a position where they disbelieve in their homeland and decide to leave this place, where there is economic oppression and social marginality

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) held a roundtable entitled “Youth Emigration, A Challenge to Human Dignity,” on Thursday 1 August 2024, at the MECC General Secretariat Offices in Beirut. This symposium is part of the series of monthly seminars launched by MECC, within the framework of the “Human Dignity Project” - “Dialogue and Social Cohesion-Social Capital Rehabilitation”, that MECC is working to implement consecutively. 

The round table included two sessions in which researchers and specialists ffirst sessionrom various fields and Middle Eastern countries spoke. The first session revolved around the title “Youth Emigration: Concepts, Causes and Consequences,” and was moderated by Dr. Chawki Attieh. The second session was entitled “Forms of Migration,” moderated by Dr. Laure Abi Khalil. 

The symposium began with an opening speech by Dr. Laure Abi Khalil. Attendees were specialists and interested people in the topic who participated at in the offices of the MECC General Secretariat or online via the “Zoom” platform. Noting that the symposium was broadcasted live on the MECC YouTube channel (first session - second session). 

Firstly, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs delivered a speech entitled “Youth Emigration, Embarrassment Until  Departure!” in which he said, “Amidst circumstances of this kind, where it is very difficult to find - or establish - decent work, and where the available jobs, in terms of their content and income, put those who accept it in a state of Malthusian unemployment, people find themselves in a position where they disbelieve in their homeland and decide to leave this place, where there is economic oppression and social marginality. Noting that the disillusioned youth may abandon their values ​​and morals and may join the work that will lead them to criminal prosecution.” 

With the rise of unemployment and inflation rates, as well as the increase in the prices of basic needs, the percentage of families living below the poverty line and relying primarily on humanitarian aid has increased. Many young people find themselves unable to build a stable future under these harsh conditions.

In response to these challenges, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues to support the most vulnerable people by organizing vocational training courses that help participants enter the job market. In addition, MECC provided them with vocational kits as well as skills through business start-up courses, enabling them to establish small businesses that can become sources of income, rather than spending months or even years searching for suitable job opportunities.

In this context, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, Syria’s Office, conducted a vocational training course on growing oyster mushrooms and another course on distilling medicinal herbs and flowers. A total of 30 participants, aged between 25 and 55, benefited from these courses.

Receiving a Delegation from the Middle East Council of Churches:

“Every action that divides people contradicts religion, and religious affiliation does not give distinction in rights and duties and should be the criteria for competence and assuming national responsibility in serving the nation and its people”

The Vice-President of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council His Eminence Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, at the head of an MECC delegation, on Tuesday 23 July 2024, at the headquarters of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council in Beirut. The meeting was held in the presence of Dr. Mohammad Rizk, Director General of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council and Special Secretary of the Council, and Dr. Ghazi Kanso, Advisor to His Eminence Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, and Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at the Islamic University in Lebanon.

During the meeting, the attendees discussed issues related to Islamic-Christian dialogue, national and religious affairs, and developments concerning the situation in Lebanon and the region. Attendees also stressed the importance of promoting Islamic-Christian dialogue and consolidating human values ​​, as they emphasized the necessity of working to spread the spirit of peace, fraternity and love among all components of society. The attendees also denounced the difficult security and social conditions taking place in the region, especially the ongoing war in Gaza.