MECC
Photos from the Prayer of the Week of Unity at the Maronite Cathedral of St. Joseph - Egypt
With the Participation of the Heads of the Churches in Egypt Under the Title “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26)
Video - The Egyptian "ME Sat" Channel Sheds Light on the Visit
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, and An MECC Delegation to His Grace Bishop Anba Ermia, General Bishop, President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center and Assistant Secretary General of the Egyptian Family House
St. George and the Samaritan Woman Church for the Coptic Orthodox in Shoubra El-Kheima - Cairo, Hosts the Second Day of the Week of Prayer in Egypt
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: “We all seek, as bearers of the message of the Incarnate Lord, who fought evil with love, to be His messengers if we strive, through good words and good deeds”
Cairo, February 14, 2025
With the blessings and Prayers of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and at the invitation of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in cooperation with the Egyptian Council of Churches, the Prayer of the Week of Unity was held for the second consecutive day at St. George and the Samaritan Woman Church for the Coptic Orthodox in Shoubra El-Kheima - Cairo, presided over by His Grace Bishop Marcos, Bishop of Shoubra El-Kheima and Its Dependencies, with the participation of Priests, Pastors, and large crowds of believers.
The Prayer was attended by the Heads of the Churches of Egypt, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Egyptian Council of Churches Reverend Yachouh Ayoub, the MECC Honorary Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, the Media Officer and the Coordinator of Church and Media Relations at MECC Lea Adel Maamary, youth and scouts.
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Delivers A Speech in the Prayer of the Week of Unity
At the Church of St. George and the Samaritan Woman Church for the Coptic Orthodox in Shoubra El-Kheima
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs delivered a speech in the Prayer of the Week of Unity held at the Church of St. George and the Samaritan Woman Church for the Coptic Orthodox in Shoubra El-Kheima. The most prominent points in the speech were:
"The expansion of participation in the Week of Prayer for Unity demonstrates the extension of the "Ecumenical oil patch" and the adoption of Ecumenical thought and values as a solid position among wide segments of believers in various parts of the world.
It is worth noting that our Ecumenism, which stems from Christian roots, is not limited to Christians alone; it includes all people, as God created them in His image and likeness and surrounded them with His love. This real Christian Ecumenical dimension constitutes a starting point for inviting everyone to dialogue, rapprochement and fraternity, no matter how different their affiliations are.
We all seek, as bearers of the message of the Incarnate Lord, who fought evil with love, to be His messengers if we strive, through good words and good deeds, to fulfill His message of salvation and serve humanity. We, in the Council, are fully aware of the importance of the talents that the Lord Has placed in our charge, and we seek to make them fruitful as much as possible, through the services we provide to people with dignity and love.”
A Certificate of Appreciation Signed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs
During His Lecture Entitled "The Church and Scientific Research" at the Institute of Coptic Studies - Cairo
Cairo, February 14, 2025
Within the framework of his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt to participate in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), delivered a lecture at the Institute of Coptic Studies in Cairo, entitled "The Church and Scientific Research".
The lecture was attended by the Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Gergis Saleh, the Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, Father Paula Attieh, the Deputy of the Theological Seminary in Fayoum, and the Dean of the Institute of Coptic Studies Dr. Ishaq Ajban, the Deputy of the Institute of Coptic Studies Dr. Adel Fakhry, the Media Officer and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Lea Adel Maamary, and Professors, students of the Sections of Church and Ecumenical Relations and Theology at the Institute and Priests.
Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Honorary Secretary General, Honors the MECC Secretary General of the Council Professor Michel Abs, and the Council’s Delegation
Cairo, February 13, 2025
With great love, translated into true fraternity, the Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Gergis Saleh, offered a painting of Jesus Christ to the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, the Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, and the Media Officer and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Lea Adel Maamary, as a token of love and appreciation.
The painting of Jesus Christ was decorated with the Bible Verse “That Your Eyes may be Open toward this house night and day” (1 Kings 8: 29).
His Grace Bishop Anba Ermia Receives the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs and A Delegation from the Council
Emphasizing the Importance of Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Media Cooperation
Cairo, February 13, 2025
His Grace Bishop Anba Ermia, General Bishop, President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center and Assistant Secretary General of the Egyptian Family House, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, and a delegation from the Council at the Center's headquarters - Cairo.
The meeting was attended by the MECC Honorary Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, and the Media Officer and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at MECC, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs On A Visit to His Eminence Bishop Sami Fawzi Shehata, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Egypt, North Africa and the Horn of Africa
Bishop Shehata Praises the Work of the Council's Departments, Programs and Advanced Media.
Professor Michel Abs: "We always strive for joint Christian work and to enhance dialogue with others."
Cairo, February 12, 2025
Within the framework of enhancing joint Christian work and affirming the role of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in spreading the spirit of love among all, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, along with a delegation from the Council, visited the Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Egypt, North Africa and the Horn of Africa, His Eminence Bishop Sami Fawzi Shehata at the headquarters of the Episcopal Church in Cairo.
The meeting was attended by the MECC Honorary Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, the Secretary General of the Egyptian Council of Churches Father Yachouh Ayoub, and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).
At the beginning, His Eminence Bishop Sami Shehata welcomed the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs and the Council's delegation, stressing that his visit enhances fraternity and cooperation between the Churches.
The Middle East Council of Churches Contributes in Empowering Children in Lebanon
Drama Therapy and Psychological Support
In light of the daily pressures surrounding our societies, children became in dire need of a safe space in which they can feel free to express themselves. Therefore, it has become necessary to develop their abilities and skills and teach them valuable skills which can elevate them to better heights once they reach adulthood. Hence, the Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in cooperation with the international organization Mennonite Central Committee - MCC, launched 10 drama therapy sessions over a period of 3 weeks, for a group of 7 children.
The aim was to empower the participants, build skills for self-expression and self-regulation, which can in turn boost self-confidence, enhance empathy and social skills, reduce stress and anxiety, and foster cognitive development.
The Word Unites Us
Stay Tuned for a Special Episode with Monsignor Abdo Abou Kasm and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel
Watch with us a special episode entitled “The Word Unites Us”, from “The Platform of the Word” at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), with the Director of the Catholic Information Center in Lebanon Monsignor Abdo Abou Kasm, on Thursday 13 Februatry 2025, at 1:45 pm Beirut Time, on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel. He was interviewed by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Director of “The Platform of the Word”, and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at MECC.
The episode focused on the importance of the media in spreading the values of love, fraternity and peace away from the discourse of hatred and injustice, in addition to the role of "The Platform of the Word" in the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and its mission in strengthening the Ecumenical spirit.
A Consultative Seminar Entitled "Dismantling the Authority of Decision"
Held in Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, from January 23 to 24, 2025
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in cooperation with the United Church of Canada, organized a consultative seminar entitled "Dismantling the Authority of Decision or Participation in the Authority of Decision", with the aim of discussing the mechanism of the new partnership relationship between the United Church of Canada and its partners in the world, including its partners in the Middle East, such as the Middle East Council of Churches, in order to give partners more future freedom to choose their humanitarian and development needs and have their direct management to the programs supported by the United Church of Canada.
This initiative comes in response to the new strategic goals of the United Church of Canada on the topic of abandoning the authority of choice and decision that Church institutions in the West have been accustomed to following for many years in the past, which contradicts the spiritual and moral concept of respecting the needs of others without imposing specific goals or strategies that do not achieve the partners' goals and actual needs.
The consultation session was attended by the United Church of Canada partners in the Middle East from Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan, along with some ACT Alliance members present in Jordan and abroad, either in person or via Zoom.
The Culmination of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches at the End of the Week of Unity at the First Armenian Evangelical Church in Beirut
With the blessing and presence of Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family, the UAECNE hosted an Ecumenical Prayer Service on the occasion of the ending of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2025 entitled “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26), in celebration of the conclusion of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as well as the announcement of the launch of the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the First Armenian Evangelical Church - Kantari, Beirut.
The MECC General Secretariat Congratulates Eng. Samer Laham on His Election as A Member of the New Governing Board of the International ACT Alliance
With the completion of the achievements for the year 2024 and preparation for the entitlements in the new year, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, held a general meeting for the MECC General Secretariat team, entitled progress and success in International forums. The meeting was held on the occasion of the election of the MECC candidate Eng. Samer Laham, Director of the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, as a member of the new Governing Board of the International ACT Alliance.
Noting that the elections of the new Governing Board took place at the 4th General Assembly of ACT, which was held in Yogyakarta - Indonesia, under the theme "Hope in Action, Together for Justice," between October 28 and November 1, 2024.
During the MECC General Secretariat meeting, which was held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Council's headquarters in Beirut, the Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs addressed a congratulatory word to Mr. Samer, praising his distinguished competencies and capabilities, thanking him for his efforts and contributions in the Ecclesiastical and humanitarian fields. He also emphasized the credibility of the Middle East Council of Churches internationally and the quality of the humanitarian services it provides with the support of the "ACT Alliance".
The MECC EcoJustice Unit Holds an Environmental Activity and a Christmas Celebration in the Egyptian Desert. Here Are the Details
As part of the "Season of Creation" and Environmental Days Celebrations in the Middle East, the EcoJustice Unit at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) prepared an environmental activity and a Christmas celebration in the Anafora Oasis on the Desert Road in Egypt.
For the occasion, the youth of Egypt, in coordination with the youth of the Coptic Orthodox, Catholic, Evangelical and Episcopal churches, the Ecumenical Youth Committee in Egypt and all other youth, celebrated the fourth day of Christmas and Epiphany on January 10, 2025, which is a great and wonderful Feast. Upon arrival, the youth were hosted with ecological welcome drinks.
Then, the Coordinator of the EcoJustice Unit Archdeacon Garen Yosolkanian, welcomed the active youth who are the pulse of life and the leaders of the present in developing the society and studies. He also welcomed the President of the Egypt Council of Churches Reverend Yeshua Yacoub, the Presidnet of the Ecumenical Youth Committee in Egypt Mr. Medhat Fayez, and all the officials and representatives of the Egyptian youth.
The MECC EcoJustice Unit and the Church Youth Prepares an Environmental Day in Wadi El Natrun - the First Section of the Anafora Oasis
Under the title "Awareness Is One of the Foundations of Education and One of the Pillars of the Church Social Work", the EcoJustice Unit invited the Egyptian Church Youth to an environmental day in Wadi El Natrun in the first section of the Anafora Oasis, which helps a lot of young people to find their devotion in their lives.
In this context, the EcoJustice Unit at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) prepared a lecture on Environmental Theology and a celebration of the beginning of the year in the Eastern Julian tradition with His Eminence Bishop Thomas of Qusiya and Church personalities in Environmental Theology.
At the beginning of the discussion, Archdeacon Garen thanked His Eminence for his attendance at the celebrations of the Season of Creation and his continuous cooperation in the Middle East and the world.
Ending of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2025 at the First Armenian Evangelical Church - Kantari, Beirut
With love and one voice, the fragrance of hymns at the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity wafts through the voices of the Ecumenical choir which included members from different Church Families.
End of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
His Beatitude Patriarch John X Receives the Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs and an MECC Delegation
Stressing: "We are not afraid, and as Christians in the region, we must coordinate and unite together and adhere to our land. The Council is the nucleus of Church, humanitarian and media work."
His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Orthodox family, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, at the head of a delegation including colleagues from the MECC General Secretariat, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Patriarchate in Balamand, Lebanon.
Firstly, His Beatitude received the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs and the accompanying delegation from the General Secretariat team with great love and warmth.
He delivered a speech in which he stressed:”
The importance of the Christian presence in the Middle East and preserving it no matter how severe the storms are because we are not afraid, calling on Christians in the region to remain steadfast and cling to their land despite all the challenges. He stressed that what matters to us as Christians today is achieving human dignity for every human being regardless of his religion or sect."
In the same context, His Beatitude Patriarch John X stressed the need to unify ranks and words, coordinate, unite and work together as Churches and believers from different Church Families. He also praised the role played by the Middle East Council of Churches at the Ecumenical, humanitarian, social, Theological and media levels, noting that this work entrusted to it is essential, especially in the Middle East region. As well as, he reviewed the latest developments in its Theological, relief, development and media programs.
A Special Episode About the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel
What is Its Broadcasting Date and Time?
Watch with us on Télé Lumière and Noursat, a special episode about the "Week of Prayer for Cristian Unity" 2025 and the theme of this year “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 26), with Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family. He was interviewed by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Director of the Platform of the Word, and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at MECC.
The episode, produced by "The Platform of the Word, at MECC, will be broadcasted on Friday 24 January 2025 at 12:30pm Beirut Time.
Monsignor Abdo Abou Kasm Visits the Middle East Council of Churches in Ras Beirut
Strengthening the Media Cooperation with the Catholic Information Center in Lebanon
During his visit to the headquarters of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in Ras Beirut, the Head of the Catholic Information Center in Lebanon, Monsignor Abdo Abou Kasm, met with the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, and the General Secretariat team, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
The visit began with a meeting between Monsignor Abou Kasm and Dr. Abs, where they discussed the most prominent current social and humanitarian issues, in addition to ways of cooperation between the Catholic Information Center and the Middle East Council of Churches, especially on the media level.
Afterwards, an introductory session was held between Monsignor Abou Kasm and colleagues in the MECC General Secretariat, where the Secretary General Dr. Abs welcomed him, thanking him for this valuable visit to the Middle East Council of Churches, and praising the role of the Catholic Information Center in conveying the real media message and working to reduce the news and information that may cause anxiety among public opinion.