And Celebrates the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” in Egypt 

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Communication and Public Relations Department, have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of March 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. 

Noting that the Middle East Council of Churches will celebrate the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” 2024 in Egypt through a program of celebrations and Prayers that will be held in partnership with the Egyptian Council of Churches, between Wednesday 13 and Friday 22 March 2024. 

Within the “Reflections Sessions” Series in “Ilmolmabdaa” Quarterly Journal

“The Values of the West in their Cognitive and Moral Integration” (Current Evidence)

As part of the “Reflections Sessions” series organized by the “Ilmolmabdaa” quarterly journal, the first seminar was held in cooperation with the “Tahawoulat” (Transformations) Center and the “Delta Center for In-depth Research,” under the title “The Values ​​of the West in Their Cognitive and Moral Incoherence” (Current Evidence), on Friday 23 February 2024, at the journal’s conference room in Beirut. It was held in the presence of intellectual and cultural personalities and interested people in the topic at hand. 

The seminar was moderated and presented by Professor Sarkis Abou Zeid, and included two interventions by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, and the Researcher and Professor of Sociology Professor Talal Atrissi. 

In partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel 

On the occasion of the fiftieth year of its founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV channel, is launching a new TV program entitled “Ecumenicals”, presented by Tony Chedid, which will be broadcasted every Sunday at 9:30 pm Beirut time and 7:30 GMT. 

Organized by ATIME

This video report presents a highlight of the opening session of the gathering of the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, which was organized by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), in addition to excerpts from the speeches delivered during the session. Noting that this gathering was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University – Beirut.

With the rise of the gender-based violence (GBV) rate in the Middle East and the world, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) seeks to reduce this phenomenon through its various humanitarian programs. The MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, implements, throughout the year, awareness sessions on the types of violence and its risks. In this context, the video highlights the importance of these sessions and their goals, emphasizing the necessity of living in dignity and gender equality. 

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs received a delegation from the international organization “Danmission”, an MECC partner, on Thursday 22 February 2024, at the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut. The delegation included Danmission's Regional Director in the Middle East Mrs. Kristen Auken, the Programme Director Mr. Martin Rosenkilde Pedersen, and the Senior Advisor, Sustainable, Just and Equitable Stewardship Mr. Ernst Jürgensen. 

Attendees were also the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Administrative and Project Assistant in the Department Ms. Maria Bzdigian, and Member of the MECC Eco-Justice Committee Deacon Garen Yosolkanian. 

In the new issue of the weekly newsletter Momentum issued by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Communication and Public Relations Department, you can find the message of the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs which is entitled this week “Mother tongue, multilingualism, and knowledge acquisition”, and it is for the occasion of International Mother Language Day which the United Nations has designated on February 21st. Hence, Dr. Abs talked about multilingualism and its importance in the progress of societies.

The issue also presents a news, videos and interviews about the gathering of the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon organized by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It.” It was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University - Beirut.

As well as, the issue includes the invitation of the journal “Ilmolmabdaa”, “Tahawoulat” (Transformations) Center and the Delta Center for In-depth Research, to participate in the first episode entitled “The Values of the West in their Cognitive and Moral Integration” (Current Evidence), within the “Reflection Sessions” series. The episode includes two interventions with Professor Michel Abs, Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and Professor Talal Atrissi, a Researcher and Professor of sociology. The episode is moderated and presented by the Researcher Sarkis Abou Zeid, and the two interventions are followed by an open discussion. The seminar will be held on Friday 23 February 2024, at 3 pm Beirut Time, at the headquarters of the journal “Ilmolmabdaa” - Sami El Solh Street - Badaro - from the side of Tayouneh Roundabout - opposite to Marsaco Company - Nouwaihed Building - sixth floor.

Under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It,” students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon met in a general gathering held by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University - Beirut. During the meeting, the participants stressed the need to meet together and exchange experiences.

Organized by ATIME

This report highlights the importance of Ecumenical dialogue, which students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon emphasize, stressing the necessity of building bridges and devoting love and solidarity. These students met in a gathering organized by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), for the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, on Tuesday 20 February 2024 at La Sagesse University – Beirut.

The United Nations has designated February 21st as International Mother Language Day. It views the preservation of one’s mother tongue as a pathway to prosperity, as it serves as a conduit for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage (https://www.un.org/ar/observances/mother-language-day). The organization is concerned that the increasing disappearance of languages poses a challenge to linguistic diversity, given that 40% of the world’s population does not have access to education in their mother languages. This figure may exceed 90% in some regions of the world.

The international organization also emphasizes the many benefits that accrue to learners when their mother tongue is used in education. These benefits include improved education, self-esteem, and the development of critical thinking. In this respect, the mother tongue is the means of transmitting culture from generation to generation, fostering intergenerational learning and cultural preservation. This implies that this language is the primary means of socialization and sustainable development.

Addressing a significant issue in our modern society, the United Nations Organization has highlighted the problem of multilingual education policies for the year 2024. Under the title “Multilingual Education as One of the Pillars of Intergenerational Teaching and Learning”, it outlines the need for inclusive education and the preservation of indigenous languages. The organization suggests that basic knowledge should be in the learner’s mother tongue, followed by the gradual introduction of other languages. This approach aims to prevent a gap between the learner and his family.

Under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer”, the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) held the annual meeting for students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University - Furn El Chebbak, Beirut.

The Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) held the annual gathering for the students of the Theological Institutes in Lebanon under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It”. It was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University - Furn El Chebbak, Beirut. What did this gathering include and what is its importance? Answers are in this video, which provides an overview about the gathering’ sessions and its Ecumenical goals.

Holds A Gathering for the Students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon :

“The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It”

La Sagesse University - Lebanon

Aiming at bridging distances between Theology students from different Institutes, The Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) organized the annual gathering for the students of Theological in Lebanon under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It.” The meeting was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024 at La Sagesse University - Beirut, and attended by students representing seven Theological Institutes in Lebanon, which are part of the eighteen Institutes of ATIME.

Attendees were Professor Georges Nehme, President of La Sagesse University, Archimandrite Dr. Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology - University of Balamand and President of ATIME, Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, ATIME Executive Secretary, Father Dr. Bassam Nassif, Professor at the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand and ATIME Associate Executive Secretary, Father Dr. Elias Hanna, Dean of the Pontifical School of Theology at the Holy Spirit University – Kaslik, Father Tanios Khalil, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at La Sagesse University, Sister Dr. Yara Matta, Director of the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (ISRR) at the Saint Joseph University in Beirut, and Dr. Georges Sabra, President of the Near East School of Theology (NEST) in Beirut. Participants were also Professors and Fathers from various Theological Institutes and 270 students of Theology in Lebanon.

Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: January 2024

The War in Gaza continues to claim the lives of many while expanding in scope and intensity. As such, the armed conflict has spread to Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and the Red Sea inflicting economic repercussions to the whole region. With consistent escalations on both sides occurring the world is wary of a massive showdown that will put the security of the region in jeopardy. Moreover, humanitarian funding has decreased immensely even though the situation is consistently deteriorating. As such, the socioeconomic repercussions will be felt in the months to come.

On Charity Radio TV

Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was the guest of the journalist Zouhour Abou Mansour, in an episode within the program “Hawana Hawak”, broadcasted on Charity Radio TV, on Monday 19 February 2024.

During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, highlighted the ATIME, its goals and the most prominent programs it implements, especially with students of Theological Institutes in the region. He also talked about the gathering organized by the ATIME for the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, under the title “The Deposit of Faith, So That We May Know What We Have Received and How to Transfer It.” It was held on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University, Furn Al-Chebbak - Beirut.

of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” Program in Lebanon

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6: 31)

In light of all the daily challenges resulting from the living pressures and various crises that are exacerbating in our societies, spiritual and psychological support has become essential to assist all those who have drowned in despair and help them regain their hope to overcome all the difficulties with great faith and deep hope.

Hence, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) implemented a new session of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” program in Lebanon, under the title “Jesus said to them: Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6: 31). It was held over the course of five days, between Sunday 4 and Thursday 8 February 2024, at the Saint Augustin Center - Kafra, Ain Saadeh.

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs met with the Secretary General of the Bible Society in the Gulf Mr. Hrayr Jebejian, on Thursday 15 February 2024, at the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut. Attendees were also the MECC Associate Secretary General Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, and the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar.

During the meeting, the attendees talked about many topics related to the Churches in the Gulf and the activities they implement, in addition to the challenges they face amidst the presence of millions of displaced workers who need care in this region. They also discussed the cooperation between the Middle East Council of Churches and the Gulf Fellowship Churches.

The Phenomenon of Violence Is Still Rampant in Our Societies!

MECC Contributes in Reducing It Through Awareness Sessions in Lebanon

They are practices that threaten life, health, and a violation of human rights, requiring urgent protection for the affected people... With these words, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) presents a definition of one of the most social phenomena that threatens the safety of humanity. It lies in the issue of gender-based violence. However, these phrases are not just words, slogans, and ink on paper, but rather describe a bitter reality that expresses the lack of social justice and sounds the alarm, especially with the high rate of violence around the world and in the Middle East.

What are the reason? In fact, there are countless reasons, and directly related to the daily pressures resulting from the difficult living conditions due to the crises and conflicts that cast their shadows all over the world, especially in the Middle East region, which has always suffered from many social challenges. But what are the solutions? How long will violence remain a weapon for many? Questions we must ask to those involved and concerned!

for the Students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon

On Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel

Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was the guest in an episode within the program “All Nour Maana” (which means “The Lights Is with Us”), broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, on Thursday 15 February 2024, to talk about the annual gathering that ATIME will organize for the students of Theological Institutes in Lebanon, on Tuesday 20 February 2024, at La Sagesse University, Lebanon.

During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Father Dr. Michael presents an introduction about the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), highlighting its mission and the projects it is implementing in the Middle East region. Father Dr. Michael also talks about the goals of the gathering that ATIME will hold for the Theological students in Lebanon and its program.

In the new issue of the weekly newsletter Momentum issued by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Communication and Public Relations Department, you can find the message of the MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs which is entitled this week “Adequate housing and human dignity”. It was the speech that Professor Dr. Abs delivered at the monthly webinar organized by MECC on “Adequate Housing and Human Dignity”, on Thursday 25 January 2024.

The issue also presents the video of the episode in which the Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs was the guest of Father Elias Karam, within the program “I Came to Serve,” on Télé Lumière and Noursat, on Sunday 11 February 2024. During the episode, Professor Dr. Abs highlighted the message of the Middle East Council of Churches, the most prominent programs it is implementing at the various Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media levels, and the program of activities that will be held on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of its Founding. In addition, Dr. Abs spoke about the issue of Christian unity and other related topics.