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His Eminence Bishop Anba Ermia Receives the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs

Stressing the Importance of Dialogue and Convergence

Cairo, July 14, 2024

Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), concluded his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, with the visit of His Eminence Bishop Anba Ermia, General Bishop, President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center and Assistant Secretary General of the Egyptian Family House. Dr. Abs was accompanied by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator. The visit took place at the Center’s headquarters - Cairo.

During the meeting, Dr. Michel Abs spoke at length about the issue of dialogue which MECC is working on it, through conferences and lectures that are being prepared and presented under the title of shared religious spaces.

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Dr. Michel Abs, the MECC Secretary General, Meets with Reverend Nadi Labib - Cairo

Emphasizing the Importance of the Role of Purposeful Media that Educates Generations

Cairo, July 14, 2024

As part of his visit to Egypt, Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), met with Reverend Nadi Labib, Head of the Media Council of the Evangelical Synod of the Nile and Member of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Executive Committee. Dr. Abs was accompanied by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator. The visit took place at the headquarters of the Evangelical Church - Mokattam - Cairo.

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The Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil and Dr. Michel Abs Visit the Babylon Fortress in the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George - Cairo

Cairo, July 14, 2024

The Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., and Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), continued their pilgrimage to the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Cairo, affiliated to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa for the Greek Orthodox, and visited the Roman Fortress of Babylon.

They were accompanied by the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, the Head of the Monastery, and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator. The visitors had a look at the Fortress, its sections, and content, as well as visited its Churches, the graves of the Patriarchs and of the new holy martyrs, as well as everything it includes.

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Archimandrite Jack Khalil and Dr. Michel Abs Visit the Greek Orthodox Center for Studies and Dialogue in Cairo

The Center Is a Beacon of Interfaith Dialogue and an Embodiment of Common Life

Cairo, July 14, 2024

The Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, Head of the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George affiliated to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator, visited the Greek Orthodox Center for Studies and Dialogue in Cairo, located in the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George.

The delegation had a look at the center, which aims to embody the Church’s Holy message, its love, and openness to our era and its requirements. Hence, Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai confirmed to the MECC media that: “The idea of ​​establishing the Patriarchal Center for Dialogue and Studies for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa came with the aim to have a center for dialogue that is consistent with its extended role through the ages.

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Archimandrite Dean Jack Khalil Presided Over the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Cairo, in the Presence of Dr. Michel Abs, the MECC Secretary General

Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai: “The Theological Institute in Balamand is an unparalleled intellectual and cultural oasis, and MECC has proven its presence and distinction through its humanitarian programs and projects”

Cairo, July 14, 2.24

At the invitation of the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, Head of the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa in Cairo, the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand in Lebanon and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery’s Church.

The Mass was served by students from the Theological Institute of Balamand.

The Mass was attended by Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Arlette Michel, President of the Good Shepherd Greek Orthodox Association in Heliopolis, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator, and believers.

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An Overview About the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Ancient Egypt, Affiliated to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa

Cairo, July 14, 2024

By: The Journalist Lea Adel Maamary

Attention is drawn to the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Ancient Egypt, located in the Babylon region, which took its name after the settlement of Babylonian prisoners who were brought to Egypt by Pharaoh Ramesses I.

This area is located about five kilometers South of Central Cairo, and opposite the Giza Pyramids. Today, it is one of the most densely populated suburbs of Cairo, which includes many Monasteries, places of worship, and cemeteries.

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A Symposium About “Challenges of Theological Education in the Middle East” at the Papal Residence - Cairo

Cairo, July 13, 2024

In our recent era, and amidst the unprecedented developments witnessed in the fields of technology, artificial intelligence, and the digital revolution, which constitutes a new challenge to the educational systems and learning in colleges and institutes in the world, the Deans of the Theological Colleges and Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E., members of the Association, held a symposium at the New Papal Residence in Cairo, presided over by the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Theological Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of A.T.I.M.E. It was hosted and attended by His Eminence Bishop Anba Michael, Bishop of Helwan and Al Masara and Vice Dean of the Seminary Institute - Bishop Anba Royce, delegated by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Secretary General of the Egypt Council of Churches Reverend Yoshua Yacoub, representatives of the Churches in Egypt, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator the journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Professors, and student representatives.

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Dr. Michel Abs Participates in the Pilgrimage Trip for the Deans of the Theological Colleges and Institutes in the Middle East

A Prayer in Front of the Relics of St. Mark the Apostle – Egypt

Cairo, July 13, 2024

Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), participated in the pilgrimage visit made by the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., headed by its President the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Theological Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., the MECC Honorary Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Associate Secretaries General Reverend Refaat Fikri, Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros, and the Deans of the Theological Colleges and Institutes in the Middle East and their representatives, to the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mark in the Abbasiya area in ​​Cairo. Dr. Gergis Saleh presented to the participants an extensive explanation of the history of the Cathedral and its Icons.

Then, they visited the Shrine of St. Mark the Apostle, prayed and were blessed from his relics.

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Two Historical Books from His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to Archimandrite Dean Jack Khalil, Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, and Dr. Michel Abs

Cairo, July 12, 2024

In addition to the work of the General Assembly of the Deans of Theological Colleges and Institutes in the Middle East, Dr. Gergis Saleh, the Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), offered some souvenirs in the name of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, to Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand in Lebanon and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., and Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E.

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The General Assembly of the Deans of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East Begins Its Work with the Participation of the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs

Who Delivered a Speech Entitled “Together from the Sources”

Cairo, July 12, 2024

Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), participated in the General Assembly meeting of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., held at St. Mark’s House – El Shourouk, Cairo.

The General Assembly meeting was presided over by the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, the Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of A.T.I.M.E., in the presence of Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., and the presence of the MECC Honorary Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, and the MECC Associate Secretaries General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry and Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros, as well as the Deans of the Colleges and Theological Institutes in the Middle East and their representatives.

Firstly, the President of A.T.I.M.E., the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Dean Jack Khalil, welcomed the attendees, and spoke about the importance of the meeting and what it will include.

Then, Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), delivered a speech entitled “Together from the Sources,” in which he said:

The Association consists of colleges and theological institutes affiliated with the member churches of the Middle East Council of Churches, means that it is truly ecumenical in depth, in goals, approaches and methods…

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Students Participating in the Second Annual Conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in

the Middle East Concluded this Conference by A Meeting with His Eminence Bishop George Chihan in Cairo

Bishop Shihan: “We must adhere to the sentence, ‘Do not be afraid’”

Dr. Abs: “A.T.M.E. is a strategic element in MECC”

Cairo, July 11, 2024

The workshops of the second annual conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E. ended. It was held at St. Mark's Conference House in the Obour area - Cairo, under the title "We Witness Together."

In a final phase, the students paid a visit to His Eminence Bishop George Chihan, the Most Respected, Head of the Maronite Diocese of Cairo, Egypt and Sudan. The delegation was headed by the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of A.T.I.M.E., and included Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., Reverend Bishoy Helmi, the Associate Executive Secretary, Reverend Dr. Samuel Rosvi, the Associate Executive Secretary, and the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator the journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

In an atmosphere full of love and fraternity, His Eminence and a group of Priest fathers received the students in the Diocese headquarters.

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Students Participating in the Second Annual Conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East Declares to the MECC Media:

“We found in the Conference ‘We Witness Together’ An Opportunity for Meeting, Acquaintance, and True Fraternity”

Cairo, July 11, 2024

The organizers of the workshops of the second annual conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E., held under the title “We Witness Together”, at St. Mark's Conference House - Cairo, organized many pilgrimage visits for the students to Churches and natural landmarks that trace the history of Egypt and its ancient civilization.

The participating students confirmed in a media interview with the Middle East Council of Churches:

“This conference has clear and important implications, as it created an opportunity for acquaintance, meeting, fraternity, and dialogue between students in their various Churches. In fact, the visits and tours that culminated their workshops gave them a new incentive that the love which unites them is the strongest bond. It made them get to know each other more, exchange conversations, and discuss a lot of important issues in the language of true dialogue and great love.”

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Dr. Michel Abs Presents a Lecture entitled “Ecumenical Work and Rapprochement Under the Umbrella of the Middle East Council of Churches” at St. Mark’s Conference House – Cairo

He Addresses the Students and Says: “

Your Role, From Generation to Generation, is to Establish a Change in Thinking Style and Mentality”

Cairo, July 11, 2024

The workshops of the second annual conference of Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E. culminated in a fruitful lecture presented by Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), entitled “Ecumenical Work and Rapprochement Under the Umbrella of the Middle East Council of Churches” at St. Mark’s Conference House in the Obour area - Cairo. The conference is held with the participation of forty students, from many Churches and countries.

Alongside the students, participants in the lecture were the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Theological Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of A.T.I.M.E., Father Dr. Michel Kanbar, Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., Reverend Bishoy Helmi, Associate Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., Reverend Dr. Samuel Rozfi, Co-Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E.

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Video - Interview with Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian During the Activities of the 77th General Assembly of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East 

In celebration of its 100th jubilee, the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE) held its 77th General Assembly under the theme “The Lord’s Prayer,” between 1 and 3 July 1 2024, in Beirut. It was inaugurated with a Celebratory Worship Service, on Sunday 30 June 2024, at the First Armenian Evangelical Church in Beirut. 

In this context, the report video presents a special interview with Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family. 

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We Bear Witness Together: to the Council of Nicaea, Which Brings Us Together as Diverse Churches - and to our Holy Bible

Spiritual Lectures Strengthened the Work of the Second Annual Conference of A.T.M.E. - Cairo

Cairo, July 10, 2024

The second annual conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E., held at St. Mark's Conference House in the Obour area - Cairo, continued its workshops entitled "We Witness Together."

The forty students began their third day with a Prayer according to the ritual of the Greek Orthodox Church.

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Launching of the Second Annual Conference “We Witness Together” of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East at St. Mark’s Conference House - Cairo

Cairo - July 10, 2024

The Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E. launched its second annual student conference at St. Mark's Conference House in the Obour area - Cairo.

The conference was organized and attended by The Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and President of A.T.I.M.E., the Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E. Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, Reverend Bishoy Helmi, the Associate Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E., and Reverend Dr. Samuel Rozfi, the Associate Executive Secretary of A.T.I.M.E.

Attendees and participants were also members of A.T.I.M.E.: Dr. Gergis Saleh, Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Dr. Ishak Ibrahim Ajban Shenouda from the Institute of Coptic Studies, Dr. Michael Edward Abdo Mikhael from the Institute of Care and Education, and forty students from many countries.

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A Nation Under Siege and Destruction

The image shown below appeared as the cover page of the first edition of the report of the King-Crane Commission, which was commissioned during the year 1919 by the US President Woodward Wilson to explore the conditions of the people of the Antiochian Levant, and to find out their opinions and aspirations regarding the fate of their country. The date of the bulletin in which the report appeared bears reference to the end of the year 1922.

The picture portrays masses from one of our cities in the Antiochian Levant, begging for bread, and bears written under it the caption: “Secret Diplomacy Won. It is now collecting, and in the Near East millions are pleading for bread”.

Millions are pleading for bread?

This was in 1922, when needs were limited and demands were modest, but today millions are begging for anything!

Food, medicine, fuel, electricity, water, air, to name but a few!

But millions are also begging for much more: political and military stability, good governance, human rights, human dignity, education, care for the disabled and the elderly, and so on.

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Dr. Michel Abs, the MECC Secretary General, Arrives in Cairo to Participate in the Conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East - A.T.M.E.

Cairo - July 10, 2024

Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), arrived in Cairo to participate in the second annual conference of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East – A.T.I.M.E under the title “We Witness Together.”

He was accompanied on the visit by the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator the journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

They were received at St. Mark's Conference House in the Obour area by the The Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack (Khalil), Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand in Lebanon and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E.

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Video – Under the Patronage of His Eminence Archbishop Christoforos Atallah

The Middle East Council of Churches Inaugurates Its New Office in Jordan

Under the patronage of His Eminence Archbishop Christoforos Atallah, the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan, and President of the Council of Heads of Churches in Jordan, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) inaugurated its new office in the Jordanian capital, Amman, which was offered by His Eminence with the support of the Archdiocese.

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The Middle East Council of Churches Issues the Ecumenical Calendar for July 2024

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

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