In “The Season of Creation”: 

“It is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all Creation through worship, repentance, and commitment together” 

On the occasion of the celebration of the “Season of Creation” 2024, 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, addressed a word via video to the believers in the whole world, in which he spoke about the importance of renewing our relationship with God the Creator and all Creation, stressing the necessity of solidarity, communication, and responding to the cry of creation. 

At the beginning of his word, His Beatitude pointed out that the “Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all Creation through worship, repentance, and commitment together. The “Preparation” stage for Season of Creation this year begun in February.” 

In the “Season of Creation”:

"We have to say STOP somewhere to the damage we are inflicting on purpose to the creation, blinded by our greed and lust for profit"

In celebration of the “Season of Creation” 2024 and given its Ecumenical and environmental importance, a group of Heads of Churches and Ecumenical Leaders from around the world addressed words of hope and faith to the international Ecumenical family. These words, which were published in this year’s season guide, emphasized that caring for our common home is not just an environmentalist or technocratic cause, but a more holistic, integral, human, spiritual vision, as well as a matter of integral ecology. 

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs addressed a word on the occasion which is published in the guide. He condemned all the crises, corruption and greed that creation is exposed to. He pointed out, "We should not disappoint the Creator by spoiling His creation, with which He entrusted us from the dawn of the times and keeps protecting us from ourselves. We have to say STOP somewhere to the damage we are inflicting on purpose to the creation, blinded by our greed and lust for profit.” 

Together We Unite in Prayer and Supplication to God the Creator

The Ecumenical family in the Middle East and the world gathers during an awaited annual Ecumenical and environmental season, which is the “Season of Creation.” It extends between September 1, the Feast of Creation, and October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Ecology. 

In celebration of this season, you can find below the text of the 2024 “Season of Creation” Prayer: 

Triune God, Creator of all,

We praise you for your goodness, visible in all the diversity that you have created, making us a cosmic family living in a common home. Through the Earth you created, we experience love and nourishment, home and protection. 

Who is the Committee Charged with Preparing It? 

The Middle East Council of Churches

The world and the Middle East celebrate the “Season of Creation” between September 1 and October 4 of each year, during which the Ecumenical family unites in Prayer and work for the creation care. For this occasion, every year a special guide for the season is issued including all the details and information about the season and the theme of the year, in addition to Prayers and suggestions for participating in the celebrations... Noting that the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) translate each year this guide, which is available in different languages, into Arabic. 

In this context, it is worth noting that the resources for the “Season of Creation” guide are being prepared by an Ecumenical Steering Committee which is comprised of the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, Laudato Si’ Movement, Anglican Communion Environmental Network, the Lausanne World Evangelical Alliance Creation Care Network, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches, the European Christian Environmental Network, ACT Alliance, A Rocha International, World Methodist Council, and Christian Aid.  

What Are the Meanings of the Season’s Theme for This Year?

The Middle East Council of Churches 

In preparation for celebrating the “Season of Creation” around the world between September 1 and October 4 of each year, the Ecumenical Steering Committee for the Season proposes each year a theme for this Ecumenical and environmental station. This year, the committee chose the theme “To hope and act with Creation” and the symbol is “The firstfruits of hope”, inspired by the Epistle to the Romans 8: 19-25. So. what are the meanings of this theme? 

Together We Unite in Prayer and Work to Protect Our Common Home! 

The Middle East Council of Churches 

The Ecumenical family around the world is preparing for an environmental Ecumenical season, a season that holds a lot of hope for glorifying, praising and thanking God the Creator for all His blessings and gifts. It is the “Season of Creation,” a station that extends annually between September 1, the Feast of Creation, and October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Ecology. 

The Season of Creation is an Ecumenical celebration for praying and responding together to the cry of creation. Hence, its calls on us to renew our relationship with the Creator and creation by learning and working, through studying the Holy Bible and delving deeper into the Teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as through commitment to the environmental issue and making efforts to protect our common home, Oikos of God. 

“To hope and act with Creation”

Under the theme “To hope and act with Creation” and the symbol of “The firstfruits of hope” based on the Epistle to the Romans 8: 19-25, the Ecumenical family in the Middle East and the world unites to celebrate the “Season of Creation” 2024. An Ecumenical, Christian and environmental season that begins every year on 1 September, with the Feast of Creation, and ends on October 4, with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of ecology.

In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) issues the guide for the “Season of Creation” 2024 in Arabic after finishing its translation, as is customary annually. It includes all the details and information about the season and the slogan of this year, in addition to Prayers and suggestions for participating in the celebrations... Hence, you can find below the guide in Arabic, as well as in English.

It Declares Qattine Azar as the Largest Cave in Lebanon and the Eastern countries

MECC Participates in the Celebration

The Lebanese Association for Speleology (ALES) held a celebratory gathering to launch its new publication, SpéléOrient Hors-Série, and to announce the Qattine Azar cave in Aintoura El Matn, the largest cave in Lebanon and the Eastern countries. It was held on Friday 7 June 2024, at Salle Montaigne in the French Cultural Center - Beirut.

The celebration was attended by members of the Association, political, social, and cultural figures, as well as university Professors and students, caving enthusiasts, and representatives of many associations and organizations, including the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), on behalf of which the media and communication officer Elia Nasrallah participated. Noting that MECC seeks, through its various programs, to follow up on the environmental issue at various levels in order to work towards preserving and protecting God’s creation.

Following the Lebanese national anthem, the mistress of the celebration, Mrs. Helene Rechmani Maasry, delivered a speech in which she welcomed the audience, stressing the importance of the occasion as well as the importance of the cave in terms of depth, size, length and breadth.

A New Environmental Activity in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all” (Psalm 104: 24)… The Lord created the earth and everything in it, the mountains, plateaus, seas, and all the creation in which we live in and with it. He has entrusted us with a great and important responsibility towards it.

Hence, and stemming from its belief that we are part of all that God has made, and our wellbeing is interwoven with the wellbeing of the Earth, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) is keen to continue its environmental activity in various countries of the region, emphasizing the necessity of working and praying together in order to protect our common home.

In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Theological and Ecumenical Relations Department, EcoJustice Unit, in cooperation with the Danmission organization and the Society of Jesuit Fathers, were able to establish a fourth Miron Orchard in the Middle East, specifically in the Taalabaya region at the Lebanese’s Bekaa Valley. The aim was encouraging agriculture and raising awareness about the importance of taking care of the land.

Together for a Cleaner and Safer Environment!

Environment, justice, climate, reducing environmental injustice... are all issues that the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) is keen to raise awareness about, stemming from its belief in the importance of preserving the creation that God has entrusted us with and protecting our common home. Therefore, within the series of “Environmental Days” that MECC had previously launched, the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department, EcoJustice Unit, continues its environmental work in various countries of the Middle East, emphasizing the need to join hands and pray together for a safer and more prosperous future.

In this context, MECC implemented several environmental activities in Egypt, including awareness campaigns on environmental justice, which were held by the Archdeacon Garen Yosolkanian, Manager of the MECC EcoJustice Unit. This is in addition to ecotheological think-meeting held by Yosolkanian with many groups, associations, Theological centers, and interested people with the aim of empowering Church leaders, servants, and educational workers and developing their environmental capabilities.

“To Hope And Act With Creation”

Stemming from its belief in the importance of the creation care during all the year, the international Laudato Si’ movement announced, at the beginning of this month, February, the theme of this year’s “Season of Creation,” which is "To hope and act with Creation". It is an encouragement to Christians all over the world to prepare for this international Ecumenical and environmental season that is celebrated between 1 September, the Feast of Creation, and 4 October which coincides with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.

The symbol of this year’ “Season of Creation” is "The firstfruits of hope," inspired by the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans (8: 19-25). It emphasizes the importance of clinging to hope despite all the challenges that surround us, especially the environmental ones, and the necessity of working together to protect our common home and responding to the cry of creation.

Within the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium

Between the environment and Theology, researchers and specialists gathered at the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium organized by The Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME). Its sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon, following an Ecumenical Prayer Service for the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.

During the Symposium, speakers and participants explained that the issue of creation is at the core of our faith. They also stressed the importance of the Church’s role in reducing injustice to the environment. Hence, you will find, in the video, some opinions and aspirations from the Symposium’s participants.

Details about the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Symposium’s first day

Details of the Symposium’ second day

The “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium, organized by the Middle East Council of Churches in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was an important opportunity to shed light on the role of the Church towards the environment, based on the environmental Theology and our Christian faith. This is what the Symposium’s participants focused on. Thus, you can find some of their opinions and experiences in the video.

Noting that the Symposium’s sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon, following an Ecumenical Prayer Service for the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.

Details about the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Symposium’s first day

Details of the Symposium’ second day

And the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium

On Télé Lumière and Noursat

On the occasion of the “Season of Creation” 2023 ending, the Middle East Council of Churches organized an Ecumenical Prayer Service under the title “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, on Wednesday 4 October 2023, hosted by the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) – Lebanon, with the participation of Church Leaders from various Ecclesiastical Families.

Stemming from its belief in the importance of preserving God’s creation, working to protect our common home, and enhancing environmental Theological awareness, the Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), organized a Symposium entitled “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”. Its sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.

The video presents a report broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat, which includes a highlight of the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Opening of the Symposium. The report was prepared by the journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

Organized by MECC in Cooperation with ATIME

Environmental Lectures Combining Theology and Science

For the second day in a row, the symposium “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”, continued its sessions at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut, at the invitation and organization of the Middle East Council of Churches in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME). It was held in the presence of their Eminences Bishops and Priests, Nuns and Monks, the President of the Saint Joseph University in Beirut Father Professor Salim Daccache, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Professor Michel Abs, alongside Deans, Professors and students from different Institutes of Theology, as well as specialists in the topic of environment and climate, and attendees concerned with the issue of climate and social justice.

The first part of the second day began with a speech delivered by Father Professor Salim Daccache, President of the Saint Joseph University in Beirut, in which he said “Your initiative is truly appreciated amidst the environmental problems that are threatening our world and the countries of our region. You have made a lot of efforts to organize this symposium. I am certain that the solidarity and cooperation of the Middle East Council of Churches and ATIME has led to this achievement that we witness today, which encourage the Church to prepare a policy of initiatives that concern the environment. The environmental issue is not marginal, but rather a responsibility to protect nature and creation."

With an Ecumenical Prayer Service at USEK - Lebanon

The Council Inaugurates in Cooperation with ATIME

The Symposium “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) concluded the “Season of Creation” for this year with an Ecumenical Prayer Service under the title “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, on Wednesday 4 October 2023, hosted by the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon.

“Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”

Organized by MECC and ATIME

Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was the guest of the journalist Roula Zeidan, in an episode of the morning show “Al Nour Maana” (the Light is with Us), on Télé Lumière and Noursat, on Thursday 21 September 2023, which you can watch it in the video.

During the episode, Father Dr. Kanbar highlighted the Symposium which is being organized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), under the title “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”. It will be held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at 5:30 pm Beirut time, in the Pope John Paul II Amphitheater at the Holy Spirit University – Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, starting 9 am Beirut time until 5:30 pm Beirut time, at the François Bassil Amphitheater in the Saint Joseph University (USJ) – Beirut.

The Middle East Council of Churches Holds an Ecumenical Prayer Service on the Occasion of the “Season of Creation”

With the Participation of Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian

MECC Organizes in Cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME)

A Conference Entitled “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”

4-5 October 2023

Let Us Participate Together in These Environmental and Theological Activities!

On the occasion of the “Season of Creation” celebrations in the Middle East and the world, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) culminates this season in an Ecumenical Prayer Service, with the participation of Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and MECC President for the Evangelical Family. The Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, which marks the “Season of Creation” closing, at 5 pm Beirut time, in the Pope John Paul II Amphitheater at the Holy Spirit University – Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon.

The Middle East Council of Churches invites you to participate in the Prayer Service, at the Holy Spirit University - Kaslik, stressing on the slogan of this year’ “Season of Creation”, “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, asking God the Creator to open our hearts to receive the living waters of God’s justice and peace, and to share it with our suffering brothers and sisters, all creatures around us, and all creation. Noting that this Prayer, which MECC will hold annually, will be broadcasted through media and live on the MECC Facebook Page.

The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Participates in an International Conference on Climate Change

In preparation for the COP28 Conference of the Parties on Climate Change, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs participated in a conference entitled “Migration and Adaption in the Context of Climate Change: A Pragmatic Approach Towards Removing Barriers and Enhancing Opportunities”. It was jointly organized by the United Nations Network on Migration and the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), on Thursday 7 September 2023, with the participation of speakers from various fields and with the presence of international specialists and interested attendees in the topic at hand.

The conference centered around the issue of migration in the context of climate change, during which the participants discussed the potential adaptive capacity of migration in the context of climate change, that has become an important issue that the world is sounding the alarm about. Participants also discussed how migrants face the dangers of climate change, in addition to finding ways to help them contribute in reducing this climate crisis.

They Pledge to Strengthen the Environmental Work in the Bekaa Valley

The Ecumenical family in the Middle East and the world unites in an environmental Christian season which is the “Season of Creation,” that starts, as every year, on September 1, and ends on October 4, aiming at praying and working together to protect God’s creation and our common home. Based on the theme of this year’s season which is “Let Justice and Peace Flow” and its symbol “A Mighty River,” the world celebrates God’s creation through a series of various events and activities that enhance spiritual and environmental awareness.

Since the Middle East Council of Churches launched this season in the region, Churches, Christian, Ecumenical and youth groups in the Middle East are implementing several initiatives to celebrate the season and glorify God the Creator. In Lebanon, specifically in the Bekaa Valley, which is considered a place of resources for the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf, the youth of the Ebleh Church organized an environmental activity through which it established the first Church youth group concerned with environmental issues. The group decided to develop the environmental work in the Bekaa Valley, and took the name of “Our Lady of Ebleh Youth.”