Our Lady of Balamand Patriarchal Monastery for the Greek Orthodox and the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology, in Lebanon 

The Media coverage is still ongoing for the extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which was held under the chairmanship of the MECC Presidents, to elect a Secretary General for the Council, on Friday 31 August 2024, at Our Lady of Balamand Patriarchal Monastery for the Greek Orthodox and the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology, in Lebanon.  

The “Season of Creation” 2024 was launched in the world and the Middle East with the theme “To hope and act with Creation” and the symbol of “The firstfruits of hope.” On the occasion, an international Ecumenical celebration, was held online on Sunday 1 September 2024, at the invitation of His Holiness Pope Francis, His Beatitude the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, His Beatitude Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and Head of the Anglican Church, as well as many Heads of Churches and Ecumenical Leaders from around the world, in addition to the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and concerned organizations and institutions.

The celebration, which you can watch on the official “Season of Creation” channel on YouTube, by clicking here, included an Ecumenical Prayer Service and various reflections about the “Season of Creation,” the theme of this year and the meanings it carries.

With the blessing of His Beatitude Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian, Catholicos Patriarch of Cilicia of Armenian Catholics, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Catholic Family, the Armenian Catholic Church continues its preparations for the national celebration it is holding on the occasion of the reception of the incorrupt body of the Servant of God Patriarch Krikor-Bedros XV Aghajanian, in Beirut, on Thursday, September 12, 2024. 

In this context, this report provides a highlight on the life of Patriarch Aghajanian, as well as a special interview with His Beatitude Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian, conducted by the journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Coordinator of the Church and Media relations at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).

Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: August 2024

While Lebanese decision makers tell citizens to return to their homes as the conflict is considered to have been defused, the occupiers are still keen on boosting war rhetoric that aim to endanger region. Nevertheless, tensions have decreased from what was expected a full blown-out regional conflict that would spiral out of control. For the time being, the world awaits what the occupying entity’s war monger has in store for the rest of the region, as evidently, conflict seems the only reason that keeps him in power and away from local and international jurisdiction. For this reason, he turns his attention to the West Bank.

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.

Aleppo, September 5, 202

The Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo His Eminence Bishop Antoine Audo, and Father Farid Boutros, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, and his accompanying delegation, which included the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul, and the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, at the Diocese Headquarters – Aleppo.

The meeting included many topics that concern the Church in today’s world, the most prominent of which were the existential challenge and the dilemma of emigration, strengthening Christian ties amidst challenges, emphasizing that the Church should be the voice of hope and dialogue, as well as the need to strengthen the Ecumenical spirit so that it remains alive, because our witness is one in these lands, so we must to complement each other and do our best to survive.

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.”

Aleppo, September 5, 2024

Amidst great love and hospitality, the Director of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul, and colleagues in the Office, received the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs, and the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, as part of his follow up visit to the MECC Offices in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Following the reception, an introduction was made by the colleagues who presented their experiences with the Council and how they work within the frameworks of their responsibilities.

As well as, a documentary report was presented. It was prepared by the media team at the MECC Office in Aleppo, and centered around the Office’s work for the year 2024. It was highly appreciated by Dr. Michel Abs.

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.

As part of his tour program in the Syrian Arab Republic, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs visited Dr. Georges Jabbour, President of the Arab League for International Law, Founding President of the Syrian League for the United Nations, Former Syrian Presidential Advisor, and Receiver of the Order of Saints Peter and Paul, on Sunday 1 September 2024, at his home in Damascus.

During the meeting, Dr. Abs congratulated Dr. Jabbour on the occasion of honoring him the Order of Saints Peter and Paul. As all as, both attendees discussed many issues related to the Middle East, the security, social and economic conditions and the state of instability it is experiencing, in addition to the possible ways to reduce the difficult social and humanitarian situations that the region is witnessing.

Moreover, Dr. Abs and Dr. Jabbour agreed to hold subsequent and future meetings to discuss matters related the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as well as issues related to the countries and Churches of the Middle East.

As part of following up the works of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and implementing its programs, the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs visits the Syrian Arab Republic, where he will hold a tour during which he will visit various religious, cultural, social and official Leaders.

Dr. Abs will also hold a series of meetings and gatherings to discuss different matters concerning the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and many issues related to the Church and the developments in the region.

In addition, the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs will participate in the “Nour Men Halab” (Lights from Aleppo) activities launched by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta & Dependencies.

Extraordinary Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches

Our Lady of Balamand Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Monastery and St. John of Damascus Theological Seminary, Lebanon

30 August 2024

The Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches held an extraordinary meeting to elect a Secretary General of the Council at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand and St. John of Damascus Theological Seminary in Lebanon, on Friday, August 30, 2024. The meeting was chaired by the Presidents of the Middle East Council of Churches, hosted by His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, President of the Council for the Orthodox Family; His Beatitude Patriarch Raphael Pedros XXI Menassian, Catholicos, Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic House of Cilicia, President of the Council for the Catholic Family; His Eminence Anba Antonios, Metropolitan of the See of Jerusalem and the Near East for the Coptic Orthodox, President of the Council for the Eastern Orthodox Family; and Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Federation of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, President of the Council for the Evangelical Family.

The meeting included both physical and remote participation of the Executive Committee members from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, and Cyprus, representing the Middle Eastern churches that are members of the Council. Also in attendance were the Secretary General of the Council, Dr. Michel Abs, the Associate secretaries-general, and the General Secretariat team, including directors of departments, sections, and administrators.

The meeting commenced with an opening prayer and biblical reflection led by His Beatitude Patriarch John X. The agenda was reviewed, and a detailed report on the work of the Secretary General over the past four years was presented. Subsequently, Dr. Michel Abs was unanimously re-elected as Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches for a second four-year term.

The Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar was the guest of an episode within the program “Al Nour Maana” (“The Light Is with Us”) program broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat, on Wednesday 28 August 2024. The topic centered around the “Season of Creation,” which extends annually between September 1, the Feast of Creation, and October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Ecology.

During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Father Dr. Antoine presented a historical overview about the “Season of Creation,” and talked about its importance, goals and the meanings that it carries, in addition to the theme that was chosen for this year, “To hope and act with Creation”. He also highlighted the work of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) within the framework of the “Season of Creation,” especially since that MECC is a member of the international Ecumenical Steering Committee which is charged of preparing the resources of this Season’s guide.

There is a frantic race in the world between those who strive to protect the environment, willing to sacrifice everything for its sake, and those who, driven by selfishness and armed with ignorance, persist in its destruction to secure interests that prioritize profit above all else.

Environmental advocates have only two human weapons: knowledge and morality. They seek advocacy to amplify their voice and grow their support, but their influence remains limited against their opponents, who are armed with vested interests and their consequences.

The enemies of the environment are relentlessly destroying it, embarking on an irreversible path. If they are aware of their actions, it is a calamity; if they are unaware, the calamity is even greater.