Following the media coordination made between the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and the Ecumenical Christian media, and within the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding at the New Papal Headquarters in Anba Royce, the Coptic Orthodox Media Center covered the events of the celebration and gave a copy of what was filmed to the Council so it can benefit from this fruitful media materials.

As part of his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt to participate in the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs was the guest of Reverend Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General, in an episode of his program “Kadaya Sakhina” (“Hot Issues”), broadcasted on Al Keraza TV Channel - Egypt.

During the episode, which you can watch in the video, Professor Michel Abs spoke about his re-election for a new term, presenting what he achieved in the Council during the past four years of his term. Professor Abs also spoke about his experiences in the Council and his future aspirations, in addition to the MECC most prominent programs and new projects.

In the same episode, the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary was also the guest to explain in details the establishment of an Ecumenical media network and the launch of a special studio for the MECC in cooperation with Télé Lumière and the Near East School of Theology, with the aim of activating the message of purposeful and constructive media that contributes to building nations and people.

As part of his tour in the Arab Republic of Egypt to participate in the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs was the guest in an episode of “Masa’ El Kher” (“Good Evening”) program, broadcasted on ME Sat - Egypt.

During the episode, which you can watch in the video, Professor Michel Abs spoke about his re-election for a new term, and gave a detailed presentation on what he achieved in the Council during the past four years of his term. Professor Abs also highlighted his various experiences in the Council, as well as his future vision, in addition to the MECC most prominent programs and new projects.

In the same episode, the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media relations the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary was also the guest to present in details the project of the establishment of an Ecumenical media network and the launch of a special studio for the MECC in cooperation with Télé Lumière and the Near East School of Theology, with the aim of activating the message of purposeful and constructive media that contributes to building nations and people.

The “Copts United” website published a news and a video including some excerpts from the speech delivered by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, at the Egypt’s celebration on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding.

You may read the news in Arabic by clicking here, and you may also watch the following video.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) working group is meeting in Athens from 16-18 September. 

The working group was elected at the WCC executive committee meeting in November 2023, upon recommendation from the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe in 2022 that the WCC should consider whether the word “apartheid” is appropriate to describe [Israel] and if the WCC policy on Palestine and Israel is still applicable. 

The working group will deliberate on these matters and give special attention to the current situation in Palestine. The group, led by co-moderators Rev. Dr Susan Durber, WCC President from Europe, and Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, South African Anglican archbishop of Cape Town, will offer recommendations on the way forward to the WCC general secretary, who will then bring those recommendations to the WCC governance structures.

Cairo, September 15, 2024

As part of his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs participated in the Worship Prayer Service held by Reverend Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General for the Evangelical Family, in the Evangelical Church - Rawd El Faraj - Shubra - Egypt, in the presence of the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Mrs. Rania Morris, John Refaat and believers.

The Prayer Service included songs and praises to the Lord, which confirmed through their content that the Lord Christ is the source of our light and joy.

In his Sermon, Reverend Refaat Fikry talked about promoting the virtue of love and devoting the concept of forgiveness, supporting others, and standing by them regardless of the circumstances.

Then, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs talked about the Council: its establishment, goals and programs. He also spoke about his visit to Egypt and his participation in the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding.

His Eminence Bishop Anba Ermia, General Bishop, President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, received and hosted on Saturday evening, September 14, 2024, Professor Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations.

This meeting comes on the occasion of the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which carries within it a rich history of cooperation and growth between Churches in the region.

The meeting was attended by Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh, the MECC Honorary Secretary General, Mr. Bassem Saad, the General Director of the MeSat TV Channel, and Mr. Michael Bahij, the General Coordinator of Church Relations for the Channel in the Middle East.

Words Witnessing the Council’s Achievements

Cairo, September 14, 2024

Two expressions summarized the celebration that was held on the occasion of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) at the New Papal Headquarters in Anba Royce: love and fraternal relations between the Churches.

The celebration was held under the patronage, blessings, and presence of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and in the presence of His Beatitude Patriarch Bishop Anba Ibrahim Ishak, Coptic Catholic Patriarch, Reverend Dr. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt, representatives of various Churches, Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Reverend Yachouh Ayoub, the Secretary General of the Egyptian Council of Churches, Honorary and Associate Secretaries, Fathers Priests and Pastors, Nun Sisters, personalities and invitees.

The celebration began with a Prayer on the intention of the Council and its work.

The Prayer was followed by a speech addressed by the Presenter of the ceremony the Journalist Ibrahim Ezzat, in which he spoke about the importance of the occasion.

Then, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II delivered a speech in which he welcomed the audience and expressed his happiness that the Coptic Orthodox Church is embracing this important event. His Holiness described the Middle East Council of Churches as a planted tree that gives its fruit at the right time, according to what was stated in the First Psalm, praising what the Council has accomplished over fifty years. He mentioned that the Coptic Church, in its liturgical Prayers, asks: “to end the divisions of the Church” and “to reach the unity of Faith.”

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs delivered a speech at the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding held in the New Papal headquarters at Anba Royce, under the title: “The Middle East Council of Churches, Its Journey and Path in Its Fiftieth Year.” He said:“

At the beginning of my speech, I must thank His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, who blessed this initiative and achievement which is under his patronage. This is not the first time that His Holiness has presented his unlimited support for joint Christian work, that is, Ecumenical, and for the Middle East Council of Churches in particular.

I also pray and ask for mercy for the righteous martyrs of the Church, noting that the issue of martyrdom is ongoing, as believers offer their souls as a testimony to the message of the Incarnate One Whose Kingdom will have no end. I say to everyone, Happy Feast of Nayrouz, and extends my congratulations on the Coptic year 1741 of the martyrs.”

Friday, September 13, 2024

As part of his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt to participate in the celebration of the Fiftieth Year of the Founding of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, was the guest of a media interview with Reverend Refaat Fikry, the MECC Associate Secretary General and Journalist at Al Keraza TV Channel - Egypt, within " Kadaya Sakhina" ("Hot Issues") program."

Firstly, Professor Michel Abs talked about his re-election for a new term, stressing that this election is a well-recognized proof in the trust of the Churches in the work of the MECC team, speaking at length about what he achieved in the Council over the past four years of his term.

Professor Abs also spoke in an emotional language about his experiences in the Council and the stages he went through until he assumed the responsibility of the MECC General Secretariat.

Friday, September 13, 2024

Archdeacon Garen Yosolkanian, the Coordinator of the EcoJustice Unit at the Middle East Council of Churches and environmental activist, was the guest of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Coordinator of Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches, in an episode within her program “Moubadarat” (“Initiatives”), on Radio “Voice of Van”, to talk about the “Season of Creation.”

During the interview, which you can watch in the video, Archdeacon Garen shed light on the meanings of this Season, its goals, and the theme chosen for this year, which is “To hope and act with Creation,” in addition to the environmental work of the Middle East Council of Churches in various countries of the region.

This video report, which was broadcasted on Sama Syrian TV Channel, presents an overview about the “Divine Love” evening, which was held within the “Nour Men Halab” (“Light from Aleppo”) week, under the patronage of the Ministries of Culture and Tourism and organized by the Aleppo Endowments Directorate and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta & Dependencies, in the Throne Hall of the Citadel of Aleppo. The report also includes an interview with the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs.

Tomorrow, we head to Cairo to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Middle East Council of Churches in an event filled with love and meaningful content.

The celebration is under the patronage and blessing of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, who has always been a strong supporter and advocate for the MECC. The event has been organized as a symposium by the See of St. Mark, which has consistently provided moral and material support, never wavering in its commitment to the MECC’s activities.

The timing of the celebration coincides with Nowruz, the Coptic New Year, which reflects the deep place the MECC holds in the hearts of Egyptian Christian leaders, particularly His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. His Holiness personally oversaw the planning of the event, providing all logistical and material support to ensure its success.

It is important to acknowledge the contributions of the Honorary Secretary-General and the Associate Secretary-General, who have played their part in making this celebration possible.

Amidst the multiple security, social, economic and environmental crises that Syria is witnessing, the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria seeks to heal the wounds of the neediest and affected people by the difficult living conditions, through accompanying them on various spiritual, psychological, material and moral levels. 

Hence, this video sheds light on the various activities and programs implemented by the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria, under the patronage of the President of the Community Reverend Dr. Haroutune Selimia, in order to sorrow hope in the hearts of many whose lives have become difficult. 

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, was the guest of the Journalist George Makdis in an episode of “Kel Yom Be Yawmo” (“Each Day By Day”) program, broadcasted on Suboro TV. It was filmed within the framework of his visit to the Syrian Arab Republic, at the channel’s studio in Aleppo. 

During the episode, which you can watch in the video, Dr. Abs highlighted his tour in Syria and the various meetings included in the visit’s program. As well as, Dr. Abs also talked about many affairs related the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in addition to the most prominent current issues and challenges. 

This video report, which was broadcasted on the Syrian TV Channel, presents an overview about the “Divine Love” evening, which was held within the “Nour Men Halab” (“Light from Aleppo”) week, under the patronage of the Ministries of Culture and Tourism and organized by the Aleppo Endowments Directorate and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta & Dependencies, in the Throne Hall of the Citadel of Aleppo. The report also includes an interview with the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs.

 The Light Was Lit Again, And A Procession Took Place in the Streets of Aleppo with the Icon of Our Lady of Guidance

The Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs Participates in the Conclusion of the Event and Finishes His Visit to Aleppo

Aleppo, September 6, 2024

“It is more blessed to give than to receive. You have given a lesson in culture and creativity and established a school of light and joy over the course of an entire week. This school will be registered in the records of your giving and love.”

These words summarized the week of “Light from Aleppo,” which lit the light of Aleppo with knowledge, culture, and creativity until it reached a moment of joy with the Mother of Light, the Mother of God. Here, the rebirth of the event began.

Yes, the sun of justice shone in the city of Aleppo with the icon of Our Lady of Guidance from which the faithful people were blessed at the conclusion of the “Light from Aleppo” event. The icon is one of the icons of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Al Jdeideh Neighborhood in Aleppo. It was drawn by the Monk John from the Monastery of Kasropotamo from the Cell of Saint Athanasius, on Mount Athos - Greece, dated 1895 AD.

Aleppo, September 6, 2024

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs continued his official follow up visit to Aleppo, and visited the Head of the Franciscan Fathers Monastery in Aleppo, accompanied by the MECC Coordinator of Church and Media Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, and the Director of the MECC Office in Aleppo Ms. Lamis Makhoul.

They were received by Father Raymond Girgis, the Episcopal Vicar of the Latin Church in Syria, and Father Bahjat Karakach, the Head of the Latin Monastery in Aleppo.

Following the reception, both sides discussed many Ecumenical, relief, social and media issues and the way to confront the challenges according to clear aspirations and strategy.

As well as, both sides discussed the activities and programs being implemented by MECC in general and in Aleppo in particular.