In a greeting of love and appreciation, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, addressed, via video, the participants in the Fourth General Assembly of the “ACT Alliance” international organization, with a word entitled “ACT Alliance, a global symbol of Christian togetherness”.

Noting that the Assembly is being held under the theme "Hope in Action, Together for Justice", between October 28 and November 1, 2024, in the Yogyakarta region - Indonesia.

You may watch and listen to the speech in this video.

"ACT Alliance, a global symbol of Christian unity

Christians, throughout history, lived together, struggled together and experienced martyrdom together. This is to be one!”

Christians, throughout history, lived together, struggled together and experienced martyrdom together. This is to be one!”

During the 4th General Assembly of the “ACT Alliance” International Organization, which is being held under the title "Hope in Action, Together for Justice", between October 28 and November 1, 2024, in the Yogyakarta region - Indonesia, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, addressed the participants in word, via video, entitled "ACT Alliance, a global symbol of Christian togetherness".

Professor Dr. Michel Abs started his word saying “A main characteristic of the Christian faith is community.

Community means living together, sharing feelings, thoughts, vision and resources. Community means to be one in Christ, one in faith and destiny. Christians, throughout history, lived together, struggled together and experienced martyrdom together. This is to be one!”

A monologue to the Almighty through chanting and melody, hoping that it will reach the depths of remorses and hearts, and illuminate the dark souls that have wreaked misery and displacement in the homeland and among its people. 

Within the framework of the ACT Alliance Youth Pre Assembly held from October 26 to 27, 2024, in the Yogyakarta region of Indonesia, an environmental campaign for climate justice was organized to emphasize the need to stand together in order to preserve the Earth and protect our common home.

The campaign was prepared by participants in this pre assembly—representatives of organizations from different countries around the world—including the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). According to its Secretary-General, Professor Dr. Michel Abs, the Council relies on science and technology to defend the environment, to fight those who harm it, and believes that the Creator has handed it to us clean and intact. It is our primary duty to preserve it and hand it over to future generations in the same condition.

Youth Hopes for a Better Future

ACT Alliance International organization held the activities of the second day of its Youth Pre Assembly on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in the Yogyakarta region of Indonesia. This event precedes the ACT Alliance General Assembly, which will be held under the theme "Hope in Action: Together for Justice" from October 28 to November 1, 2024, in the same region.

The Pre Assembly was attended by young men and women from different countries around the world and from international and regional organizations, including the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), represented by the Communication and Media Officer in the Communication and Public Relations Department, Elia Nasrallah.

The second day began with a Morning Prayer and Biblical Meditation by Reverend Sally Azar from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Then, a dialogue session was held with the ACT Alliance Moderator, Mr. Erick Lysen, who spoke about the importance of enhancing the role of youth and activating their presence, highlighting ACT's experience in this topic.

In the presence of ACT Alliance General Secretary, Mr. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, the organization opened its Youth Pre Assembly on Friday, October 26, in the Yogyakarta region of Indonesia, where it will continue until Saturday, October 27, 2024.

The event comes days before the ACT Alliance General Assembly, which will be held under the theme "Hope in Action: Together for Justice" from October 28 to November 1, 2024, in the same region.

A large group of young people from all over the world and from international and regional organizations are participating in the Youth Pre Assembly, including the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). The Council is represented by the Communication and Media Officer at the Communication and Public Relations Department, Elia Nasrallah, who prayed in the first session for the intention of the wounded Middle East to establish peace and achieve truth and justice.

ACT Alliance launched its Youth Pre Assembly today, Friday, October 26, in the Yogyakarta region of Indonesia, where it will continue until Saturday, October 27, 2024.

The event is attended by young people from different countries around the world and international and regional organizations, including the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). The Council's Secretary-General, Professor Dr. Michel, has always emphasized the role of young people, stressing the importance of accompanying them, helping them, and enhancing their knowledge. This aligns with the Council's efforts through its various programs to support young people, develop their skills, and enhance their capabilities.

Guest of the Episode: The MECC Associate Secretary General Fr. Dr. Nicolas Bustros

As part of the activities of the Fiftieth Year of Its Founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, launched a new TV program entitled “Ecumenicals”. The episodes of the program’s first season were presented by Tony Chedid. The guest of the episode sixteen, which you can watch in the video, was the Secretary General of the MECC Associate Secretary General Fr. Dr. Nicolas Bustros.

The program sheds light on the stages that the MECC passed through during half a century, its most prominent Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media programs and projects, in addition to several issues related to Christian unity and Ecumenical work, Christian witness and the role of Christians in the region

Guest of the Episode: The MECC Associate Secretary General Fr. Dr. Nicolas Bustros

As part of the activities of the Fiftieth Year of Its Founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, launched a new TV program entitled “Ecumenicals”. The episodes of the program’s first season were presented by Tony Chedid. The guest of the episode fifteen, which you can watch in the video, was the Secretary General of the MECC Associate Secretary General Fr. Dr. Nicolas Bustros.

The program sheds light on the stages that the MECC passed through during half a century, its most prominent Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media programs and projects, in addition to several issues related to Christian unity and Ecumenical work, Christian witness and the role of Christians in the region

Under the patronage and blessings of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, represented by His Eminence Bishop Hanna Alwan, the Patriarchal Vicar General, a spiritual recital was held under the title “Your Sight On Our Homeland”, during which Mrs. Nelly Bakhos Suleiman, from the Pastoral Office for Persons with Disabilities (POPD) in the Maronite Patriarchate – Bkerke, Lebanon, presented a reflection inspired from the occasion.

The recital was performed by the Journalist and Artist Dalia Freyfer, accompanied by the Musician Mr. Fadi Abi Hachem, on Friday 11 October 2024, in the Church of Christ the King - Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon. Noting that it took place at the invitation and organization of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and the Pastoral Office for Persons with Disabilities (POPD) in the Maronite Patriarchate – Bkerke, Lebanon.

Under the patronage and blessings of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, represented by His Eminence Bishop Hanna Alwan, the Patriarchal Vicar General, a spiritual recital was held under the title “Your Sight On Our Homeland”, during which Father Milad Al Skayem, Head of Mayrouba’s Monastery, and General Spiritual Guide of the Divine Mercy Communities in Lebanon, presented a reflection inspired from the occasion.

The recital was performed by the Journalist and Artist Dalia Freyfer, accompanied by the Musician Mr. Fadi Abi Hachem, on Friday 11 October 2024, in the Church of Christ the King - Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon. Noting that it took place at the invitation and organization of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and the Pastoral Office for Persons with Disabilities (POPD) in the Maronite Patriarchate – Bkerke, Lebanon.

Under the patronage and blessings of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, a spiritual recital was held under the title “Your Sight On Our Homeland”, during which His Eminence Bishop Hanna Alwan, the Patriarchal Vicar General, representing His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Al-Rai, delivered a word for the occasion.

The recital was performed by the Journalist and Artist Dalia Freyfer, accompanied by the Musician Mr. Fadi Abi Hachem, on Friday 11 October 2024, in the Church of Christ the King - Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon. Noting that it took place at the invitation and organization of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and the Pastoral Office for Persons with Disabilities (POPD) in the Maronite Patriarchate – Bkerke, Lebanon.

Guest of the Episode: MECC Associate Secretary General Rev. Rifaat Fikri

As part of the activities of the Fiftieth Year of Its Founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, launched a new TV program entitled “Ecumenicals”. The episodes of the program’s first season were presented by Tony Chedid. The guest of the episode fourteen, which you can watch in the video, was the Secretary General of the MECC Associate Secretary General Rev. Rifaat Fikri.

The program sheds light on the stages that the MECC passed through during half a century, its most prominent Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media programs and projects, in addition to several issues related to Christian unity and Ecumenical work, Christian witness and the role of Christians in the region.

Guest of the Episode: MECC Associate Secretary General Rev. Rifaat Fikri

As part of the activities of the Fiftieth Year of Its Founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, launched a new TV program entitled “Ecumenicals”. The episodes of the program’s first season were presented by Tony Chedid. The guest of the episode thirteen, which you can watch in the video, was the Secretary General of the MECC Associate Secretary General Rev. Rifaat Fikri.

The program sheds light on the stages that the MECC passed through during half a century, its most prominent Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media programs and projects, in addition to several issues related to Christian unity and Ecumenical work, Christian witness and the role of Christians in the region.

Report: 25 October 2024

In the wake of the security incidents that Lebanon is facing as a result of the war raging throughout it, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) hastened to launch a humanitarian campaign with the aim of helping the affected and displaced people in the country to overcome this ordeal and restore their usual lives with dignity. Hence, the Middle East Council of Churches continues its efforts during this emergency period in order to implement its relief and field work in response to the deteriorating humanitarian conditions.

In this context, MECC will be publishing a periodical report under the name of "Rescue Lebanon Update" which will keep you informed about the developments of MECC action as well as the overall situation in a context analysis perspective.

With words from the heart, this short video sheds light on the value of the land of Lebanon, the birthplace of saints and martyrs, and the destiny of this people to confront greed and aggression throughout the ages. 

Guest of the Episode: The MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs

As part of the activities of the Fiftieth Year of Its Founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, launched a new TV program entitled “Ecumenicals”. The episodes of the program’s first season were presented by Tony Chedid. The guest of the episode twelve, which you can watch in the video, was the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs.

The program sheds light on the stages that the MECC passed through during half a century, its most prominent Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media programs and projects, in addition to several issues related to Christian unity and Ecumenical work, Christian witness and the role of Christians in the region.

Guest of the Episode: The MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs

As part of the activities of the Fiftieth Year of Its Founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, launched a new TV program entitled “Ecumenicals”. The episodes of the program’s first season were presented by Tony Chedid. The guest of the eleventh’s episode, which you can watch in the video, was the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs.

The program sheds light on the stages that the MECC passed through during half a century, its most prominent Ecumenical, Theological, humanitarian, relief and media programs and projects, in addition to several issues related to Christian unity and Ecumenical work, Christian witness and the role of Christians in the region.

Pain is an inherent feeling to human existence, born with it, accompanying it throughout life, and ending with it. It is present in all dimensions of our lives, following us like our shadow, and we expect it to appear at any moment, even if it is absent for a while. "Thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you," the Book goes.

We know that somewhere in time, in life, pain soon takes over our existence, seizes control of our destiny, and may change us forever. Physical and psychological pain go hand in hand, interacting together, and may conspire against a person, leading to destruction if one of them overwhelms him.

The causes of pain are many and varied, depending on their source, type, and effects. Pain is mainly caused by wounds—physical or psychological. Medicine has been able to alleviate large parts of physical pain through research and inventions, and psychology has managed to curb the effects of psychological pain, but not to the same degree or with the same success.

Matter and spirit make up a human being. Matter is tangible, and some aspects of it can be controlled. But the spirit, or the soul, is not within human reach to control adequately or appropriately.

Gibran Khalil Gibran was right when he said, "The killer of the body is killed by his act, and the killer of the soul is not known to humans." He was fully aware, with his insightful gaze and fervent spirituality, that psychological pain could be hidden and could cause human devastation without the ability to hold the culprit accountable.

Pain is born of injustice, the antithesis of justice, which seems to have no place in this world. Injustice is inflicted by thought, word, look, whisper, gesture, and all forms of human communication that people have turned into deadly arms, reflecting on the human soul with oppression and dismemberment.

The Middle East Council of Churches, in the person of its Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs, extends its warmest congratulations to His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian, Catholicos of the Armenian Catholic Church of Cilicia, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Catholic Family, after His Holiness Pope Francis appointed him as Member in the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches in the Vatican, where the Patriarchs and Archbishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches are considered an essential part of it.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) also raises its Prayers, asking God to grant His Beatitude Patriarch Minassian health and determination in his Pastoral mission as a father and faithful servant of the Church of Christ, wishing him many years of goodness, blessing and holiness.