His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, presided over a gathering of the Cilician Brotherhood on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, held in the hall of St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya, Lebanon.

During the meeting, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I expressed joy at the Brotherhood’s accomplishments in the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias and across the Dioceses. He particularly commended their loyalty to their responsibilities and the mission of the Holy See of Cilicia.

The closing ceremony of the first annual Orthodox Scout Camp, which was held at the Patriarchal Monastery Saint George Al-Hameira, Syria, from September 19 to 23, 2024, was held with the blessings of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, and in the presence of Their Eminences the Bishops Romanos Al-Hanat, Musa Al-Khasi, Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Archimandrite Paul Ordghlo, Father Bassam Nassif, and Deacon Ephrem Toma. It included lighting a fire according to scouting rules and purposeful segments prepared by the participating brothers. Bishop Romanos Al-Hanat, the Patriarchal Vicar, and Father John Shehadeh, the camp leader, honored some of the brothers for their efforts and dedication to work.

In the hope of future meetings, the scout brothers returned carrying with them spiritual, social, and scouting provisions.

World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep sadness and grave concern over the escalating violence and attacks on Lebanon. “As followers of Christ and stewards of peace, we reaffirm our commitment to justice and the protection of human dignity and lives,” he said. “We unequivocally condemn the use of violence, particularly in civilian areas, which has caused immense suffering, destruction, and the tragic loss of life.”

He called upon all parties involved to cease all forms of violence immediately and prioritize the safety and security of the Lebanese people.

“We urge all leaders—national, regional, and international—to commit to diplomatic solutions, ensuring that peace is given a chance to flourish,” he said, further calling on all parties involved to respect “the sanctity of human life and uphold the dignity and rights of all people, especially the most vulnerable—children, the elderly, and those displaced by the ongoing conflict.”

During his General Audience, His Holiness Pope Francis makes an impassioned appeal against escalation in Lebanon, calling the volatile situation 'unacceptable,' and prays for all who are suffering from war and losing hope.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

His Holiness Pope Francis made a heartfelt appeal against escalation in Lebanon as the war in the Holy Land continues.

Toward the conclusion of his Wednesday General Audience on 25 September 2024, in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father decried the volatile situation.

"I am saddened by the news coming from Lebanon, where in recent days, intense bombings have caused many victims and destruction…"

On September 18, 2024, on the occasion of the Feast of Mor Matta the Hermit, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, celebrated the Holy Qurobo at Mor Matta Monastery, Iraq.

He was assisted by their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Timotheos Moussa Al-Shamani, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mor Matta Monastery, Mor Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul, Kirkuk, Kurdistan and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, in the presence of His Eminence Mor Gregorius Saliba Chamoun, Patriarchal Advisor.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, delivered his weekly Sermon at the Wednesday meeting, on September 18, 2024, from St Mary's Church in Mahamasha, Egypt, affiliated with the East Railway Churches sector, in the presence of a number of Their Eminences Bishops. The Sermon was broadcasted on Christian satellite channels, the official website of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the C.O.C channel of the Church’s Media Center on the Internet.

His Grace Anba Martiros (General Bishop of the churches of the East Railway Sector), delivered a speech of welcome and love to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. The Church choir presented a group of Church hymns and praises. His Holiness Pope Tawadros II then honored the high achieving students in the various educational stages and postgraduate degrees from the congregation of the sector’s Churches.

Before the start of the Sermon, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II thanked His Grace Bishop Martiros, as well as the Church's priests, Deacons and choir, expressing his happiness with his visit to the Church. His Holiness highlighted that it is distinguished by containing the body of Archdeacon Habib Girgis, who had a clear and influential imprint on the contemporary history of the Church, so the Church recognized his sainthood 11 years ago.

On September 17, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, visited St. Thomas Cathedral in Mosul, Iraq. He inspected the renovation of the Cathedral.

Their Eminences: Mor Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul, Kirkuk, Kurdistan and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, were also present.

Over the course of the 16th and 17th of September, the Papal Residence in St Bishoy’s Monastery, Wadi El-Natroun, Egypt, hosted a conference of representatives of Orthodox Churches around the world, after a hiatus of around 34 years since the last meeting in 1990 in the pontificate of the late His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.

During the conference, the participants discussed a number of faith and social issues in the fields of Ecclesiastical care and service under the theme “The love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). The participants sat around a round table and the discussions took place in an atmosphere of love and full cooperation.

Each Church was represented by two members who were from Russia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Jerusalem, Syria, Lebanon, Armenia, Poland, Egypt, Eritrea and Albania.

The conference opened with a welcome speech by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and a loving message from His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew I, read by the delegate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey. The attendees agreed to continue meetings and exchange visits in the coming period, to support the service of the Orthodox Churches and confront the social challenges that affect the Christian family in all forms.

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, is departing for a Pontifical visit to the Eastern Prelacy of the United States, which includes Armenian communities in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and other regions. It’s worth noting that last year, in 2023, the Catholicos visited different communities of the same Diocese.

Prior to his visit to the United States, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I will make a brief stop in Switzerland.

His Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has noted that Easter celebration in 2025 “will not merely be a fortuitous occurrence, but rather the beginning of a unified date for its observance by both Eastern and Western Christianity.”

The Ecumenical Patriarch said that this aspiration is particularly significant in light of the upcoming 1700th anniversary in 2025, marking the convening of the First Ecumenical Synod in Nicaea. 

“Among its pivotal discussions was the matter of establishing a common timeframe for the Easter festivities,” said the Ecumenical Patriarch in a Homily. “We are optimistic, as there is goodwill and willingness on both sides. Because, indeed, it is a scandal to celebrate separately the unique event of the one Resurrection of the One Lord!”

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, paid a Pontifical visit to the Lebanese Armenian village of Ainjar, Lebanon—home to descendants of those who once lived in Mousa Ler, now under Turkish occupation—on Sunday, September 15th, 2024, to partake in a significant triple celebration: the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats), the 85th anniversary of the village’s founding, and the 109th anniversary of the heroic battle of Mousa Ler.

Upon arrival, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I was warmly received by the prelate of Lebanon, the mayor of Ainjar, Church Council representatives, members of the Armenian Embassy in Lebanon, local clergymen, Lebanese Armenian community members, and the faithful. Following the traditional blessing of salt and bread, the procession moved to St. Boghos (Peter) Church, where His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the Divine Liturgy and delivered a pontifical address. The ceremony concluded with the blessing of the madagh (sacrifice).

From the General Secretariat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem

The Procession of the icon of the Theotokos from Gethsemane to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem was held on August 23rd/September 5th, 2024.

At the beginning of this day, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Theotokos’ Tomb, followed by the Procession.

The Hegoumen of the Shrine, His Eminence Metropolitan Joachim of Helenoupolis was carrying the Icon of the Dormition before his chest as the Procession was led by the Nuns, Monks, the Byzantine choir, the Hierodeacons and the Priests, surrounded by a crowd of faithful, under the chanting of the hymns of the Dormition.

The Procession marched in front of the Shrines of Saint Stephen, Saint Anna, Saint Nicodemus, Praetorium, Saint Charalambos and Sayda Naya, with short supplications and special honour at the Christian Quarter.

At the mediation between the Patriarchate and the Christian Way, His Beatitude Patriarch Kyrios Kyrios Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and all Palestine and Jordan, and the other Holy Sepulchre Fathers venerated the Holy Icon when the Procession reached them...

This video report, which was broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, presents a highlight on the shrine that was designed and created in the Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Saint Gregory the Illuminator and Saint Elias the Prophet – Downtown Beirut, in order to place the Incorrupt Body of the Servant of God Catholicos Patriarch Krikor-Bedros XV Aghajanian. This ceremony will take place following an official celebration that will be held at the invitation 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, on Thursday 12 September 2024, in Beirut.

On the evening of Tuesday 10 September 2024, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, prayed the Vespers of the Feast of Nayrouz (Coptic New Year), at the Papal Residence in St. Mark’s Cathedral, Alexandria, Egypt.

Their Eminence the General Bishops supervising the pastoral sectors in Alexandria and Hegumen Abraam Emil (the Deputy General of the Patriarchate in Alexandria) participated in the Prayers. Also present were the wives of the Priests of Alexandria.

After the Vesper Prayers, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II held a meeting with the Priests' wives, during which, he listened to them and answered their questions and suggestions. His Holiness Pope Tawadros then gave a speech, at the beginning of which he congratulated the people of the Coptic Church throughout the See of Mark on the beginning of the Coptic New Year, known as the Feast of Nayrouz, noting that it is celebrated for 16 days and the celebration ends with the Feast of the Cross.

In 2016, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, published “The Armenian Church,” a comprehensive account of the Armenian Orthodox Church that covers its history, structure, theology, rites and rituals. This significant work has been translated into Arabic, French, Persian, Russian, and German. Recently, the Greek translation was released, following a decision by the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church.

His Eminence Bishop Michel Kassarji, Head of the Chaldean Community in Lebanon, presided over the Divine Liturgy, on Sunday 8 September 2024, on the occasion of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, in the Archangel Raphael Cathedral in Baabda, Lebanon, where he was assisted by Monsignor Raphael Trabelsi, the Episcopal Vicar General of the Diocese.

Following the Holy Bible reading, His Eminence Bishop Michel Kassarji delivered a Sermon that shed light on the meanings of the occasion and in which he launched the Jubilee Year on the occasion of the one hundred and fifty years of the Chaldean Presence in Lebanon.

In this context, the video report presents an overview about this Divine Liturgy and excerpts from His Eminence’s Sermon. 

On the occasion of the 150th jubilee of the Chaldean Presence in Lebanon, His Eminence Bishop Michel Kassarji, Head of the Chaldean Community in Lebanon, was the guest of Father Charbel El Khoury, in a special episode of “La Takhaf” (“Don’t Be Afraid”) program on Télé Lumiere and Noursat, which you can watch it in this video.

On September 8, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, celebrated the Holy Qurobo on the occasion of the Feast of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, at St. Mary and St. Jacob of Nisibin Church in Montreal.

During the Qurobo, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II was assisted by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Athanasius Elia Bahi, Patriarchal Vicar of Canada.

Saydnaya, Syria, September 7, 2024

His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, held the Ceremonial Vespers Service for the Nativity of the Mother of God at the Patriarchal Monastery Our Lady of Saydnaya, in the presence of Their Eminence Reverend Bishops: Romanos (Al Hannat), Mousa (Al Khoury), Arsenios (Dahdal) and Mousa (Al Khasi). The Governor of the Damascus Countryside, Ahmed Ibrahim Khalil, Mother Febronia, Abbess of the Monastery, and Reverend Archimandrite Gerasimos Kabbas, Abbot of the Patriarchal Monastery Saint George of Al-Humayra were also present, with a number of Priests, Deacons, Monks and Nuns. Many security, military and religious figures attended the Prayer as well…

Mk 7:31-37

In today’s Gospel passage (Mk 7:31-37), the protagonist is a man who is deaf and mute.

There is a profound symbolism found in an individual afflicted with an incurable disease: If human existence relies on relationships, which are formed only though communication, thus through speech, then we can deduce that this man is half alive. He is unable to listen, nor express himself, he lives in a world of his own, isolated from everyone else.

Every illness was seen as a curse resulting from sin, as there needed to be someone to blame for this perceived flaw or imperfection in creation. It certainly wasn't God, who makes all things well.

This hopeless man is presented with hope despite his inability to see it through his own darkness. His hope comes through certain unnamed figures who facilitate his healing. These people transcend mere resignation and apathy, taking on the responsibility of hoping for those who cannot muster hope themselves. They bring the sick man to Jesus and plead with Him to heal him (Mark 7:32).