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Under the slogan "The Word Became Flesh," and on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV station, launched a new Media Production Center titled "The Platform of the Word." The official ceremony was held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the platform's headquarters in the offices of the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches in Beirut, in the presence of Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs.
Participants in the celebration included:
Dr. Marie-Thérèse Kreidy, Director of Programs at Télé Lumière and Noursat, representing the station
Ms. Marutzella Abboud, representing the Near East School of Theology (NEST)
Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Responsible of the Platform and Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Council
Dr. Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of the Social Capital Rehabilitation Project at the Council
The team of the General Secretariat from various departments...
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Under the theme: "The Word Became Flesh", and on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of its founding, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, launches the Media Production Center “The Platform of the Word", as an Ecumenical media message from the Middle East to the World.
Watch with us this video, which presents an overview about the the center based on the words of the MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs.
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The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and Télé Lumière - Noursat launched a New Media Ccenter entitled “The Platform of the Word,” in an official ceremony held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Center’s headquarters in the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut.
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You may find the full video of the opening of the Media Production Center “The Platform of the Word,” which was launched by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel, in an official ceremony held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Platform’s headquarters in the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut.
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The Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Responsible of “The Platform of the Word” and Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), was the guest of “On Time” program, to talk about “The Platform of the Word,” the new Media Production Center launched by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel.
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A documentary that sheds light on the presence and mission of the Chaldean Church in Lebanon, on the occasion of the 150th jubilee of its founding in the Land of the Cedars.
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During the opening of the Télé Lumière and Noursat office in the North of Lebanon, and the assignment of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), to manage the office, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Professor Dr. Michel Abs delivered a speech entitled “Noursat: The Good Word in the Face of Violence and Barbarism”.
You may watch and listen to the speech in this video.
You may also read the text of the speech by clicking here.
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Professor Dr. Michel Abs
Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
As modern society becomes increasingly violent, and daily life resembles a jungle where predators clash, the need for those who sow seeds of love and harmony among people grows greater. They remind us that those who share society with us are our brothers in humanity, and any harm that befalls them will ultimately affect us as well.
Recently, negative feelings and rhetoric of all kinds have escalated: fanaticism, religious, ethnic, racial, and political extremism, and hate speech. This extends even to social tendencies and lifestyle choices, where we have witnessed the emergence of turbulent lifestyles that can at least be described as pathological. Unfortunately, these have proven to go viral, spreading rapidly in a society that has lost its restraints.
In this gloomy atmosphere and existential uncertainty, humanity—especially in our afflicted region—needs a light to lead it out of the darkness it has become accustomed to, considering it a fait accompli, and which our people have come to regard as the natural state of affairs.
In this context, Noursat is considered a milestone in the history of sound and peaceful media, concerned with preserving the Christian faith and spreading its principles and values as guidance for people from all denominations...
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Because the Word is stronger than wars, and because love is stronger than hostility, Télé Lumière-Noursat has opened an office in the North, specifically in the Al-Zahiriyah area of Tripoli, to be the resounding voice of truth and to build bridges of love and connection amidst crises and wars.
Participants in the inauguration included:
His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif, Maronite Archbishop of Tripoli
His Eminence Bishop Edouard Georges Daher, Metropolitan of Tripoli, Koura, and all the North for the Melkite Greek Catholics
His Eminence Bishop Ephraim Kyriakos, Metropolitan of Tripoli, Koura, and their dependencies for the Greek Orthodox, represented by Reverend Father Ibrahim Sarouji
His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios Mansour, Shepherd of the Archdiocese of Akkar and its Dependencies for the Greek Orthodox, represented by Reverend Father Gabriel Yakoumi
His Eminence the Mufti of Tripoli and the North, Sheikh Mohammed Tarek Imam, represented by Mr. Mohammed Hassoun
His Eminence Sheikh Ali Kaddour, President of the Alawite Islamic Council, represented by His Eminence Sheikh Mohammed Abdul Karim, Member of the Sharia Committee in the Alawite Islamic Council
Reverend Dr. Hadi Ghantous, President of the Evangelical Church in the North
Father Quirico Calella, Head of the Franciscan Fathers' Monastery in Al-Mina, Tripoli
Father Krikor Yaghiaian, Representative of His Eminence Bishop Shahe Panossian in the North
Esteemed Professor Michel Abs, Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Director of the Télé Lumière-Noursat Office in the North
Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of the Social Capital Rehabilitation Project at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
Father Jean Moura, General Chaplain of Prisons in Lebanon, represented by Journalist Joseph Mahfoud, Head of the Central Media Committee in Lebanon
Mr. Amin Kamil Brer, Coordinator of Tripoli and the North at the Association of the Security and Religion Council
Ms. Nancy Najjar from the Antiochian Orthodox Media Center
A group of Priests, Pastors, dignitaries, and media professionals were also in attendance...
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Stemming from the importance of the media in advocacy, awareness, and promoting human values, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) is launching a new phase for its media work, seeking to be a crying voice in the wilderness and a source of hope amidst all difficulties.
After months of preparations, the MECC regional media team held, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, a coordination meeting in the presence of the MECC Secretary General, Professor Dr. Michel Abs, and Father Rifaat Bader, the Head of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media, Publisher of Abouna Website, and Media Consultant on behalf of the MECC Executive Committee, who participated online from Amman.
Participants were also colleagues in Lebanon’s office who participated in person from the MECC Headquarters in Beirut, and colleagues in Syria’s office who participated online via Zoom. They exchanged ideas and opinions in order to develop the mechanism of work among them and launch an updated work plan for the coming period using the advanced technologies and new equipment.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Throughout the ages, the Lebanese have become attached to the Virgin Mary, and have taken her as their intercessor and protector.
In all circumstances, they seek help for their salvation and survival.
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Oh spring of love, a song that was born in the most difficult circumstances that Lebanon faced during the crisis between 1975-1990, and entered into the core of memory, and continued to call upon Jesus in every difficult period that passed through Lebanon.
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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.
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Words carefully selected by the poet Saeed Akl, and embellished with a melody by Father Mansour Labaki, to become a hymn that brings minds and hearts closer to the glory of heaven, and for decades it has been recited on every lip and tongue.
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The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of November 2024. It includes the Ecclesiastical and Liturgical Feasts of the various Families of Churches in the Middle East. In addition to international days identified by the United Nations, and which are related to the MECC identity and its spiritual and human mission.
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MECC Rescue Lebanon Update
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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.
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Ecclesiastical Feasts and International Days
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A series of historic events shook the Middle East during September sparking fears if an imminent large regional war. Things started with the declaration of the occupying entity of shifting the focus of the war from Gaza to South Lebanon. Consequently, targeted assassinations and terror attacks follow suit in Lebanon. As the prospects for peace are dwindling by the day, a large humanitarian catastrophe is only in its beginning. Unless tempers are winded down and triggers are stopped from being pulled, we are heading into a major catastrophe.
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Secretary General Message
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Professor Dr. Michel Abs,
Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
Opening of "The Platform of the Word" Beirut, 07.11.2024
We meet today for a first gathering at "The Platform of the Word," colleagues and partners in ecumenical work, to celebrate the opening of the platform—a project equipped by Noursat for the Middle East Council of Churches—to advance ecumenical media in the Middle East and worldwide.
It was a blessed moment when Télé Lumière, through the tireless efforts of a struggling ecumenical media professional—our colleague in the Council and a veteran in Télé Lumière—decided to provide the oldest institution in ecumenical work in the region with modern and advanced means to spread the salvific message.
This initiative comes in the fiftieth year since the establishment of the Middle East Council of Churches in 1974, and in the ninety-fifth year since the establishment of the Near East Christian Council in 1929, the foundational nucleus of our Council.
However, this initiative, in addition to the efforts to achieve it by those concerned, did not come from a vacuum. There is a strong bond between Noursat and the Middle East Council of Churches due to decades of interaction, as well as the shared goal of common Christian work—that is, ecumenism.
An astute observer of the work of these two institutions might ask why they are not a single institution, not only because of their goals but also due to the homogeneity in approach and methodology. In this platform, the two institutions have become one in working to raise the lamp high in the dome of the sky, to illuminate the path for humanity.
From its beginnings, the Christian mission has been based on communication through the media available at that time. The pinnacle of this communication was the Lord's Sermon on the Mount, where He challenged all the outdated and worn customs and concepts prevailing in that era, replacing them with the teachings of the New Covenant. This New Covenant drew the paths of human civilization based on love—that love which never fails and which, after more than two millennia, humanity has found no alternative to.
Communication accompanied all the works of the apostles, as the Incarnate One instructed them to go and preach to all nations and baptize them in the name of the Holy Trinity...
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Weekly Prayer
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Following the devastating earthquake that struck the North of the Antiochian Levant, let us join hands and support the MECC appeal in order to bring back hope and joy to the hearts of the needy and heart broken people in Syria.
For donation, you can click on the following link: https://donate.mecc.org/project/rescue-syria-campaign.
For more information about the MECC relief work in Syria and the humanitarian circumstances in the country, you can visit the following link: https://www.mecc.org/syr-ar.
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Speech of the MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs at the Opening of the Télé Lumière and Noursat Office in the North of Lebanon
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Full Video of the Opening of the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches, in Partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat
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The Platform of the Word
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Launching of the Media Production Center, The Platform of the Word
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The Journalist Lea Adel Maamary Talks About the Platform of the Word
On Mariam TV
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Opening of the Media Production Center "The Platform of the Word"
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A Documentary About the Chaldean Diocese of Beirut
"Between Yesterday and Today"
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Speech of His Eminence Bishop Hanna Alwan at the Recital “Your Sight On Our Homeland”
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Speech of the MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs at the Recital “Your Sight On Our Homeland”
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Speech of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary
At the Recital "Your Sight On Our Homeland"
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Reflection of Father Milad Al Skayem at the Recital “Your Sight On Our Homeland”
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Reflection of Mrs. Nelly Bakhos Suleiman at the Recital “Your Sight On Our Homeland”
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The Recital “Your Sight On Our Homeland”: An Oasis of Prayer on the Intention of Lebanon
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A Space of Hope and Peace at the Recital “Your Sight On Our Homeland”
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A Musical Overview About the Spiritual Recital “Your Sight On Our Homeland”
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Your land, O Lord
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Oh Mary, we are your children
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Oh spring of love
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Give us, Lord
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Meditation: Oh Lord
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The Council of Nicaea in the Thoughts of Bishop Anba Youannis
A Lecture by the MECC Honorary Secretary General Dr. Gergis Saleh
Within the Annual conference, “The Council of Nicaea... Biblically, Historically, Politically, and Legally”
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A Special Episode Entitled “The Massabki Brothers: Martyrdom and Holiness”, on Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel
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Who are the News Saints, Massabki Brothers?
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Rehabilitation Works Restore Hope to Many Schools in Hama Governorate
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Reflection: Lebanon Is in Turmoil
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Light Shining Out of Darkness
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Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs Talks About the MECC Statement Following the Incidents in Lebanon
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An Interview with Dr. Michel Abs On Suboro TV as Part of His Tour in the Syrian Arab Republic
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Dr. Michel Abs Unanimously Re-elected as MECC Secretary General for A Second Term of Four Years
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Spotlight On the Statement Issued by the Extraordinary Meeting of the MECC Executive Committee
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His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
It is extremely difficult to express and assess in a few sentences the social, political and religious situation we have been experiencing for the past year. The fact is that we are living through one of the most problematic periods in modern history. This conflict is military in nature, and we are witnessing the consequences of what happened on 7 October and what is also happening in Gaza and the West Bank.
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On Tuesday, October 23 / November 5, 2024, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of jerusalem celebrated the feast of Saint James the Brother of God. On this feast, the whole Church, especially that of Jerusalem, remembers that Saint James was the son of Joseph, born of a woman Joseph had married before he was betrothed to the Theotokos. That is why James was also called her son and brother of the Lord and son of Joseph (Matthew 13:55). He was also called “the Just” because of his extreme honesty and justice.
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Mark 12:38-44
We saw two Sundays ago that Jesus' last miracle before entering Jerusalem and experiencing the Passion was that of healing a blind man, Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46-52). And this is because the disciple is the one who sees: he sees God at work in history and recognizes it by his unique and unmistakable style, which is the style of Easter...
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On Sunday, November 3, 2024, the parish of Reneh celebrated the 60th anniversary of the church's inauguration with a thanksgiving Mass led by His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Concelebrating were Msgr. Rafiq Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar of Galilee, Fr. Ibrahim Shomali, the parish priest, as well as several priests and religious sisters.
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On the occasion of COP29 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku (Azerbaijan) – November 2024 – We, the three spiritual leaders, express once more our frustration and concern regarding Azerbaijan’s war, blockade (2020-2023) and forced evacuation of 120.000 Armenians from their historical homeland; the planned destruction of Armenian religious and historical monuments and the illegal imprisonment of political leaders.
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We publish below the message of condolences of 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, to their Eminences the Metropolitans, clergy and faithful of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christian Church in India, upon the passing away of His Beatitude Mor Baselios Thomas I, Catholicos of Indian Syrian Orthodox Church.
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Damascus, October 31, 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, received a phone call from His Beatitude Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, New Rome and the Ecumenical Patriarch.
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On October 29, 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, inaugurated the seminar titled: “Harnessing clean energy for a sustainable future”, held at Beirut Hall in Golden Mazzeh Hotel.
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Mk 12: 28b-34
Last Sunday we saw that for Jesus, loving a person means stopping before him and for him - Jesus is in Jericho and on his way to Jerusalem to give his life.
But on this journey, giving life means for Jesus that he stops and takes the pain of this person to heart, that of Bartimaeus, who cries out and turns to him in order to be able to see again. Jesus stops, meets him and heals him.
So loving also means stopping and listening, taking the pain to heart...
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His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, places an utmost emphasis on enhancing the educational sector within Armenian communities globally. This imperative was underscored during his visits to the United States.
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On Wednesday, October 23rd, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches. visited the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School, where he was warmly received by the principal, administration, faculty, and student body.
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On Monday, October 15/28, 2024, a doxology was held in the Catholicon Church of the Holy Sepulchre, for God’s help in liberating our nation from the German and Italian Occupation of the Second World War and as a tribute towards the fighting heroes of our Nation and a prayer for the repose of souls of all the victims of this ordeal.
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By Antonella Palermo
His Beatitude Ibrahim Isaac Sedrak, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Catholic Copts and President of the Assembly of Patriarchs and Bishops of Egypt, on Saturday the 26 of October 2024 evening expressed thanks for a prophetic labour that, while reaching a conclusion here, he said, is also a beginning in our daily lives.
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At the concluding Mass of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, His Holiness Pope Francis encourages us to be like Bartimaeus in today's Gospel and "entrust our blindness to the Lord" in order to be "a missionary Church that walks with her Lord through the streets of the world."
By Thaddeus Jones
Marking the conclusion of the XVIth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis presided over the Synod's closing Mass on Sunday, 27 October, in Saint Peter's Basilica.
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In his final address at the Synod Assembly, His holiness Pope Francis presents the Synod's Final Document as a "threefold gift."
By Linda Bordoni
Addressing the Synod Assembly on Saturday evening, His Holiness Pope Francis highlighted how the Final Document, written over the course of the 2nd Session of the Synod on Sinodality that began on 2 October following a process of listening and dialogue, is the fruit of over three years of listening to the People of God.
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On Saturday, October 13/26, 2024, The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate celebrated the feast of the repatriation of the holy relic of our Holy Father, Savva the Sanctified.
On this feast, the Church of Jerusalem commemorates that after the lifting of anathemas between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, the meeting of the Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras with Pope John Paul VI in the Holy Land, and the beginning of the Theological Dialogue between the Churches, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem asked the Roman Catholic Church for the relic of Saint Savva, which the Crusaders had taken to Venice. It was given back to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and returned to Jerusalem on November 13th/26th 1965.
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On Saturday, October 26th, 2024, His Beatitude Cardinal Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the yearly celebrations for the Feast of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine, the main patroness of the Diocese, by presiding over a Solemn Mass, and procession, at the Shrine of Our Lady, in Deir Rafat.
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Vatican, 23 October 2024
During the 15th General Congregation of the Synod of Bishops, the new members of the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod were elected.
Compared to the current Instruction, which regulates the work of the Assembly, the Holy Father made a change that brings the total number of members to 17, twelve of whom were elected in the afternoon from among the diocesan / eparchial bishops or equivalent who are members of this Assembly: 1 from the Eastern Catholic Churches, 1 from Oceania, 2 respectively from North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
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On Monday, October 22nd, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches. concluded his pontifical visit with Detroit as his final destination, marking the culmination of his official travels. Upon his arrival with his delegation, His Holiness engaged in a series of meetings with various community bodies and institutions. On Wednesday, October 24th, parishioners were invited to meet and receive his pontifical blessing following the “Hrashapar” ceremony at Detroit’s Sourp Sarkis Church.
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Dear Excellencies,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
May the Lord give you peace!
As we do every year, we have returned here, at the feet of the Patroness of our diocese, the Queen of Palestine, to pray first and foremost for our Church, for our Holy Land and for all the peoples who inhabit it. And as so often, we must bring our pain and weariness to the feet of the Virgin. Once again, we are forced to express all our tiredness with this war, which has worn us all down, as never before. I will not repeat what I have said far too often about the war. Never in the last few decades have we seen so much violence and hatred. It is becoming difficult to see a light in this long night of suffering...
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On Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Pro-Cathedral, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the yearly Mass in honor of the accomplishments and dedication of the Charitable Society of St. Vincent in their service to the local community. Concelebrating was Fr. Amjad Sabbara, the parish priest of Jerusalem, along with several other priests. The Mass was attended by representatives from the Italian and Belgian consulates, as well as members of the Society of St. Vincent in Jerusalem
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On the evening of Wednesday, October 23, 2024, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II delivered his weekly sermon at the Wednesday meeting, from St Mary's Church in Zamalek. The sermon was broadcast on Christian satellite channels, the official website of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the C.O.C channel of the Church’s media center online.
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The 2024–2025 academic year at the Armenian Theological Seminary commenced with a special ceremony on Monday, October 14, 2024, with the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches. The Seminary community convened in the “Prapion Doumanian” hall, where returning students presented a brief artistic program and new students were warmly welcomed to their new home.
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Mark 10:46-52
We are now at the gates of Jerusalem, and what we read today (Mark 10:46-52) is the last of the miracles reported by the evangelist Mark. It is the last, and it is also an indicative miracle with deep symbolic meaning...
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His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, was warmly received by the Armenian community of Waukegan at the entrance of The St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church, led by the pastor, Rev. Fr. Daron Stepanian.
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On Sunday, October 20, 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 the Divine Liturgy at All Saints’ Church in Chicago, assisted by the Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, HE Arch. Anoushavan Tanielian, and the Prelate of Canada, HE Arch. Papken Tcharian.
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His Holiness Pope Francis reiterates his appeal for peace in the world, saying the fatality statistics coming from Ukraine are “terrible" and that Palestine is suffering "inhumane attacks."
By Kielce Gussie
At the end of his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis once again made an appeal for peace in the world.
The Pope explained he had received statistics on the number of deaths in Ukraine, calling it “terrible.”
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