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On the Occasion of the Twelfth Anniversary of the Accession of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, and the 118th Successor of Saint Mark, to the Patriarchal See, the Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs extends, in the name of the family of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), his warmest congratulations to His Holiness, wishing him many years of goodness, blessings and holiness.
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) also wishes His Holiness Pope Tawadros II continued health and success in his Pastoral mission as a father and faithful shepherd of the Church of Christ, asking God to support him in his Ecclesiastical mission and bless his service through his witness to Jesus Christ and journey in the Vineyard of the Lord.
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With the increase of daily stress due to the worsening security conditions in the Middle East and the world, it has become necessary to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the need to take care of it.
In this context, the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut held an international online conference in the field of medical humanities entitled “Fatigue and Exhaustion,” on Saturday, November 2, 2024, with the participation of specialized speakers from various fields and University Professors, and the presence of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, as well as experts, researchers and concerned attendees.
The conference’ sessions focused on the concepts of exhaustion and its causes, as well as its types and repercussions. It also centered around many medical approaches to discuss ways of treatment, through presenting various studies, researches, and experiences.
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In light of the worsening regional conflicts and their increasing intensity, the war in Lebanon was nothing but a fatal blow for the people of the country, who are facing death, terror, displacement and destruction on a daily basis. The scene is tragic: many families are left without a safe roof to protect them, and there is complete destruction in various Lebanese regions...
Amidst all this suffering, Lebanon is recording an unprecedented rise in the number of internally displaced people, especially in shelter centers where the humanitarian need has become dire and urgent. Therefore, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) hastened to strengthen its field response to heal the wounds of the neediest and most affected people by the security situation, as well as to support them on various material, moral and psychological levels, in order to help them restore their decent means of living.
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The video presents a highlight about the Fourth General Assembly of the ACT Alliance International Organization, which was held in Indonesia, as well as an overview about the activities of the ACT Youth Pre Assembly, in addition to interviews with the General Secretary of ACT Alliance Mr. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, and the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay.
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The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs congratulated Mr. Nicolás Rosenthal on the occasion of his election as Moderator for the new Governing Board of the ACT Alliance international organization. The election was made during the 4th General Assembly of ACT, which was held between October 28 and November 1 in the Yogyakarta region - Indonesia.
Professor Dr. Abs also wished Mr. Nicolás good health and success in his new Ecumenical and humanitarian mission, especially in light of all the great challenges facing societies, praising his competencies and experiences in the humanitarian field and the Christian service which is necessary today for the witness to Jesus Christ and the emergency response to the needs of our wounded world.
The Secretary General Professor Dr. Abs mentioned that Rosenthal's election is a new opportunity to strengthen the relations between the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and ACT Alliance, as well as the bonds of love that bring them together in working with an ongoing partnership since many years for the good of humanity and societies.
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Father Charbel El Khoury, the Parish Priest of Our Lady - Amchit in Lebanon, and the Editor and Pesenter of the “Don’t Be Afraid” program on Télé Lumière and Noursat, visited the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs, on Thursday, November 20, 2024, at the offices of the MECC General Secretariat in Beirut.
During the meeting in which the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at MECC and Responsible of “The Platform of the Word,” participated, the attendees discussed the MECC strategic directions and future vision. In addition to the programs that MECC is currently implementing as well as the projects it is working to organize in the coming period in order to achieve the desired Ecumenical and humanitarian goals.
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Father Charbel El Khoury, the Parish Priest of Our Lady - Amchit, Lebanon delivers a word via video on the occasion of the launching of “The Platform of the Word” at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel. He was interviewed by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Responsible of the Platform, and Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).
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Dr. Jacqueline Ayoub, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Lebanese University, delivers a word via video on the occasion of the launching of “The Platform of the Word” at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel.
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Dr. Ziad Mansour delivers a word via video on the occasion of the launching of “The Platform of the Word” at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in partnership with Télé Lumière and Noursat TV Channel.
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As part of empowering children and developing their skills, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Syria’s Office, implemented many Psychosocial Support (PSS) activities for 375 boys and girls, in Damascus, Jarmana, Jdaydeit Artouz, Erbeen, and Dara’a. Hence, the video sheds light on these activities, which included life skills sessions, arts, theater, and collaborative games.
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Through its Service and Relief Department, Diakonia, the Middle East Council of Churches continues its efforts to strengthen social and economic stability within local communities. The goal is to provide individuals with the necessary support to improve their living standards in response to current economic challenges.
Operating through its office in Syria, the Diakonia Department has supported many small projects in the Latakia and Tartus governorates via the Livelihood Support Program. This initiative aims to empower project owners and equip them with essential tools for success and sustainability.
A total of 72 projects were supported, spanning various fields. These included a greenhouse, a motorcycle repair workshop, an event decoration center, a mosaic art workshop, a car wash, a candle-making workshop, a local restaurant, and dairy and cheese production. Additionally, there were other small projects addressing local community needs and providing a source of income for their owners.
Initially, beneficiaries participated in a 12-day training course on project management, during which they learned essential information about conducting feasibility studies, as well as foundational principles in marketing, promotion, and sales.
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Driven by their belief that a school is more than just a building—it's a beacon for the future and a gateway to a better tomorrow—the Service and Relief Department—Diakonia, at the Middle East Council of Churches—is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for students. This commitment has led to the renovation and rehabilitation of numerous schools across Syrian governorates.
In Hama Governorate, the council’s team successfully rehabilitated three public elementary schools: Jihad Al-Masri School, Fayez Zamzam School, and Abdul Razak Hassoun School, benefiting 1841 students and staff members.
The renovation included upgrading sanitary facilities and the infrastructure of the sewage system, alongside equipping them with necessary fixtures. The team also repaired the drinking water network, installed faucets and toilets, replaced doors, windows, tiles, and ceramics, and installed water pumps and tanks.
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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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The war in Gaza and Lebanon continues to drag on despite international condemnation of the occupier which continues to murder civilians. Unable to find a diplomatic solution to end the conflict the world braces for a prolonged conflict by mobilizing humanitarian aid to assist the displaced. Meanwhile regional players tighten their grip on the region by sending arms and related defensive equipment only to fuel the war and expanding it in scale and scope. Many are awaiting the outcome of the presidential election in the US hoping that either candidates will fulfill their promises for peace once elected.
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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)
In a period when humanity prepares to receive the Child of the Incarnation, who will change the face of the world, we must pause to consider the state of children worldwide. Evil is rampant, and various vices are spreading; most affected are the children—the weakest link in society.
The condition of children today is unworthy of an era where the culture of human rights has become widespread, protection systems for all social groups are increasing, and the media records even the smallest events in collaboration with social media networks.
Despite most of the world's countries accepting the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the state of childhood is not well. In fact, it is in a deplorable situation that calls for raising global awareness, in addition to enacting new legislation that fulfills this purpose. It is also essential to establish new organizations, in addition to those currently existing, specialized in the various crises that childhood suffers from.
If we were to list the various calamities that afflict childhood, the list would be long, and what remains hidden is even greater.
Children have become the least protected "human commodity" and are most exposed to harm—even from those closest to them. They are subjected to domestic violence, sexual assault, economic exploitation, involvement in wars, drug trafficking, pickpocketing and theft, prostitution, being placed with employers under slavery-like contracts, forced marriage, and other practices carried out by a society immersed in materialism where the values of mercy and compassion for the weak have vanished.
Perhaps the most abhorrent aspect of what children are exposed to is the killing and mutilation they suffer during armed conflicts. Children have become the most numerous victims among the casualties, in a clear trend to eliminate the future of the people being attacked and sometimes exterminated, as is happening in Palestine, Lebanon, and many parts of the world...
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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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Word of the General Secretary of the International ACT Alliance Mr. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria on the Occasion of the Launching of the Platform of the Word
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Word of the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay on the Occasion of the Launching of the Platform of the Word
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Word of Father Charbel Al Khoury on the Occasion of the Launching of the Platform of the Word
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Word of Dr. Jacqueline Ayoub on the Occasion of the Launching of the Platform of the Word
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Word of Dr. Ziad Mansour on the Occasion of the Launching of the Platform of the Word
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A Documented Report About the Activities of the 4th General Assembly of the International ACT Alliance
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Within the General Assembly of ACT Alliance in Indonesia
The Secretary General, Mr. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, in an Exclusive Interview for the MECC Website:
“The Middle East is a very concerned region because it's showing how the humanitarian system is hostage of lack of respect to the humanitarian laws... and this is unacceptable”
The next generation needs to be very proactive, otherwise the future of humanity will be complicated”
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ACT Alliance Holds its 4th General Assembly in Indonesia
Exclusive Interview with the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay:
“Dialogue must be the way forward and we need to get people together”
The voice of the youth is needed for making change"
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Highlight on the 4th General Assembly of ACT Alliance in Indonesia
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MECC Becomes a Member of the New Governing Board of the Global ACT Alliance
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Climate Justice at the General Assembly of the Global ACT Alliance
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ACT Alliance Holds a Youth Pre Assembly
What Are Its Details?
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The Middle East Council of Churches Organizes Psychosocial Support Activities for Children in Syria
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Word of Dr. Laure Abi Khalil, during the inauguration of "The Platform of the Word"
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Word of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, during the inauguration of "The Platform of the Word"
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Word of Dr. Marie-Thérèse Kreidy, during the inauguration of "The Platform of the Word"
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Word of Ms. Caroline Haddad, during the inauguration of "The Platform of the Word"
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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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Your land, O 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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Rehabilitation Works Restore Hope to Many Schools in Hama Governorate
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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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On November 19, 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, received his brother in Christ His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, at the Patriarchal Residence in Atchaneh.
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On November 16, 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, blessed the 60th Anniversary of the foundation of Mor Aphrem Patriarchal Scouts Regiment in Damascus, at St. Georges Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus.
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On Saturday, November 3/16, 2024, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the memory of the deposition of the holy relic of Saint George the Trophy Bearer to the Holy Land.
During this celebration, the whole Church, especially the one in Jerusalem, remembers that Saint George was a military officer, a Cappadocian by father and a Palestinian by mother and that he went to Rome to obtain higher military positions. Moving to Rome, he saw the persecution and torture of Christians and confessed his faith. Consequently, he was tortured and martyred by Diocletian in AD 305.
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On Friday, November 18, 2024, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, began a three-day pastoral visit to Al-Wahadneh, Jordan. He was warmly greeted by Fr. Salam Haddad, the parish priest of Al-Wahadneh, alongside Fr. Manuel Bader, Fr. Bashir Bader, Fr. Rifa’t Bader, Fr. Iyad Bader, Fr. Yazan Bader, Fr. Elias Haddad, Greek Orthodox parish priest, MP Wasfi Haddad, MP Dr. Abdulhaleem Abu Annab, Mr. Zahruddin Al-Aroud, Mayor of Al-Wahadneh, and the Husn Latin Parish Scout group.
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