Graduation from the Orthodox School of the Annunciation in Beirut
Michel Abs graduated in 1970 from the school he later described as foundational in shaping his spiritual and social values.
SourceMilestones
A sourced chronology of teaching, research, management and ecumenical service.
Around 1978: university teaching career (estimated)
Teaching, research, doctoral supervision and research ethics across economics and sociology.
SourceMECC service during the 1980s
From managing MECC work in Lebanon to service as Treasurer and Executive Committee member.
SourceElected Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches
MECC's Executive Committee elected him on 18 September 2020 for a four-year term.
SourceFirst official visit to Bkerke after his election as Secretary General
A visit to Patriarch Al Rahi on Christian presence, the General Assembly and MECC's role.
SourceThe complete institutional record of 2021 activities
An official index linking weekly messages, interviews, webinars, lectures, visits, statements and press releases throughout the year.
SourceParticipation in the WCC's 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe
The Secretary General's participation in the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Germany.
SourcePope Tawadros II receives the MECC delegation
A Cairo meeting emphasizing Christian presence in the region and cooperation among churches.
SourceUnanimously re-elected for a second term
MECC’s Executive Committee renewed its confidence in Michel Abs for a four-year term.
SourceMeeting with Patriarch John X at Balamand
An official visit addressing Christian presence, human dignity, and cooperation among churches.
SourceWCC–MECC cooperation meeting in Beirut
Professor Michel Abs and Carla Khijoyan discussed ecumenical cooperation and preparations for the Faith and Order conference.
SourceMeeting with the Italian Bilateral Military Mission in Lebanon
A Beirut meeting explored dialogue, humanitarian work and future cooperation.
SourceMeeting with the WSCF regional secretary
Professor Michel Abs met WSCF regional secretary Melissa Bridi to discuss youth-focused cooperation and leadership development.
SourceReceiving a delegation from the Sudanese Christian community in Lebanon
The Secretary General received the pastor of the Sudanese Christian community's church in Lebanon and its secretary at MECC headquarters in Beirut.
SourceA meeting with His Grace Anba Antonios in Beirut
A meeting at the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Beirut affirmed the importance of strengthening the ecumenical spirit.
SourceA delegation from the General Secretariat visits the Sheikh Al-Aql of the Unitarian Druze community
A visit headed by the Secretary General to His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Sami Abi Al-Muna, affirming the strengthening of cooperation between the two sides.
SourceBaghdad visit for the enthronement of Patriarch Mar Polis III Nona
A visit to Baghdad to take part in the Chaldean Patriarch's enthronement, including ecumenical meetings with Iraq's church leaders.
SourceReceiving the head of social studies at Bayt Al-Hikma in Iraq
A meeting with Dr. Khadija Jasim, head of the Department of Social Studies at Bayt Al-Hikma (Iraq).
SourceA delegation from the Eastern Club for Civilizations Dialogue visits the Secretary General
A visit and an invitation to the International Day of Diplomats, in furtherance of dialogue between cultural and religious institutions.
SourceA congratulatory visit to Reverend Dr Rima Nasrallah
The Secretary General led an MECC delegation on a congratulatory visit to Reverend Dr Rima Nasrallah, newly elected President of the National Evangelical Union of Lebanon.
SourceFather Georges Al-Amil visits the Secretary General
A visit from the assistant parish priest of Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish in Ain Ebel, to discuss conditions in the southern villages.
SourceA cooperation agreement between the MECC and the World Student Christian Federation
The Secretary General signed a cooperation agreement with the World Student Christian Federation in the Middle East to strengthen ecumenical work and empower young people.
SourceMECC Delegation at the Bzommar Exhibition
Participation in the Bzommar exhibition, connecting cultural memory with service among the Churches.
SourceMeeting with Catholicos Aram I in Bikfaya
A meeting on the region, ecumenical work, the Council's governance and its future structure.
SourceReceiving an Iranian Cultural Delegation at the General Secretariat
A meeting on institutional cooperation, dialogue, justice and human rights.
SourceKerk in Actie delegation visit to strengthen partnership
Two Beirut meetings explored humanitarian priorities and future cooperation between Kerk in Actie and MECC.
SourceMeeting with the General Secretary of the Bible Society in the Gulf
Michel Abs and Hrayr Jebejian discussed cooperation, relations between the two bodies and the Bible Society's programmes.
SourceMeeting with Lebanese University President Bassam Badran
The two sides discussed academic, research, cultural and social cooperation between the university and MECC.
SourceMeeting with Anba Antonios in Sin El Fil
The meeting addressed church unity, ecumenical partnership, Christian presence and a common Easter date.
SourceMeeting with Kounin Mayor Khalil Al-Dabak
A Beirut meeting addressed the needs of Kounin residents, displaced families and community support.
SourceMECC and Anba Abraam Charity sign a cooperation agreement
Michel Abs and Anba Antonios signed a memorandum for humanitarian and church cooperation serving communities in the region.
SourceCairo regional conference on countering hate speech
Held 4–6 October, the conference opened with a welcome from Michel Abs; later coverage documents his message on dignity and dialogue.
SourceOpening of the ninth Al-Nour Festival for Culture and Creativity in Cairo
Michel Abs attended the festival opening and the recognition of thinker Hussein Shaban during his visit to Cairo.
SourceRecognition of MECC media partners in Egypt
Michel Abs thanked partner media outlets for covering the Council’s work and helping build bridges for dialogue and cooperation.
SourcePope Tawadros II receives Michel Abs and the researchers’ delegation
Pope Tawadros II received Michel Abs and researchers from the Cairo conference; the meeting focused on hate speech and a culture of coexistence.
SourceMeeting with Danmission on cooperation and future projects
Michel Abs and Danmission’s regional adviser discussed future cooperation and service to churches and communities in the region.
SourceVisit with Archbishop Samy Fawzy Shehata in Cairo
Michel Abs met Archbishop Samy Fawzy to discuss cooperation, coordination and joint church programmes.
SourceMECC partners visit Beirut Maronite Archdiocese, affirming coordination and cooperation
Secretary General Professor Michel Abs joined a meeting with Archbishop Paul Abdel Sater of the Maronite Archdiocese of Beirut.
SourceMECC honors the Antiochian Orthodox Media Center in Balamand
MECC coordinator Lea Adel Maamary presented a commemorative shield on behalf of Secretary General Professor Michel Abs and colleagues at the General Secretariat.
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