Shared Religious Spaces in the Middle East
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel E. Abs delivered this speech at the round table organized by MECC under the title “Shared Religious Spaces in the Middle East, The Feast of the Annunciation in Lebanon as an Example”. It was held as part of the activities of the MECC Fiftieth Year of its
Maamoul: The Easter Sweet Loved by Muslims, Christians, and Jews
Experts debate the origin of the date- or nut-filled pastry, but Middle Eastern believers love the taste and the Good Friday symbolism in its shapes. The Middle East’s favorite sweet symbolizes Good Friday. Maamoul is a buttery cookie baked with semolina and stuffed with dates or nuts—usually walnuts or pistachios. Seasoned with a variety of spices, for centuries it has flavored
ACN fights Christian exodus in Syria and Lebanon
For years, Syria and Lebanon have witnessed the decline of their Christian populations. Through engagement in multiple projects, ACN is actively fighting against the exodus of Christians. “I would like to get out of Syria as quickly as possible and join my father in the Netherlands, where he is waiting for us to follow him,” explains Jessy, a 21-year-old Christian
Resurrection begins again in Gaza
As Christ’s Resurrection at Easter dawns in the Holy Land, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, reflects on the hope for peace that lies hidden in the Calvary of Gaza.
Israeli Police and settlers intrude into Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem
Today, on April 3rd, 2024 around 11 o’clock, an unlawful eviction was initiated by Israeli Police on the grounds of the Cow’s Garden located within the premises of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Patriarchate said in a statement. The eviction began with the destruction of Armenian Patriarchate property, and assaults on clergy and indigenous Armenians. The officer leading the
Jesuits speak out on Gaza situation
“It is scandalous that no one has been able to ensure that the residents of Gaza have enough to eat. It is shameful that no one has been able to call the warmongers to account. Sadly, we remember that an ongoing conflict in the land called to be holy has been allowed to continue and fester as an open wound on the face of the Middle East”, says the press release.
You are not alone and we will not leave you alone”: Pope’s moving letter to Catholics in Holy Land
Dear brothers and sisters, For some time, you have daily been in my thoughts and prayers. Now, on the eve of this Easter that for you is so overshadowed by the Passion and, as yet, so little by the Resurrection, I feel the desire to write to you and to tell you how close you are to my heart. I
Holy Land Patriarchs call for an ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Easter message
Christian leaders say they fully recognize the intense suffering that surrounds the Holy Land, as well as in many other parts of the world, as the faithful mark Holy Week. “[We] repeat our denunciation of all violent actions in the present devastating war, especially those directed at innocent civilians, and we reiterate our calls for an immediate and sustained ceasefire,”
Holy Land leaders tell Gazans on Easter, ‘don’t lose hope’
Ahead of Easter, several Church leaders in Jerusalem sent a message to the people of Gaza assuring of their closeness and support, telling Gazans not to lose hope, while the Jesuit order insisted they cannot be silent as millions face potential famine. Speaking to the parishioners of the Latin-rite Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza in a March 30 video
As Catholics enter Holy Week, Orthodox churches begin Great Lent in Holy Land
As the Catholic Church in the Holy Land entered Holy Week by literally retracing the steps of Jesus’ passion in Jerusalem, the Orthodox churches took their first steps into Lent. The Eastern churches follow the Julian calendar, which means Easter Sunday 2024 falls on May 5. Next year, however, the Catholic and Orthodox Easter will fall on the same day.