Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi Ibn Muhammad, His Majesty King Abdullah’s chief adviser for religious affairs, the new office of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) was inaugurated on June 4, 2024 in Sweifieh, Amman, while hosted by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, administration and schools.

During the inauguration ceremony, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan Archbishop Christoforos Atallah delivered an address in which he praised the activities of the MECC over the previous years, and thanked everyone who worked fruitfully in the office that was inaugurated in April 2012. He also conveyed the greetings of the sponsors of the inauguration ceremony, namely His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi, and His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos, the Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem.

In his address, MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs expressed profound gratitude for the inauguration of the new office, and stressed the importance of joint ecumenical work, especially as the inauguration coincides with the MECC’s celebration marking its 50th anniversary. He expressed, on his own behalf as well as on behalf of member of the Executive Committee Fr. Dr. Rif’at Bader, and MECC Financial Director Ms. Laudy Al Khoury, the MECC’s readiness to hold a celebration at the Baptism Site marking the MECC’s golden jubilee.

In attendance were some heads and representatives of Jordanian Churches, as well as a number of members of the Upper and Lower Houses of parliament, former ministers, and members of church charitable institutions in the Kingdom.

Dr. Michel Abs, had earlier arrived in Amman to inaugurate the new office of the MECC. During the visit, he met with members of the MECC Executive Committee, during which the discussions focused on various issues related to the ecumenical work and ways to enhance it in order to build bridges between Churches.  

Furthermore, as part of his visit Dr. Abs visited the Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Amman and was welcomed by CCSM Director Fr. Dr. Rif'at Bader. During the meeting, the discussions focused on several issues related to the ecumenical and Church work, in addition to the importance of dialogue and enhancing joint work with various Churches in Jordan. Further discussion dealt with the activities of the MECC and the way to develop its work in Jordan.