On November 6–7, the Abbot of Esphigmenou Monastery, Archimandrite Bartholomew, led a pilgrimage to the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at the God-trodden Mount Sinai, accompanied by several monks and a large group of pilgrims from the Friends of Esphigmenou Monastery Association.
The Abbot of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Archbishop Symeon of Sinai, warmly welcomed Abbot Bartholomew and his delegation, offering his blessings and expressing joy that they were able to reach the sacred site as pilgrims under the protection of Saint Catherine.
During the meeting, Archbishop Symeon referred to the long-standing issue surrounding Esphigmenou Monastery and the ongoing difficulties in resolving it. He expressed his hope that God and Saint Catherine would grant strength to Abbot Bartholomew and his brethren, so that, through patience and perseverance, this matter might finally reach a peaceful conclusion for the benefit of Mount Athos and the entire Church.
He also spoke about the current challenges faced by Saint Catherine’s Monastery, requesting the prayers of the Athonite Fathers and all the pilgrims.
Abbot Bartholomew, in turn, expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Symeon for his hospitality and kind wishes. He congratulated him on his election as Abbot of Saint Catherine’s Monastery and his ordination as Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho, wishing him strength and wisdom in his spiritual mission.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
