Archbishop Damianos announced that he will submit his resignation as Abbot and Archbishop of Sinai on Friday, September 12, 2025, “in order to facilitate the functioning of the Holy Monastery until then,” according to his official statement.
The Archbishop emphasized that his decision is guided by the unity of the Sinai Brotherhood and the safeguarding of the Monastery’s future: “Guided by the unity of the Holy Sinai Brotherhood and the canonical election of a new Abbot and Archbishop of Sinai, I proceed with the following steps,” he noted, announcing the convocation of a General Assembly of the Monastery Fathers on Sunday, September 14, with the sole agenda being the election of a new Abbot and Archbishop.
At the same time, he announced that he is lifting ecclesiastical censures and expulsions of monks so that “all may participate in the General Assembly of 14/9/2025,” stressing that “the General Assembly must become a point of unity and the beginning of a new period in the long life of our Monastery.”
Archbishop Damianos also called for an end to legal disputes:
“For the good of the Holy Monastery of Sinai, the era of mutual lawsuits and petitions must end with their withdrawal. Otherwise, lengthy court battles will only perpetuate a climate of division and negative publicity.”
Reflecting on his personal journey, he stated: “As an emeritus hierarch, I withdraw to live the final days of my life […] at the Athens Metochion and in Tragana. Should my successor wish, I will always be at his disposal to support him in every effort for the future of the Holy Monastery of Sinai, to which I dedicated my entire life.”
He concluded with a prayer that “our Protectress, Saint Catherine, may guide the thoughts and steps of all with concord and unity.”
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
