After his ordination as the new Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan and Raitho, and as the Abbot of the historic Monastery of Saint Catherine on God-blessed Mount Sinai, Symeon visited Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece.
The Protosyncellus of the Archdiocese of Athens, Bishop Barnabas of Christoupolis, welcomed him at the entrance.
Archbishop Ieronymos then warmly welcomed Archbishop Symeon, wishing him success in overcoming difficulties and resolving matters concerning the Holy Monastery.
Archbishop Symeon thanked Archbishop Ieronymos and, through him, the entire Church of Greece for their support and assistance.
Both archbishops referred to the excellent communication and collaboration they have enjoyed thus far in their statements.
“Good progress has been made, and let us hope for the best,” Archbishop Ieronymos emphasized, noting, “After many difficulties and challenges, but with the grace of God, we celebrate the arrival of Abbot Symeon of the historic Monastery of Sinai.” He specifically mentioned how issues are addressed by the Church and the State.
“I considered it necessary to receive your blessing after my ordination and before my enthronement,” said the new Archbishop of Sinai, Symeon, expressing joy and respect.
“We have set foot in our beloved homeland as a step toward traveling to Egypt in a few days for the enthronement on October 31,” he said happily. He added that they came “to experience a bit of Archbishop Ieronymos’ love, to emulate his gentleness and calm manner in resolving major issues, as these will be our tools for overcoming any difficulties that may arise.”
The hour-long meeting was also attended by Protopresbyter Emmanouil Papamikroulis, secretary of the Synodal Committee on Inter-Orthodox and Inter-Christian Relations of the Church of Greece.
Photos: Christos Bonis
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
