Speaking on the ERTNews program Newsroom, Archimandrite Porphyrios Fragkos, official representative of Archbishop Damianos of Sinai, addressed the escalating crisis surrounding the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine. His comments followed recent accusations of a forced removal, or even a “coup”, against the Archbishop, who has served as abbot of the Monastery for 52 years.
“We are currently at a very critical turning point in the Monastery’s history,” Archimandrite Porphyrios stated, responding to reports of internal division and the claim of Archbishop Damianos’s dismissal by some members of the brotherhood.
Today marks a historic moment for the Monastery of Sinai, as the Greek Parliament is voting on legislation that, for the first time, grants legal recognition to the Monastery within Greece. The bill establishes a Legal Entity under Public Law under the name “Greek Orthodox Royal Autonomous Monastery of the Holy and God-Trodden Mount Sinai in Greece.”
Archimandrite Porphyrios emphasized the importance of this legal status: “With the care of the Greek government and the support of nearly the entire opposition, the Monastery enters Greece’s legal framework. It is being brought from non-existence into existence.”
He clarified that the Monastery in Egypt remains intact, but that its presence in Greece is now being formally recognized under public law, similar to a local Metropolis or parish: “This allows the Monastery to operate more reliably and stably in its dealings. The monastery in Egypt isn’t moving, this is about its legal presence in Greece.”
Porphyrios also revealed a major legal setback for the Monastery: “A court decision on May 28, 2025, resulted in the loss of nearly all the Monastery’s property. Even the building itself, dating back to the 5th century and Emperor Justinian, is no longer considered its own. We cannot remain passive in the face of such a development.”
Responding to accusations of a coup against Archbishop Damianos, Archimandrite Porphyrios pointed to recent opposition to the bill from within the brotherhood: “A statement was issued by some members of the Monastery who oppose the legislation. But I can tell you, as someone who knows the bill in depth, it is excellent. It provides exactly what the Monastery needs in Greece. You cannot sabotage something so vital without substantial reason.”
He also noted that even other Greek Orthodox Patriarchates, in Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Alexandria, do not currently have this kind of legal representation in Greece.
Finally, he expressed appreciation for the unity shown by the political opposition, which voted in favor of the bill:
“I’m truly moved by the stance of the opposition. It became clear that in times of difficulty and danger, Greeks come together as one.”
Source: ertnews.gr / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
