During a press briefing held by Greek Government Spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, a journalist raised a question concerning the unfolding internal crisis at the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai, following recent tensions between members of the monastic brotherhood and Archbishop Damianos of Sinai.
The controversy erupted after a portion of the monastery’s brotherhood sent a letter dated July 30 to Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, announcing the removal of Archbishop Damianos from his duties as abbot, a position he has held for 52 years. The letter claims the decision was taken unanimously by the general assembly of the brotherhood.
In response to the journalist’s question regarding Archbishop Damianos’s denunciation of “coup-like actions” by a group of monks and the broader implications ahead of the upcoming visit of the Egyptian Foreign Minister to Athens, Marinakis stated: “I want to emphasize that the legislation you’re referring to, passed by the Ministry of Education, is of historic significance. Supporting the long-standing demands of the Monastery remains a top priority for the government, as these concerns reflect the interests not only of the Monastery itself but of all Orthodox believers and Greek citizens.”
He added: “It is not the role of the government to take a position on the internal matter you mentioned. However, we have certainly read and take note of the official statement by Archbishop Damianos, which was made public and explains the situation in detail.”
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
