During the regular briefing of diplomatic correspondents on November 5, 2025, Greek Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lana Zochiou referred to the recent developments at Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, particularly regarding the new abbot and the monastery’s status.
Zochiou stated: “Within a very short period, we witnessed both the ordination and enthronement of the new Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai, Archimandrite Symeon. The Minister of Foreign Affairs attended the ordination ceremony, which took place in Jerusalem on October 19. A few days later, on October 31, the enthronement ceremony was held at Saint Catherine’s Monastery, in the presence of the Prime Minister. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Alexandra Papadopoulou, was also in attendance.”
Highlighting Greece’s active involvement, she added: “I would like to emphasize the decisive contribution of the Greek State in helping to normalize the ongoing internal crisis within the Monastery.”
Regarding the issue of the Monastery’s status, the spokesperson noted: “Concerning the matter that has arisen regarding the Monastery’s status, I would like to reiterate that relevant consultations are ongoing. A preliminary mutual understanding has been reached between the Greek and Egyptian sides. This understanding ensures the perpetual preservation of the Greek Orthodox and liturgical character of the Monastery.”
She concluded by stating: “The outcome of this common understanding, following the enthronement of the new Abbot, will be presented to the Holy Sinai Community at Saint Catherine’s Monastery, which will have the final say on the matter.”
