LAST UPDATE: 14.45
Today, Friday, the new Archbishop Simeon of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho, as well as the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine on God-trodden Mount Sinai, was enthroned. This event marks a new chapter in the monastery’s history after nearly half a century.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the ceremony and met with the new Archbishop. He also had the opportunity to meet with the Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem.
Also in attendance, besides the Prime Minister, were his wife, Mareva Grabowski, Minister of Education Ms. Zakharaki, Metropolitan Dimitrios of the Princes’ Islands representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Metropolitan Georgios of Guinea, representing the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
On Saturday, Mr. Mitsotakis will attend the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
The Greek prime minister delivered a heartfelt address that underscored Greece’s enduring spiritual and cultural ties to the ancient monastic community.
“It is a distinct honor for me to be here today as Prime Minister of Greece, participating in the solemn enthronement of the Archbishop of Sinai and new spiritual leader of the Holy Monastery of St. Catherine,” Mitsotakis said. “I convey the respect, love, and blessings of the entire Greek people, and I stand here to assure you that Greece will continue to stand by your side at every step, as a steadfast supporter at every level.”
Highlighting the monastery’s millennia-long history, Mitsotakis described St. Catherine’s as “the oldest Christian monastery in the world — a bastion of Orthodoxy, a beacon of spiritual virtue, and a living testimony to the Greek and Christian spirit, as well as a bridge of friendship between Greece and Egypt.”
He emphasized Greece’s ongoing commitment to preserving the monastery’s legacy: “It is our national duty to maintain unwavering interest in the monastery’s spiritual and cultural mission, and our moral obligation to assist those who preserve our traditions at the far reaches of this peninsula.”
Addressing the challenges of recent years, the Prime Minister praised the resilience of the Sinai Brotherhood:
“We know that recent times have not been without turbulence, as various events caused temporary unrest within the Church. Yet, true to its centuries-old history, the Sinai Brotherhood demonstrated patience, wisdom, and unshakable faith. It emerged unscathed from this trial, renewing the spirit of unity.”
He went on to describe Archbishop Symeon’s election as “the beginning of a new era of unity and fraternity within the community of the Fathers,” noting that Greek and Egyptian efforts “have already paved the way to safeguard the monastery’s liturgical identity, its rights, and the protection of the monks who serve it.”
Mitsotakis also expressed gratitude to Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, whose presence “adds spiritual brilliance and blessing to this ceremony,” and extended warm congratulations to Archbishop Symeon:
“May St. Catherine’s Monastery continue to shine as a beacon of Orthodoxy, preserving its ascetic and monastic tradition, with Greece always by its side — a loyal supporter and companion.”
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister offered heartfelt wishes: “I wish you longevity, enlightenment, and fruitful ministry. Axios!”
Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Mitsotakis venerated the Holy Relics, toured the Monastery Treasury, and held private meetings with Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, Archbishop Symeon, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas.
In a statement afterward, Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s dedication to the preservation of the monastery’s heritage:
“With great emotion and gratitude, I represent the Greek Government on this historic day. For 1,500 years, this sacred place has kept alive the flame of Orthodoxy. I want to assure once again that Greece will always stand beside St. Catherine’s Monastery, safeguarding its unique and eternal legacy.”
He concluded: “I wish Archbishop Symeon strength in his new mission and remind him that he can always rely on Greece’s support. Our strong relationship with Egypt ensures that any issue that may arise will find understanding and resolution.”
Archbishop Simeon was unanimously elected by the brotherhood of the monastery and officially approved by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. On October 18, 2025, the election was announced during the Great Vespers service at the Patriarchal Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Jerusalem. The Archbishop-elect then accepted the election and received the blessings of Patriarch Theophilos and the Holy Synod.
The next day, the ordination of the new Archbishop took place at the Catholicon of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The Patriarch of Jerusalem presided over the ceremony. Hierarchs and representatives of churches from various countries attended the ceremony. Following the ordination, Archbishop Simeon expressed his gratitude and pledged his dedication to the responsibilities entrusted to him.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou, Konstantinos Menyktas
