A three-member delegation from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem is currently in Athens to address the issue that arose following a faction of the Brotherhood of Saint Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai’s decision to depose Archbishop Damianos.
At the request of Archbishop Damianos, the Patriarch of Jerusalem sent a committee to address the urgent matter concerning the Monastery of Sinai “with the aim of peaceful resolution and restoration of ecclesiastical communion.”
The delegation arrived in Athens by patriarchal directive and consists of:
- Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantine, Chief Secretary of the Patriarchate;
- Archimandrite Ieronymos, exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Greece, and Archimandrite Christodoulos, secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod.
- Archimandrite Christodoulos, secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod;
- The committee is accompanied by Professor of Canon Law Theodoros Yiangou.
The committee visited the Holy Metochion of the Holy Sepulchre in Athens and stressed the need for dialogue to begin with prayer, humility, and faith.
“The principal aim is reconciliation and healing of the sacred institution of the monastery, safeguarding the witness of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church,” stated the announcement from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Diplomatic assurance regarding the status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery
Meanwhile, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis emphasized that he received clear assurances from his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, that the continuity and Greek Orthodox character of the Holy Monastery of Sinai will remain undisturbed. He noted that this assurance reflects Egypt’s longstanding tradition of religious tolerance.
Mr. Gerapetritis also highlighted President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s sensitivity and active involvement, recalling his warm reference to the monastery during his visit to Athens for the Supreme Advisory Council Meeting (SACM). Mr. Gerapetritis further emphasized the monastery’s significance as a global religious and cultural symbol with a 1,500-year history.
The letter from the Patriarch of Jerusalem: Canonical jurisdiction and intent for peaceful resolution
In an official letter to Archbishop Damianos of Sinai, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem reaffirmed the Patriarchate’s spiritual and canonical jurisdiction over the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Sinai. The Patriarch noted the Archbishop’s explicit recognition of this jurisdiction.
The Patriarch emphasized that any reconciliation must be achieved through the recognized canonical process under the pastoral oversight of the Church of Jerusalem. In response to the appeal, the Patriarchate confirmed that the ecclesiastical process would be initiated to ensure a peaceful resolution and dispatched a three-member delegation to Sinai. The Patriarch also expressed his support and prayers for the Archbishop, urging spiritual vigilance.
Response from Archbishop Damianos of Sinai
Prior to this response, Archbishop Damianos had issued a statement regarding the serious developments at the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai.
He expressed deep concern over uncanonical actions occurring within the monastery itself, describing them as internal subversion that has exacerbated the crisis. In a somber tone, he underscored that these actions violate ecclesiastical ethics and threaten the unity of the Brotherhood.
He made it clear that he would act as necessary by the Holy Canons and emphasized the need for spiritual reflection and unity.
Finally, he called for national and ecclesiastical mobilization to safeguard the historical continuity of the Holy Monastery of Sinai, a symbol of global cultural and religious heritage.
