The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate recognizes Damianos as the legitimate and canonical Archbishop of the Monastery of Sinai, and expresses its support for him.
In a statement issued after the conclusion of its work yesterday at the Phanar, the Synod emphasized that it had discussed the appeal of the former Metropolitan of Paphos Tychikos, matters concerning the Monastery of St. Catherine at Mount Sinai, and issues related to the Church of Crete.
Regarding the Monastery of Sinai, the Ecumenical Patriarchate expressed its support for Archbishop Damianos and reaffirmed the special status of the Monastery.
In addition, the Synod decided to initiate the process of revising the Charter of the Church of Crete.
Finally, the Synod addressed the appeal of the former Metropolitan of Paphos, resolving to invite him to appear before the Holy Synod at its mid-October session.
Read the announcement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
The Holy Synod convened today, August 29, 2025, in its regular August session under the chairmanship of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The Synod made the following decisions:
a) The issue of the appeal of former Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos was discussed, and it was decided to invite him to appear before the Holy Synod at its next meeting, scheduled for mid-October.
b) To initiate the process of revising the Charter of the Church of Crete, as provided for by the current regulations.
c) During the reading of a letter from Archbishop Damianos of Sinai, the Ecumenical Patriarchate expressed its full support for him, recognizing him as the legitimate and canonical Archbishop and Abbot, while reaffirming the centuries-old status of the Holy Monastery of Sinai.
d) On the recommendation of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese of Australia, Archdeacon Athenagoras Karakostantakis was unanimously elected Chorepiscopus of Canberra, while Protosyncellus Archimandrite Christoforos Krikelis was elected Assistant Bishop to Archbishop Makarios, with the titular see of Kerasounta.
The work of the Holy Synod will continue tomorrow, Saturday, August 30.
