Patriarchate of Jerusalem congratulates new hegumen of Sinai Monastery
A new hegumen of Sinai with the brethren. Photo: jerusalem-patriarchate
Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem congratulated Archimandrite Simeon (Papadopoulos) on his election as the hegumen of the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Sinai. The official announcement on this event was published on the official website of the Jerusalem Patriarchate on September 16, 2025.
It is noted that the Church of Jerusalem “received with particular joy the unanimous election of the Very Reverend Archimandrite Symeon Papadopoulos as Hegumen of the venerable and historic Monastery of Sinai”.
"The Patriarchate congratulates the new Hegumen and expresses its firm confidence that he will continue faithfully the sacred legacy of the Monastery, strengthening the unity of the Brotherhood and manifesting the historic witness of Sinai in the contemporary world," the message states.
As reported by the UOJ, the elections of the new abbot and Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raithu took place on September 14, 2025. Archimandrite Simeon received 19 out of 20 votes, abstaining from voting according to ancient custom. His candidacy was supported by both supporters and opponents of the former abbot of Sinai, Bishop Damianos, which is seen as an important step towards reconciliation and establishing peace within the monastery.
Read also
In Germany, relics of Saint Martin stolen from a Catholic church
In Germany, unknown individuals broke into the Church of Saint Martin, smashed the glass at the altar, and stole the relics of the church's patron saint.
Two Sunday school pupils of the UOC were killed in an airstrike on Sumy
In Sumy, 10-year-old Sofia and 5-year-old Emilia – pupils of the UOC Sunday school – were killed under the rubble of their own home following an airstrike.
Authorities give Moldovan deputy prime minister tour of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi was shown the damaged Dormition Cathedral at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and briefed on plans for its restoration.
Supreme court sends Kremenchuk UOC church “transfer” case back for review
The appellate court will reconsider the case concerning the unlawful re-registration of the Holy Dormition UOC community in Kremenchuk into the OCU structure.
Orthodox chapel miraculously survives wildfire in Greece
A small Orthodox chapel on Crete survived amid land scorched by wildfire, becoming a symbol of hope for local residents.
Moldovan Liberal Party calls for Metropolia to be banned over ROC ties
The Liberal Party of Moldova has urged parliament to require the Moldovan Metropolia to sever its ties with the Russian Orthodox Church or outlaw it.