Synod of Jerusalem Patriarchate announces date for ordination of Bishop of Sinai
St. Catherine's Monastery on Sinai. Photo: Romfea.gr
On October 1, 2025, in Jerusalem, under the chairmanship of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Jerusalem Patriarchate took place. According to the Patriarchate's website, the hierarchs paid special attention to the situation in the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Sinai.
The Synod received and read the letters of the Brotherhood of Sinai regarding the election of Archimandrite Symeon as new hegumen of the monastery and their request to confirm his hegumenship and his election to the Holy Archdiocese of Sinai, Faran, and Raitho.
By the decision of the Synod, Archimandrite Symeon was confirmed as hegumen of the Monastery of Saint Catherine through his election by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem as Archbishop of Sinai, Faran, and Raitho.
The ordination of the new hierarch will take place on October 19, 2025, at the Most Holy Church of the Resurrection at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
"His Beatitude and the members of the Holy and Sacred Synod addressed heartfelt wishes to the elected Archbishop for success and fruitfulness in his holy ministry, for the benefit of the Church, for the unity of the Brotherhood of Sinai, the continuation and development of the spiritual life there, and the safeguarding of its rights, privileges, and properties," says the synodal decision.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Synod members offered prayers for peace throughout the world.
As reported by the UOJ, the election of the new abbot and Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho took place on September 14, 2025. Archimandrite Symeon received 19 out of 20 votes, abstaining from voting according to ancient custom. The candidacy was supported by both supporters and opponents of the former hegumen of Sinai, Bishop Damianos, which is seen as an important step towards reconciliation and establishing peace within the monastery.
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