New Archbishop of Sinai ordained in Jerusalem
Patriarch Theophilos ordains Archbishop Simeon of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho. Photo: Screenshot from Facebook video / orthodoxjotv
On October 19, 2025, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem ordained Simeon, the new abbot of Saint Catherine’s Monastery and Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, reports the Greek outlet Romfea.
Patriarch Theophilos was concelebrated by hierarchs of the Jerusalem and Greek Orthodox Churches.
In his ordination address, Archbishop Simeon emphasized that he had never sought this position but accepted it as “a calling granted by Divine Providence” and as a Gospel yoke, despite his inner limitations and advanced age.
Archbishop Simeon also expressed gratitude to Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem for his support. The new abbot affirmed his commitment to the autonomous status of the Sinai Monastery, in accordance with “historical documents and Christian love and order.”
As the UOJ previously reported, the Jerusalem Patriarchate earlier expressed confidence that the new abbot would continue the sacred legacy of the monastery and strengthen the unity of its brotherhood.
Read also
Authorities cancelled the transfer of heritage churches to permanent use
The government replaced the permanent transfer of heritage churches to communities with temporary hourly access.
The OCU stated that the Pope is playing into Moscow's hands
An OCU cleric rebuked the Greek Catholics for their silence in the context of the Pope's statements about the necessity of peace.
Iran raises $1.3 million for sacrificial offering to pray for ayatollah's recovery
Iranians outraged by call to fund sacrificial ritual for the health of Ayatollah Khamenei.
Zelensky signs law on the National Pantheon
The National Pantheon of Ukraine will have a non-denominational status.
Ukraine now allows matronymics alongside patronymics
Ukrainian legislation has allowed people to change their patronymic since 2021, including replacing the father's name with the mother's name.
Kharkiv's gay community announces LGBT march
At the pride march in Kharkiv, participants will demand the legalization of same-sex marriages in Ukraine.