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 The new abbot affirmed his commitment to the autonomous status of the Sinai Monastery, in accordance with “historical documents and Christian love and order.”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.

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