Patriarch of Jerusalem: Pastoral issues on Mount Sinai successfully resolved
Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem at a meeting with the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy. Photo: Orthodoxia news agency.
On 19 November 2025, during a meeting with the Inter-Parliamentary Committee on Orthodoxy, which arrived in the Holy Land on a pilgrimage visit, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem reported that the recent difficulties within the Orthodox community on Mount Sinai had been successfully resolved, according to the Orthodoxia News Agency.
It was noted that the discussion centered on pastoral care and the internal administration of the ancient Sinai monastery. The Patriarch stated that the Monastery of Saint Catherine, which is under the special protection of the Jerusalem Patriarchate, periodically faces organizational and pastoral challenges. “These problems were overcome by the grace of the Lord,” he emphasized, adding that the brethren of the monastery continue their service in peace and unity.
Patriarch Theophilos III also recalled the significance of Sinai as a place closely linked with the history of Divine Revelation, where a unique spiritual heritage is preserved. He underscored that caring for the Monastery of Saint Catherine and providing it with pastoral oversight remain an integral part of the mission of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
The Patriarch also touched upon the broad, multinational jurisdiction of the Patriarchate and mentioned the recent visit of U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance, expressing gratitude for his support of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the holy sites.
Representatives of the Inter-Parliamentary Committee expressed appreciation for the Patriarchate’s ministry on Sinai, noting that preserving the monastery and maintaining the presence of Orthodox Christians in the region are of great importance for the entire Orthodox Church.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the enthronement of the Archbishop of Sinai took place at the Saint Catherine Monastery.
Read also
Media show abandoned churches in Lviv region falling into ruin
A blogger has drawn attention to the condition of shrines in Lviv region that have been left without care or protection.
Hierarch of Constantinople: We hold highest authority in Orthodox Church
Archbishop Elpidophoros compared the status of the Church of Constantinople to the position of the pope in the Roman Catholic Church.
Authorities strip UOC community of St Michael’s Church in Krasnokutsk
The prosecutor’s office described the deprivation of the UOC community’s property rights to the St Michael’s church in Krasnokutsk as “the protection of historical heritage”.
Abbess Serafima appeals to premier over eviction of nuns in Baturyn
The head of the Synodal Department of the UOC “Church and Culture” asks Svyrydenko to restore to the sisters of the St Nicholas Monastery in Baturyn the opportunity to remain there through the winter until a court ruling is issued.
Orthodox bishops lead a prayer at March for Life in Washington
Hierarchs from different Local Churches offered a prayer for unborn children at the largest pro-life event in the United States, which drew about 10,000 participants.
UOC's Dormition Monastery in Odesa damaged by shelling
During the night, the Dormition Monastery came under fire. Utility and church buildings were damaged, and one person was wounded.