Yesterday, Friday, 31, 2025, the new Archbishop Symeon of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho, as well as the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine on God-trodden Mount Sinai, was enthroned, marking a new chapter in the monastery’s history after nearly half a century.
The sacred ceremony took place at the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai, and it was performed by His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem.
Present during the enthronement were representatives of the Ecumenical Throne, the Patriarchate of Alexandria, and the Church of Greece, as well as the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and official delegates of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Enthronement of Archbishop of Sinai, a spiritual event proclaiming divine mission; Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem
In his historic address at the enthronement of His Eminence Archbishop Symeon, His Beatitude emphasised that this ceremony is, above all, a fruit of the grace of the Holy Spirit and a work of divine providence, underlining the profound spiritual responsibility of the new Hegumen. Addressing him, His Beatitude said, among other things:
“This enthronement is not merely an administrative or canonical act, but above all a spiritual event, proclaiming your divine mission in the Holy Spirit… You now assume, Most Reverend Brother, this ministry as the steward and guardian of this universal Shrine, as shepherd of both the Autonomous Holy Monastery and the twenty-third Episcopal See of our Church of Jerusalem.”
His Beatitude then, expressing the concern of the Church of Jerusalem for the preservation of the Holy Places, made the following appeal:
“To the honourable Egyptian governmental authorities, that they may ensure the protection and safeguarding of the Holy Monastery, its age-old sacred status quo, and the sanctity of the surrounding area of the God-trodden Mount Sinai, as it has been respected and maintained to this day.”
He further added: “At this particular and historic moment, in the presence of distinguished personalities, we call upon both to cooperate for the protection of this sacred site and its long-standing tradition, in full awareness and high sense of responsibility before history, of which we all become both part and witness.”
My enthronement, a sincere response to the divine call; Archbishop Symeon of Sinai
With deep emotion, His Eminence the Archbishop of Sinai stated that his election and enthronement were not the result of human ambition but a sincere response to the divine call. He accepted the office as a cross of service and as a work of love toward God and humankind.
With heartfelt prayer, he implored God for enlightenment, strength, and a pure mind that he might faithfully shepherd the Brotherhood, the Monastery, and the small Sinaitic flock. His address revealed the episcopate as a grace and a ministry, not a position of power.
He referred with special emotion to His Beatitude the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, whom he called “my revered and long-standing fellow student” and “my Protector,” expressing profound gratitude for His paternal love, support, and ecclesiastical guidance marked by discernment. He praised the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood and the Holy Synod, which he described as pillars and supporters of the Holy Monastery, especially in times of trial.
He stressed that the Throne of Jerusalem, as the Mother of all Churches, is the spiritual and canonical point of reference for the Church of Sinai, which remains free and autonomous, yet unbreakably united in love and faith with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Archbishop of Symeon reaffirmed his steadfast devotion to preserving the historical status of the “Free, Autonomous, and Unenslaved Imperial Monastery of Sinai,” founded upon the Justinian Novella, the Patriarchal Sigillia, and the Achtiname of the Prophet Muhammad, a sacred legacy entrusted to future generations.
Greek Prime Minister reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to the Sinai Monastic community
The Greek Prime Minister delivered a heartfelt address that underscored Greece’s enduring spiritual and cultural ties to the ancient monastic community.
“It is a distinct honor for me to be here today as Prime Minister of Greece, participating in the solemn enthronement of the Archbishop of Sinai and new spiritual leader of the Holy Monastery of St. Catherine,” Mitsotakis said. “I convey the respect, love, and blessings of the entire Greek people, and I stand here to assure you that Greece will continue to stand by your side at every step, as a steadfast supporter at every level.”
Highlighting the monastery’s millennia-long history, Mitsotakis described St. Catherine’s as “the oldest Christian monastery in the world — a bastion of Orthodoxy, a beacon of spiritual virtue, and a living testimony to the Greek and Christian spirit, as well as a bridge of friendship between Greece and Egypt.”
In a statement afterward, Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s dedication to the preservation of the monastery’s heritage:
“With great emotion and gratitude, I represent the Greek Government on this historic day. For 1,500 years, this sacred place has kept alive the flame of Orthodoxy. I want to assure once again that Greece will always stand beside St. Catherine’s Monastery, safeguarding its unique and eternal legacy.”
He concluded: “I wish Archbishop Symeon strength in his new mission and remind him that he can always rely on Greece’s support. Our strong relationship with Egypt ensures that any issue that may arise will find understanding and resolution.”
Archbishop Symeon was unanimously elected by the brotherhood of the monastery and officially approved by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and on October 18, 2025, the election was announced during the Great Vespers service at the Patriarchal Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Jerusalem.
Upon accepting the election and receiving the blessings of Patriarch Theophilos and the Holy Synod, the Archbishop-elect was then ordained the next day, on October 19, 2025, at the Catholicon of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
