Statement regarding the Enthronement of His Eminence Archbishop Symeon of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho
With particular solemnity befitting the historic occasion of the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho, His Eminence Archbishop Symeon, Hegumen of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine of the God-trodden Mount Sinai, His Beatitude our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, journeyed to preside over the sacred ceremony and to bestow the blessing of the All-Holy Tomb upon the venerable members of the Sinaitic Brotherhood, a Brotherhood bound by indissoluble spiritual and historical ties to the Church of Jerusalem.
His Beatitude was accompanied by His Eminence Metropolitan Isychios of Capitolias, the Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Athens, Archimandrite Ieronymos, the Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod Archimandrite Christodoulos, and Hierodeacon Prodromos. The Patriarchal Delegation travelled from Jordan to Egypt, where the Egyptian Government accorded them a cordial and dignified welcome, recognising the decisive role of the Church of Sion, under the enlightened guidance of His Beatitude, as a locus of reconciliation and sincere understanding among the diverse religious and national communities of the Middle East, and as a spiritual beacon radiating the light of the Gospel throughout the world while safeguarding the Holy Shrines of the Holy Land.
His Beatitude, together with the honourable members of the venerable Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood, arrived at the God-trodden Mount Sinai, where they were warmly received in fraternal love and joy in Christ by the Fathers of the Sinaitic Brotherhood.
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.”
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.
He 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.
At the official banquet that followed, His Beatitude emphasised that the election of the Most Reverend Hegumen “is the work of divine providence,” adding that the venerable Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood rejoices together with the Sinaitic Brotherhood for the unity in the Holy Spirit manifested in this sacred common gathering, declaring: “At the Abrahamic table, where your Brotherhood, the guests, and the friends of this holy mountain are seated together in unity of the Holy Spirit, we offer thanksgiving to God on your behalf.”
Furthermore, His Beatitude held a cordial meeting with His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during which matters concerning the Patriarchate and the general situation in the Middle East were discussed in a warm and fruitful atmosphere. His Beatitude also met with Her Excellency Ms. Alexandra Papadopoulou, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Her Excellency Ms. Sofia Zacharaki, Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports; and His Excellency Mr. Georgios Kalantzis, Secretary-General for Religious Affairs, to address issues related to the spiritual, cultural, philanthropic, and national mission of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
In addition, His Beatitude met with His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Hanno, Minister of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt; with Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Yasmin Moussa, Representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt; as well as with the representative of the United States, Mr. Michael Rigas, for further consultation on matters pertaining to ecclesiastical affairs and the sacred sites in the region.
From the Secretariat General
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