The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem was convened today, September 8th 2025, in due canonical order, awaiting the presence of Archbishop Damianos of Sinai, as was previously demanded, according to his canonical rights and obligations. However, having already departed and residing in Athens, he did not appear.
The Holy and Sacred Synod, having taken into consideration the decision of July 30th of the present year by the Sinai Brotherhood regarding his removal from the abbacy, as well as the official petition of July 31st based on the canonical offenses into which he had fallen, unanimously resolved his deposition from the throne of Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho, determining that his designation henceforth shall be “Former Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho.”
His Beatitude, Our Father and Patriarch Theophilos III, having taken into consideration the latest declared letter of Archbishop Damianos of Sinai to resign on Friday, September 12th, 2025, in order to facilitate the procedures for the election of a new Archbishop, thereby practically demonstrating his disposition towards the normalization of the functioning of the Holy Monastery of Mount Sinai and the proper canonical conduct of the election, as well as his advanced age, in a spirit of love in Christ and respect towards the departing Hierarch, His Beatitude decided that the designation “Former Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho” shall take effect from September 12th, 2025.
The Patriarchate, as a loving mother and nurturer, has shown generosity, love, and understanding, even in moments of disturbance of ecclesiastical order. His Beatitude, as a compassionate Father and Patriarch, primarily cares for the safeguarding of the peace and unity of the Church.
Therefore, the Synod prays fervently for the departing Hierarch, that he may be granted long life and every blessing from the All-Holy and Life-Giving Tomb of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ, and calls upon the Sinai Brotherhood to proceed with what is required, in accordance with the canonical provisions and its venerable tradition.