Jerusalem Patriarchate Sends Delegation to Sinai for Key Discussions
Committee meets with Archbishop Damianos of Sinai and monastery fathers on matters of pastoral concern and tradition preservation.
SINAI — With the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, a three-member delegation from the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood traveled to Sinai following a formal request for assistance. The committee first met with Archbishop Damianos of Sinai in Athens before proceeding to the historic Holy Monastery of Sinai, fulfilling the Patriarchate’s pastoral responsibilities within its spiritual jurisdiction.
In an atmosphere of mutual respect and spiritual discretion, the committee engaged in extensive discussions with the monastery’s long-serving Fathers. Guided by the protection of St. Catherine, patron of the monastery, the talks addressed current challenges and future matters, with the delegation offering crucial insights to help navigate the situation.
The Patriarchate’s paternal concern—warmly received by the Fathers—centered on the need for coordinated collaboration with relevant political authorities to safeguard the monastery’s historic rights, statuses, and special regulations. All parties expressed readiness to reassess necessary measures in the spirit of peaceful reconciliation and to uphold the monastery’s legitimate claims.
The Fathers reaffirmed their deep respect and love for Archbishop Damianos, recognizing his long-standing role in the life of the Brotherhood. Participants agreed to move forward in unity and responsibility toward the scheduled General Assembly, where predetermined issues will be examined and resolved in accordance with canonical order and the monastery’s traditional governance.
Previously, UOJ reported that a three-member delegation from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem had arrived in Athens to address the internal crisis at Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai.
