Without substantial progress, the critical meeting to resolve the internal crisis within the Sinai Brotherhood at Mount Sinai monastery concluded on Thursday afternoon (7/8) in Athens. The tripartite committee appointed by Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, met with representatives of Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan and Raitho Damianos and General Secretary of Religious Affairs Georgios Kalantzis, representing the Greek Government.
The genesis of the crisis – The “coup-like” move by the monks
The crisis erupted after an initiative by 15 monks of the Holy Monastery of Sinai to demand the dismissal of Archbishop Damianos, with the Archbishop’s side characterizing their action as “coup-like.” This move came as a reaction to the draft law by the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports for the establishment of a Public Legal Entity (NPDD) for the monastery in Greece. Damianos immediately informed the Patriarch of Jerusalem with a letter, highlighting the irregular actions, with Theophilos sending a three-member investigation committee aimed at restoring unity and normalcy.
“Non-existent letter” and denial of rumors
During the meeting, reference was made to an “alleged letter from the Archbishop of Sinai,” which supposedly retracts his previous position on the spiritual jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The Patriarchate, however, clarified that such a letter was never sent and characterized it as “non-existent.” At the same time, it conveyed that it does not comment on publications with malicious or suspicious targeting, which – as it emphasizes – undermine sacred institutions and aim to divide the Greek Orthodox world.
Appeal for dialogue with a spirit of reconciliation
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem stated that the tripartite committee approached the issue with calm and love, avoiding rumors. It publicly appealed to Archbishop Damianos – one of the most respected leaders of Orthodox monasticism – to come to peaceful dialogue for lifting the impasse and safeguarding the unity of the Church and the Nation. The Patriarchate’s announcement concludes with wishes for Archbishop Damianos’ health and expression of confidence that the problem can be resolved soon, provided there is good will and a spirit of cooperation. The Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, it is emphasized, continues to pray for peace and unity within Orthodoxy
The complete announcement from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem
His Eminence Archbishop of Sinai Damianos sought through a letter the mediation of His Beatitude Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, for the resolution of the matter of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine of Sinai, writing to Him: “We trust Your wise judgment and the fact that You are our Father and Patriarch, whom as a Bishop I respect, honor and love.” His Beatitude, responding immediately to the Archbishop’s appeal, and especially after telephone communication, sent to Athens a three-member Committee, composed of distinguished members of the Holy Sepulchre, from His Eminence Archbishop of Constantina Aristarchos, Elder Chief Secretary, the Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Greece, Most Reverend Archimandrite Fr. Hieronymos, the Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, Archimandrite Fr. Christodoulos, and the distinguished professor emeritus of Canon Law Mr. Theodoros Giagkos, namely the most suitable for handling the matter.
The envoys of the Patriarchate, with great patience and love, waited for three days for Damianos to receive them. Finally, the meeting was scheduled to take place on August 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM. During the meeting, information was received that an alleged letter from His Eminence Archbishop of Sinai Damianos was circulated to the Press, the content of which was in contradiction with his first letter regarding the spiritual jurisdiction of the Senior Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It should be noted that the said letter, never sent, remains for the Patriarchate non-existent.
The Patriarchate, faithful to the principle of ecclesiastical ethics, never comments on malicious or suspicious publications, which wound and offend our sacred institutions, unsuccessfully attempt to divide the Greek Orthodox world, and sometimes can, due to circumstances or environment, mislead even respectable elders, known for their high ecclesiastical mindset. Such reports or publications clearly demonstrate a lack of awareness of the sacred canons and the rights of the Senior Patriarchate of Jerusalem arising from them over its unshakeable canonical jurisdiction.
The Three-member Committee of our Patriarchate, ignoring dissemination and unconfirmed rumors, sought understanding in sobriety and love in Christ, conversed with the present collaborators of His Eminence, as well as with Mr. Kalantzis, General Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and representative of the Greek Government. It called upon the Archbishop, as a historic figure in Orthodox monasticism, to come to peaceful and quiet dialogue for the resolution of the matter and safeguarding of the unity of the Church and the Nation.
The entire Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre prays for his health, and awaits with faith in the Lord the swift resolution of a problem, which can indeed be solved with good will and a spirit of reconciliation, placing its hopes in the Lord, according to Paul’s words: “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us,” (Romans 5:5).
