At the legendary monastery of Saint Catherine, standing on Mount Sinai for 15 centuries as he himself mentioned, Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the enthronement ceremony of the Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan and Raitho and Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine of Mount Sinai, Symeon. The prime minister was present alongside Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, as well as representatives from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Patriarchate of Alexandria, and the Churches of Greece and Cyprus.
The prime minister delivered an address during the ceremony and later made a statement. Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that protecting the monastery is a national issue. Specifically, he said that “it is a national duty to maintain our constant interest in the monastery’s multifaceted spiritual and cultural mission, and our rightful obligation to provide every assistance to those who preserve our traditions at the edge of this peninsula.” Mitsotakis also held meetings, discussing with Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, Archbishop Symeon, and US Deputy Secretary of State Michael Regas.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s address
Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated specifically in his address during the ceremony: “Your Beatitude, Most Reverend Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan and Raitho and Abbot of the Greek Orthodox Holy Royal Autonomous Monastery of Saint Catherine of the Holy and God-trodden Mount Sinai, most reverend representatives of Patriarchates and Churches, reverend Sinaite Fathers, honorable Minister of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States, distinguished guests,
It is a special honor for me to be here today as Prime Minister of Greece, participating in the magnificent enthronement of the Archbishop of Sinai and new Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine, also conveying the respect, love, and wishes, Your Eminence, of the entire Greek people, but mainly being present to assure you that Greece will continue to be present at every step that lies ahead and your supporter at every level.
The Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine, founded on the God-trodden Mount Sinai for fifteen and more centuries, constitutes the world’s oldest Christian monastery. It thus represents a “bulwark” of Orthodoxy, a “beacon” of spiritual virtue, a historic symbol of our identity, a living testimony of the Greek and Christian spirit and, simultaneously, a bridge of friendship between Greece and Egypt.
It is therefore a national duty to maintain our constant interest in the monastery’s multifaceted spiritual and cultural mission and our rightful obligation to provide every assistance to those who preserve our traditions at the edge of this peninsula.
We know that recent times have not been cloudless, as various events caused temporary disturbance in the Church’s body. However, as happens in its long history, the Holy Sinaite Brotherhood demonstrated patience, spiritual wisdom and unwavering faith. It thus emerged unscathed from the trial, renewing its spirit of unity.
Your unanimous election, Your Eminence, as well as today’s enthronement, mark the beginning of a new period of rallying and brotherhood within the community of Fathers. While the efforts of the Greek and Egyptian states have already paved the way for the monastery’s liturgical character to be preserved perpetually, as well as its rights and the protection of the monks who serve it.
The agreed directions and principles will certainly be brought to the attention of the Sinaite Brotherhood, which, Your Eminence, will have the final word.
In particular, I would like to express, on behalf of the Greek Government, our sincere respect and gratitude to His Divine Beatitude, the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, whose presence today adds spiritual splendor and blessing.
And to you, Your Eminence, new abbot, allow me my warm congratulations and wishes for undertaking your high duties.
Everyone’s expectation is for the Monastery of Saint Catherine to continue being a “beacon” of Orthodoxy, maintaining intact its ascetic and monastic tradition, with Greece always by its side, always by your side as supporter and ally.
I therefore wish from my heart longevity, enlightenment and fruitful service. Your Eminence, many years to you, worthy”.
The prime minister’s subsequent statement
Kyriakos Mitsotakis also made a later statement, in which he noted: “With great emotion and with a sense of honor and gratitude, I represent the Greek Government on this extremely important day of the official enthronement of the new Archbishop of Sinai, Symeon, in this place which for 1,500 years has continuously kept the flame of Orthodoxy burning bright.
I want to assure once again that the Greek Government will always stand beside the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine, supporting it so that it preserves for eternity this special and unique status that was bequeathed to us by our ancestors.
I wish the new Archbishop strength in his new duties and want him to know that he can always look to Greece’s support, which, having developed an excellent relationship with the government of Egypt, is always here to resolve any pending issues that may arise”.
