Archbishop Symeon of Sinai Ordained at Church of the Holy Sepulchre

OCP News Service – 20/10/2025

Jerusalem-Holy Land: In a ceremony steeped in historical and spiritual significance, His Eminence Symeon was ordained as the new Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho at the Katholicon of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The ordination, which took place on Sunday, October 19, was presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.

The momentous occasion followed the announcement of the Holy and Sacred Synod’s decision on Saturday, October 18. Archbishop-Elect Symeon received the proclamation with deep reverence, acknowledging that the ministry entrusted to him required the “Patriarchal blessing and wise counsel” of the Church of Zion.

In his greeting, Patriarch Theophilos III hailed the event as a moment of thanksgiving, noting that the Mother Church of Jerusalem was privileged to witness a new Hierarch being raised up as Archbishop and Hegumen of the Holy Monastery of the God-trodden Mount Sinai. The Patriarch affirmed that the ceremony, through the laying-on of hands, proclaimed the “unbroken continuity of the apostolic and priestly grace, which from Jerusalem has been poured forth upon the whole world.”

In his address, Archbishop Symeon pledged his dedication to the sacred responsibility, declaring his steadfast attachment and canonical loyalty to the Patriarchal Throne of Jerusalem. He vowed to “labour, until my last breath… for ecclesiastical harmony and peace, and for the good testimony of the Monastic Tradition of our late Fathers.”

The ordination drew a distinguished array of attendees, reflecting the high stature of the Sinai Monastery and its bond with Jerusalem. Notable guests included:

• H.E. Mr. George Gerapetritis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, who emphasized the Greek Government’s deep respect for the Patriarchate’s spiritual and cultural mission.
• Representatives from the Patriarchate of Alexandria (Bishop Stephanos of Hippo) and the Church of Greece, along with delegates from the Latin, Armenian, and other Patriarchates.
• Ambassadors and Consuls General from Greece, Egypt, and Jordan, alongside the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus.

Patriarch Theophilos III concluded the ceremony by announcing that he will personally attend and perform the enthronement of the new Hegumen at Mount Sinai, a powerful act that visibly manifests the “indissoluble communion” between the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood and the Sinaitic Brotherhood.

Source:

OCP News Service