Patriarchate of Jerusalem congratulates new hegumen of Sinai Monastery
The Jerusalem Patriarchate expressed confidence that the new hegumen will continue the sacred legacy of the monastery, strengthening the unity of the Brotherhood.
Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem congratulated Archimandrite Simeon (Papadopoulos) on his election as the hegumen of the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Sinai. The official announcement on this event was published on the official website of the Jerusalem Patriarchate on September 16, 2025.
It is noted that the Church of Jerusalem “received with particular joy the unanimous election of the Very Reverend Archimandrite Symeon Papadopoulos as Hegumen of the venerable and historic Monastery of Sinai”.
"The Patriarchate congratulates the new Hegumen and expresses its firm confidence that he will continue faithfully the sacred legacy of the Monastery, strengthening the unity of the Brotherhood and manifesting the historic witness of Sinai in the contemporary world," the message states.
As reported by the UOJ, the elections of the new abbot and Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raithu took place on September 14, 2025. Archimandrite Simeon received 19 out of 20 votes, abstaining from voting according to ancient custom. His candidacy was supported by both supporters and opponents of the former abbot of Sinai, Bishop Damianos, which is seen as an important step towards reconciliation and establishing peace within the monastery.
