At noon on September 23, the newly elected Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho, and Abbot of the historic Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at the God-trodden Mount Sinai, Mr. Symeon, visited the Archbishop’s Mansion to meet with Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece.

The meeting took place in a particularly warm atmosphere. Archbishop Ieronymos welcomed the new Shepherd of Sinai, offering his wishes for overcoming the challenges facing the Sinai Brotherhood. “I am very happy today to see the newly elected shepherd of the Historic Monastery of Sinai, a distinguished brother and fellow traveler,” stated the Primate of the Church of Greece. He noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on matters of history and current issues. Finally, he wished the new Archbishop “strength and patience, so that he may create the spiritual atmosphere we all desire at the Monastery of Sinai, and success in continuing his missionary work.”

For his part, Mr. Symeon expressed his gratitude both to Archbishop Ieronymos personally and to the entire Church of Greece for its longstanding support of the Sinai Brotherhood. “In the person of the Archbishop and the Church of Greece, we always find a strong ally, both spiritually and materially, whenever needed,” he stressed, noting that “throughout the recent crisis, the Church of Greece has been our most sincere supporter.”

The new Archbishop of Sinai emphasized that the prayers of the Archbishop, hierarchs, clergy, and faithful are a source of strength and optimism for the Brotherhood, expressing certainty that “God will not allow the Monastery to be exposed or difficulties to arise for the Brotherhood.”

New Prospects for Cooperation

Mr. Symeon’s visit to Athens marks the beginning of a new period of cooperation between the Sinai Monastery and the Church of Greece, aiming to strengthen the spiritual, historical, and cultural mission of the world’s oldest Christian monastic community. The support of the Church of Greece is considered crucial for preserving and promoting this global heritage, especially at a time when the Middle East faces security challenges and political instability.

During this period, the new Archbishop of Sinai takes on the mission of continuing the Monastery’s multidimensional work, enhancing its presence in both the Orthodox and international spheres, and promoting the dialogue between tradition and the needs of the modern era.

The Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine of Sinai as a Living Monument of Orthodoxy

The Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at Sinai, built at the foot of Mount Horeb, is regarded as the oldest continuously operating Christian monastic community in the world. Its foundation dates back to the 6th century, under Emperor Justinian, and since then it has functioned uninterruptedly as a center of spiritual radiance, theological research, and preservation of priceless relics and manuscripts.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Monastery is not only a place of pilgrimage but also a hub of interfaith dialogue, having coexisted peacefully with local communities for centuries.