SINAI, Egypt | The monastic brotherhood of Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai has elected Archimandrite Symeon Papadopoulos as its new abbot, marking a historic leadership transition at one of Christianity’s most revered sites.
Archimandrite Symeon , who is also expected to assume the title of Archbishop of Sinai, received 19 out of 20 votes, casting a blank ballot for himself in accordance with ancient custom. His election comes just days after the resignation of Archbishop Damianos, who had led the monastery for 52 years before stepping down amid internal disputes within the community.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew welcomed the election, offering prayers that God grant the new abbot strength to fulfill his duties. From Athens, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki spoke with Papadopoulos by phone, conveying the government’s support.
“Minister Gerapetritis reaffirmed Greece’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Greek Orthodox character of the Monastery and preserving it as a living place of worship,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on the X platform.
