Abp. Damianos of Sinai Sets Timeline for Succession, Jerusalem Patriarchate Confirms Removal

Photo: Hellas Journal

ATHENS — Archbishop Damianos, head of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. Catherine’s at Mount Sinai, has announced his resignation and outlined the timetable for electing his successor. In a statement, he said he will formally step down on Friday, with the Sinai Brotherhood convening on September 14 to choose a new archbishop.

Damianos also lifted previous penalties and expulsions against monks who had opposed him, which will allow all members of the brotherhood to participate in the election. Due to health reasons, he will not attend the proceedings, which will be chaired by a monk elected from those present.

The archbishop had arrived in Athens on Saturday morning, accompanied by a Greek government delegation that flew to Sinai to escort him and nine monks back to Greece. His departure follows weeks of tension and public exchanges with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.

Meeting in Synod on September 8, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed Damianos’ removal from the throne of Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho, citing earlier decisions of the Sinai Brotherhood and canonical charges. Damianos had been summoned to Jerusalem, but did not appear. Patriarch Theophilos decreed that Damianos’ title as “Former Archbishop” will take effect September 12, the date of his announced resignation.

The Patriarchate said it acts “in a spirit of love in Christ and respect toward the departing hierarch,” while calling on the Sinai Brotherhood to proceed with the election of a new archbishop in accordance with its regulations and tradition.

While Damianos is framing these developments as a natural progression stemming from his own resignation, the Jerusalem Patriarchate is expressing its support for and recognition of the Sinai Brotherhood's decision on July 30 to depose the archbishop and abbot from the throne "based on the canonical offenses into which he had fallen." These included allegations of a mistress and dealings with government officials that were considered inappropriate and excessive for a religious institution. 

The Patriarchate said it has "shown generosity, love, and understanding, even in moments of disturbance of ecclesiastical order," and that the Synod "prays fervently for the departing Hierarch, that he may be given long life and every blessing."

Abp. Damianos had previously criticized Jerusalem for not stepping into the Sinai saga until it was time to impose its authority, with the abbot saying that others had expressed support for the monastery following threats from the Egyptian government while Pat. Theophilos remained silent.

Previously, UOJ reported that Abp. Damianos had criticized the Jerusalem and Moscow Patriarchates in a scathing resignation letter.

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