St. Catherine's, Mt. Sinai, Elects New Abbot
SINAI — Archimandrite Symeon Papadopoulos, head of the Sinai Metochion in Alepochori, was elected the new Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai on September 14, 2025, securing 19 out of 20 votes during the General Assembly of the Sinai Brotherhood. Following ancient custom, Papadopoulos cast a blank ballot. The decision, reached without dispute, will be communicated to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem for his ordination as Abbot and Archbishop of Sinai.
Archbishop Symeon is the 23rd Archbishop of Sinai. The first Archbishop of Sinai, Eugenios I, reigned from 1567 to 1583.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a congratulatory message, expressing joy and fraternal love for Papadopoulos’s “worthy election.” He wished him health and divine strength to guide the Brotherhood and advance the Monastery’s sacred goals. Bartholomew invoked God’s grace and mercy upon the new Abbot, emphasizing his role in providing spiritual leadership and promoting the historic Monastery’s mission.
The election follows the resignation of Archbishop Damianos on September 12, 2025, who urged unity in his farewell letter. The Monastery of Saint Catherine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, continues to be a vital spiritual center. Papadopoulos’s leadership marks a new chapter, fostering hope for the Monastery’s enduring legacy and unity.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.