Patriarchate of Jerusalem Affirms Jurisdiction Over Monastery of Sinai
His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III responds to Archbishop Damianos with call for reconciliation.
JERUSALEM — Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem has formally acknowledged the appeal of Archbishop Damianos of Sinai, Pharan, and Raithou, who requested that the Patriarchate of Jerusalem assume spiritual and canonical responsibility for the Holy Monastery of Sinai.
As reported yesterday by UOJ, an assembly of 15 monks was held at St. Catherine's Monastery, reportedly resulting in the decision to suspend Abp. Damianos, the monastery’s abbot.
In a letter issued from the Patriarchate, Patr. Theophilos emphasized that the appeal confirms the longstanding canonical tradition recognizing the Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s jurisdiction over the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Sinai. He stressed that any reconciliation must proceed through this canonical path under the pastoral care of the Church of Zion.
To address the matter, the Patriarchate announced it will send a three-member delegation to the Monastery of Sinai to work toward a peaceful resolution in cooperation with the brotherhood of the monastery.
Patr. Theophilos assured Abp. Damianos of continued prayer and support, invoking the Apostle Paul’s words that “neither tribulation, nor distress” will prevail. He concluded by praying that Christ, the Chief Shepherd, would guide all efforts toward truth, peace, and holiness in the God-trodden land of Sinai.
The full letter of Patr. Theophilos III can be read below:
To His Eminence the Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan and Raithou
Kyrillos Damianos
With spiritual concern and attentive reading, we have received Your Eminence’s letter addressed to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, by which you express your desire that the Patriarchate assume spiritual and canonical responsibility for the management of the pressing issue concerning the ecclesiastical status of the Holy Monastery of Sinai.
This appeal constitutes a clear acknowledgment that, in accordance with the Holy Canons and the unshakable Tradition of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem bears the spiritual and canonical jurisdiction over the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Sinai. From this it becomes evident that any honorable reconciliation sought can proceed only through the recognized canonical path and under the pastoral care of the Throne of the Church of Zion.
We value in the Lord this expression of trust and ecclesiastical discernment on your part, and in sincere response to the invitation of Your Eminence, we hereby affirm that the Patriarchate of Jerusalem is prepared to initiate the appropriate ecclesiastical procedure. A three-member delegation shall be sent to you so that, in a spirit of truth, reconciliation, and cooperation with the Brotherhood of Sinai, every possible effort may be made toward a desirable and peaceful resolution of the issue that has arisen.
We have already communicated with Your Eminence by telephone to assure you that we remain watchful and prayerful, that “neither tribulation, nor distress” (Romans 8:35) may overcome you, but that the grace of God may fill and illumine every undertaking.
From the Most Holy and Life-giving Tomb, we pray that the Chief Shepherd Christ may inspire us all towards what is true and good, and that the God-trodden land of Sinai may continue to bear witness to holiness, humility, and a peaceful ascent toward God.
With the Patriarchal blessings and highest regards,
† THEOPHILOS III
Patriarch of Jerusalem
