Dissident Monks at Sinai Monastery Expelled
Monastery issues apology for scandal as Abp. Damianos elects new council.
SINAI — St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai brought weeks of internal turmoil to a dramatic close following a series of developments on Tuesday, according to reporting from ekathimerini.com.
According to an evening communication, the monastery has now “returned to legality and normalcy” after the expulsion of 11 dissident monks who had resisted Abp. Damianos of Sinai and sought his removal as abbot.
The day unfolded with confrontation: upon his arrival, the Archbishop attempted dialogue with the rebels, who instead convened an unauthorized assembly to amend monastery statutes. Damianos reported being insulted and attacked before loyal monks intervened, driving the insurgents beyond the monastery gates.
A lawful general assembly followed, with the excommunicated rebels barred from participation. A new Synaxis (council of monks) was elected, consisting of Archimandrite Porphyrios, Hieromonk Akakios, and Monk Ephraim.
In its official statement, the monastery expressed both thanksgiving and repentance, invoking the protection of Saint Catherine while apologizing to the Church for the scandal caused.
“Instead of being light for the world, as monks should, we acted otherwise,” the statement read. "With humility and contrition, we ask forgiveness."
The 11 rebels - already under excommunication - have now been expelled from Sinai. Observers note the resolution may ease discussions with Egyptian authorities concerning the monastery’s status, with Athens monitoring the situation closely.
Previously, UOJ reported that the Jerusalem Patriarchate had sent a delegation to Sinai for key discussions.
