Abp. Symeon of Sinai Officially Consecrated by Pat. Theophilos in Jerusalem
The archimandrite was elected after the resignation of former Abp. Damianos of Sinai last month.
JERUSALEM — On Oct. 19, 2025, Archimandrite Symeon was officially consecrated Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan and Raitho at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem by Pat. Theophilos III.
With many bishops, priests, and government officials present from various countries, Abp. Symeon made a Confession of Faith and vowed to uphold the teachings and traditions of the Church.
According to Fr. Justin, a former Southern Baptist from Texas who converted to Orthodoxy and is now the librarian at St. Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai, Abp. Symeon gave an address following the Entrance with the Gospel, in which he stated his objections and hesitations in taking on the role but nevertheless chose to concede to the unanimous vote of the Brotherhood despite his advanced age and health problems.
"I had not, therefore, the right to refuse the call and to desert my post! And so, having loosed the latchet of my shoes before the mystery of the burning bush in the midst of which I unexpectedly found myself, with bowings of neck and knees I spake, and again I say, unto the All-Holy God: Lord, I have not sought the honor! I have not desired, nor have I pursued golden stoles of positions, glories, and pastoral responsibilities! My humble priestly ministry in Thy Church sufficed me! But I have been pressed into service! Thou hast pressed me into service!
Your Beatitude, the rest of the things which flood my soul at this sacred hour, honoring them with silence, I commit to God, entrusting now to You in compunction and sacred awe my right hand, for Your further actions concerning me! O Lord, save now! O Lord, prosper now! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!"
After the consecration by Pat. Theophilos III, Abp. Symeon was vested with the sakkos, omophorion, and mitre, and presented with the pastoral staff. After the Liturgy, he blessed the people.
Pat. Theophilos prepares to place the mitre on the head of Abp. Symeon. Photo: Jerusalem Patriarchate
Then-Archimandrite Symeon was elected unanimously on Sept. 14, 2025, after a long saga which culminated in the resignation of Abp. Damianos, who had served as abbot at St. Catherine's and Archbishop of Sinai for more than 50 years.
The historic service in Jerusalem can be watched here.
Previously, UOJ reported that the newly elected Symeon had arrived in Jerusalem for the consecration.
