The consecration of the new Archbishop Simeon of Sinai took place in Jerusalem

on October 19, 2025, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the hierarchical consecration of the new head of the Autonomous Archdiocese of Sinai took place. His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem presided over the ordination of Archimandrite Simeon as Archbishop of Sinai, Faran and Raifa. The solemn event was attended by hierarchs of the Local Orthodox Churches, representatives of the Greek and Cypriot state authorities, as well as diplomats.

As Romfea.gr reports, the day before, on October 18, the Holy Synod announced the election of the new Archbishop, who gratefully accepted the decision. The Divine Liturgy and the ordination rite on Sunday, October 19, was presided over by Patriarch Theophilus of Jerusalem. In his words, His Beatitude noted that «the Mother Church of Jerusalem offers thanksgiving to the Lord, who has made it possible for us to see the appearance among us of a new Hierarch of the Ancient Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Abbot of the Holy Abode of the Divine Mount Sinai». The Patriarch emphasized the continuity of the apostolic and priestly grace that poured out from Jerusalem to the whole world.

In his response, the newly ordained Archbishop Simeon of Sinai expressed his awareness of all the responsibility entrusted to him in such challenging times. He pledged his commitment to his bond with the Patriarchal See of Jerusalem, promising to «work to the last breath, with God’s help, for the glory of God, for Church harmony and peace, and for a good witness to the monastic tradition of our fathers.»

The celebrations were attended by numerous guests of honor. Among them were representatives of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and the Hellenic Orthodox Church. The Greek state authorities were represented by Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis and Secretary General for Religious Affairs Georgios Kalandzis. Also present were the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, the Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem, the Ambassadors of Egypt and Jordan, as well as representatives of other Christian denominations.

Following the service, an official reception was held at the Patriarchate. Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis expressed the Greek government’s deep respect for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, noting its multifaceted spiritual, national and cultural mission. In conclusion, Patriarch Theophilos congratulated the new Archbishop Simeon, emphasizing the unbreakable spiritual communion between the Sinai Monastery and the Holy Grove Brotherhood, and proclaimed a toast to the health and longevity of the new hierarch.

Recall that Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently announced that a preliminary understanding had been reached with Egypt on the legal status of the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai Peninsula. This agreement is aimed at resolving a centuries-old problem, which recently escalated due to a court ruling, and at ensuring the protection of one of the key shrines of the Orthodox world.