The Patriarch of Jerusalem reported the resolution of pastoral problems in the Sinai Monastery

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem announced the successful resolution of recent pastoral and organizational difficulties in the life of the Orthodox community at Mount Sinai. The announcement was made on November 19, 2025, during a meeting with representatives of the Inter-Parliamentary Committee on Orthodoxy, who are in the Holy Land on a pilgrimage visit.

According to Orthodoxia News Agency, they were talking about issues related to the pastoral care and internal administration of the ancient monastery of St. Catherine. Patriarch Theophilos III noted that the monastery, which is under the special protection of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, periodically faces challenges, but the current problems have been overcome. “These problems have been overcome by the grace of the Lord,” he emphasized, adding that the monastery’s brethren continue their service in peace and unity.

The Primate of the Church of Jerusalem also recalled the great spiritual significance of Sinai as a place inextricably linked to the history of God’s Revelation, and reaffirmed that the care of St. Catherine’s Monastery is an integral part of the Patriarchate’s mission.

During the meeting, the Patriarch also touched upon the theme of the multinational jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and mentioned the recent visit of US Vice President Jay Dee Vance, expressing gratitude for his support for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other holy sites.

For their part, members of the Inter-Parliamentary Committee on Orthodoxy expressed appreciation for the Patriarchate’s ministry in Sinai. They noted that the preservation of the famous monastery and the maintenance of the Orthodox Christian presence in the region are of great importance to the entire fullness of the Orthodox Church.

Recall that the enthronement of the new Archbishop Simeon of Sinai, Faran and Raifa took place at the Monastery of St. Catherine on the Theotokos Mount Sinai. This event, which opens a new chapter in the history of the most ancient monastery after almost half a century, was attended by high-ranking guests, including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem.