Patriarch Theophilos III Steps In to Resolve Sinai Monastery Conflict

His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, has announced the intervention of the Patriarchate to address an ongoing issue among the monks at the Holy Monastery of Sinai, as outlined in a letter sent to Archbishop Kyrillos Damianos of Sinai, Pharan, and Raithou.

In his letter, Patriarch Theophilos expressed his intent to resolve the situation peacefully, emphasizing the Patriarchate’s spiritual and canonical authority over the Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Sinai. The Patriarchate’s jurisdiction, rooted in the Holy Canons and the Tradition of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, was acknowledged by Archbishop Damianos in his appeal for assistance.

To facilitate a resolution, Patriarch Theophilos announced that a three-member delegation will be dispatched to mediate. The delegation will work in a “spirit of truth, reconciliation, and cooperation” with the Sinai Brotherhood to achieve a peaceful resolution to the issue, which concerns the ecclesiastical status of the monastery.

The Patriarch’s letter, published in English, highlights the Patriarchate’s commitment to addressing the matter with diligence and prayer. It reassures Archbishop Damianos that every effort will be made to ensure a harmonious outcome, invoking the grace of God to guide the process. The letter concludes with a prayer that the sacred land of Sinai continues to bear witness to holiness, humility, and a peaceful ascent toward God.

This intervention underscores the Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s role in maintaining unity and order within one of Christianity’s most ancient monastic communities, located at the historic site of Mount Sinai.

(Source: To Vima)