Your Beatitude,
Your Eminence Archbishop of Sinai,
Pharan, and Raitho,
Your Eminences,
Reverend Fathers of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood and the Sinai Brotherhood, Honorable compatriots and friends,
It is indeed a privilege to participate in today's event of historic significance, the ordination of the new Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho, and already elected Hegumen of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine, Mr. Symeon. The solemnity that surrounded this important occasion, as well as the reverence of the ordination held before the Holy Sepulchre, moved and inspired us all. Once again, the great tradition and the vitality of the living Church were eloquently demonstrated. There is always deep emotional resonance when such an event takes place in this sacred location, in Jerusalem, in the Most Holy Church of the Resurrection.
The Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine of Mount Sinai, like the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, stands as a beacon of spirituality with global reach. It is one of the most significant guardians of a tradition that is invaluable to the history, heritage, and spiritual identity of Greece and the entire Hellenic world.
We are fully aware of the considerable challenges faced by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Monastery of Sinai. In a region and era fraught with difficulty, they remain steadfast as isles of Orthodoxy, of spirituality, and of the Hellenic Christian East. The sight of the Greek flag, even in the midst of the desert here in the Holy Lands, of which Sinai is an inseparable part, is enough to remind us of the unbreakable bond with Hellenism.
It is, therefore, only natural that Greece remains firmly committed to supporting the Monastery of Sinai in strengthening its role and sacred mission. The Hellenic State has worked systematically towards this aim particularly intensively in recent times and will continue to do so with dedication, offering not only assistance but also cooperation, with a spirit of mutual understanding, deep respect for ecclesiastical institutions, and full trust in their decisions, in accordance with canonical order.
In this spirit, as you know, we are in discussions with the friendly country of Egypt. The aim is to definitively secure the status and rights of the Monastery of Saint Catherine within the Egyptian legal framework. This is to ensure the preservation of the Monastery’s site and surroundings, which include holy places of the utmost importance and form part of the world’s cultural heritage, as designated by UNESCO.
I am pleased to confirm that this cooperation with the Egyptian government is progressing satisfactorily and we have already reached a preliminary mutual understanding. The final decision, of course, belongs to the Sinai Brotherhood, alongside which Greece is prepared to stand with resolve and confidence. We hope soon to reach a comprehensive agreement that will resolve, in the best interest of the Monastery, a longstanding and centuries-old matter for the benefit of global cultural heritage.
On this occasion, I would also like to renew our assurance that the Hellenic Republic remains unwaveringly committed to its close cooperation with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and to providing it with strong support in every area. For Greece, the defense of the rights and privileges of the Patriarchate and more broadly, the preservation of the Christian presence and heritage in Jerusalem and throughout the Middle East, is a top priority. This priority concerns the entire Hellenic world, both within and beyond the borders of Greece, its historical journey and its spiritual identity. Therefore, it also concerns its future.
We express our profound gratitude to the Patriarchate and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre for their vigilant guardianship and cultivation of this heritage in the face of every adversity that history has reserved for it. In the year 836, Patriarch Basil of Jerusalem wrote on behalf of the Synod to Emperor Theophilos: “Even if place has separated us by tyrannical power, the manner of divine authority has not allowed our separation”.
Greece is determined to serve this unity with dedication and consistency. We are convinced that the challenges we face and those we have faced together strengthen our unity and cooperation. The State has taken concrete initiatives to provide not only support to the Patriarchate but also the necessary tools to enable it to contribute forcefully and long-term to its sacred mission. We wish to further enhance our cooperation and coordination with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, drawing upon its deep knowledge and insights, while respecting its decisions.
I would also like to express our profound appreciation for Your work, Your Beatitude, especially as this year marks 20 years since your elevation to the Patriarchal Throne, in addition to the 40 years of your ministry in this land. Over these years, among many other contributions, you have undertaken historically significant restoration works. I wish you every success in the lofty goals that I know you have set for the future.
Your Eminence,
It is my honour to extend to you the warmest wishes both personal and on behalf of the Hellenic Republic for an auspicious beginning, long life and success in your sacred mission. And to express our deep respect for the service you are undertaking toward the Sinai Brotherhood and the Holy Monastery of Mount Sinai.
October 19, 2025