Archbishop Damianos of Sinai has launched the succession process for his position, using the occasion to deliver a forceful critique of Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and to denounce the Moscow Patriarchate’s role in fomenting division within the Orthodox world.
In a wide-ranging declaration issued on 4 September 2025, Damianos accused Theophilos of orchestrating an “ecclesiastical coup” against the Holy Monastery of Sinai and recalled past controversies surrounding the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, including its treatment of the late Patriarch Irenaios.
Damianos, now 91, acknowledged that his age has fuelled speculation over succession and admitted that internal disputes within the Sinaitic Brotherhood have been aggravated by a May 2025 court ruling threatening the Monastery’s centuries-old autonomous status.
He outlined six strategic points for safeguarding the Monastery’s future, including:
- pursuing a tripartite agreement with Egypt and Greece,
- securing recognition in Egyptian law of the Monastery as a unique religious legal entity,
- protecting its relics and manuscripts,
- and reinforcing its autonomy under the 1782 Sigillion of Ecumenical Patriarch Gabriel IV.
He thanked the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Churches of Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Albania for their support, while criticising the silence of others and accusing Moscow of exploiting divisions to undermine Orthodoxy.
He further condemned Patriarch Theophilos’ recent correspondence as “canonically… unfounded” and motivated by “imperialistic policy” to reduce Sinai to a subordinate monastery.
Damianos concluded by affirming that the Greek government, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Church of Greece were aware of his succession plans, which will proceed in cooperation with Egyptian authorities.
He urged unity among the Brotherhood and offered forgiveness: “I forgive everyone, and I ask forgiveness from all.”
Source: Orthodox Times
