The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem has formally announced the deposition of Archbishop Damianos of Sinai from his throne, following a unanimous decision taken at its session on Monday.
The ruling came after the Sinai Brotherhood resolved on 30 July to remove Archbishop Damianos from his duties, and after he himself submitted a letter declaring his intention to resign.
In its statement, the Patriarchate confirmed that from 12 September he will be referred to as “Former Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan and Raitho,” the date on which he had indicated his resignation would take effect.
The Synod had invited Archbishop Damianos to appear before it, but he did not attend as he is currently residing in Greece.
Patriarch Theophilos III noted that the decision recognised both the canonical issues raised by the Sinai Brotherhood and the Archbishop’s advanced age, while stressing it was taken “in a spirit of love in Christ and respect towards the departing Hierarch.”
The Patriarchate added that it prays for Archbishop Damianos and has urged the Sinai Brotherhood to move forward with the canonical election of a successor.
Source: Orthodox Times
