Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the enthronement ceremony of the new Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan and Raitho, and Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine of Mount Sinai, Mr. Symeon. The ceremony took place in the presence of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Theophilos III, and representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Patriarchate of Alexandria, and the Churches of Greece and Cyprus.

Speaking of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine, the Prime Minister said:

“It is a national duty to maintain our continuous interest in the Monastery’s vital spiritual and cultural mission, and a rightful obligation to assist those who preserve our traditions at the far reaches of this peninsula.”

Mitsotakis’ Address at the Ceremony

“Your Beatitude, Most Reverend Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan and Raitho, and Abbot of the Greek Orthodox Holy Royal Autonomous Monastery of Saint Catherine of the God-Trodden Mount Sinai,
distinguished representatives of Patriarchates and Churches,
venerable Fathers of Sinai,
Honorable Minister of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt,
Honorable Deputy Secretary of State of the United States,
distinguished guests,

It is a distinct honor for me to be here today as Prime Minister of Greece, attending the enthronement of the Archbishop of Sinai and new leader of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine. I bring with me the respect, love, and blessings of the Greek people, and I stand here to affirm that Greece will continue to be present and supportive at every step forward.

The Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine, founded on the God-Trodden Mount Sinai more than fifteen centuries ago, is the oldest Christian monastery in the world. It stands as a bastion of Orthodoxy, a beacon of spiritual virtue, a historic symbol of our identity, and a living testimony of Greek and Christian spirit — as well as a bridge of friendship between Greece and Egypt.

It is therefore our national duty to maintain ongoing concern for the Monastery’s significant spiritual and cultural mission and our rightful debt to aid those who preserve our traditions in this remote part of the peninsula.

We are aware that recent times have not been without turbulence, as various events caused temporary unrest within the Church. Yet, true to its long history, the Sinai Brotherhood showed patience, spiritual discernment, and steadfast faith, emerging unscathed and renewed in unity.

Your unanimous election and today’s enthronement, Your Eminence, mark the beginning of a new era of unity and brotherhood within the community of the Fathers. The joint efforts of the Greek and Egyptian governments have already paved the way to ensure the Monastery’s liturgical character, rights, and the protection of its monks are preserved in perpetuity.

On behalf of the Greek Government, I wish to express deep respect and gratitude to His Beatitude, the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, whose presence today lends spiritual brilliance and blessing.

And to you, Your Eminence, the new Abbot, please accept my warmest congratulations and best wishes as you assume your sacred duties.

It is our shared hope that the Monastery of Saint Catherine will continue to shine as a beacon of Orthodoxy, preserving its ascetic and monastic tradition — with Greece always by its side, a steadfast ally and supporter.

From my heart, I wish you longevity, wisdom, and fruitful ministry. Axios — worthy are you.”

After the ceremony, the Prime Minister venerated the Holy Relics and toured the Treasury and other areas of the Monastery. He also held private meetings with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, Archbishop Symeon, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas.

Later, in a statement, Mitsotakis said:

“With deep emotion and a sense of honor and gratitude, I represent the Greek Government on this important day of the official enthronement of the new Archbishop of Sinai, Mr. Symeon, here in this sacred place that has kept alive the flame of Orthodoxy for 1,500 years.

I wish to reaffirm that the Greek Government will always stand beside the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine, supporting it so that this unique and special legacy, entrusted to us by our ancestors, may be preserved for eternity.

I wish the new Archbishop strength in his new duties and assure him that he can always count on Greece’s support. Greece, having forged excellent relations with the government of Egypt, is always ready to assist in resolving any issue that may arise.”