Archbishop Damianos of Sinai has requested Egyptian police intervention to remove monks who, after being expelled from the Sinai Monastery, remain outside the gate trying to return. The situation is complicated and tense.
Archbishop Sinai, according to his associates, is inside the monastery, while the rebel monks attempt to break in, making threats against his life and pursuing legal actions.
The Egyptian police, who have been unresponsive, are nearby but have yet to act against the rebels. Authorities have reportedly suggested allowing the rebels back into the monastery.
The monks opposing Damianos have been outside since yesterday afternoon.
The archbishop encountered resistance upon his visit to the monastery yesterday.
Despite the remaining monks’ efforts to expel them, tensions persist.
This follows weeks of unrest. Archbishop Damianos arrived a few days ago, facing opposition from monks who previously sought his removal as abbot. He attempted dialogue with the dissident monks to resolve the crisis, but they held an unauthorized meeting to change monastery rules without his involvement, violating the statutes that require his presence.
Damianos stated:
“The rebellious monks attacked and insulted me, as during my last visit. The monks not involved in the coup defended me and the monastery, expelling the unlawful rebels.”
Associates reported that after expelling the dissidents, the monastery gates were closed. A general assembly of remaining monks was immediately held, excluding the excommunicated rebels. The assembly elected a new Synaxis: Archimandrite Porphyry, Hieromonk Akakios, and Monk Ephraim.
The monastery’s official statement expressed gratitude and regret:
“We are grateful to our patroness and guardian, Saint Catherine, for protecting the monastery. We owe an apology to the Church for the scandal caused by some monks’ pettiness and ambition. We ask for forgiveness with humility and remorse.”
Eleven monks who signed for Damianos’ removal have been expelled from Sinai and excommunicated. Sources note the dissidents underestimated the severity of their punishments, believing the abbot had been removed. However, Damianos enforced sanctions as archbishop, a position the rebels could not contest.
Reports confirm that Athens is fully informed and continues to monitor the situation. Analysts believe the decision at St. Catherine may facilitate an agreement with Egyptian authorities on the monastery’s status.
Illustrative Photo by Rana Obaid: https://www.pexels.com/photo/deserted-field-841343/
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