The Holy Synod of Jerusalem convened at the Patriarchate in the Holy City on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 (September 18, 2025 O.S.), under the presidency of His Beatitude Theophilos III, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, with the participation of the esteemed members of the Holy Synod.
His Beatitude, together with the members of the Holy Synod, deliberated upon several matters concerning the administrative, ecclesiastical, and pastoral affairs of the Patriarchate, all directed toward the service of the Patriarchate, its monasteries, shrines, churches, the clergy, and the faithful.
His Beatitude reviewed the developments regarding the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Sinai, following the decisions of the previous Holy Synod held in Jerusalem on September 8, 2025. The Synod received and read the letters from the Brotherhood of Sinai concerning the procedures undertaken for the election of His Grace Archimandrite Symeon VI as the new head of the monastery. He was duly presented before the Synod as candidate for Hegumen of the Monastery of Saint Catherine and Archbishop of Sinai, Faran, and Raitho. By the grace of the Holy Spirit, he was elected by the Holy Synod of Jerusalem as Archbishop of Sinai, Faran, and Raitho and Hegumen of Saint Catherine’s Monastery. The Holy Synod further decided that his episcopal ordination will be held on Sunday, 19 October 2025, in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, according to the venerable liturgical order of Jerusalem. His Beatitude and the members of the Holy Synod extended their heartfelt prayers and wishes to His Grace Archbishop-elect for success and fruitfulness in his sacred responsibilities, for the good of the Church, the unity of the Brotherhood of Sinai, the continuation and growth of spiritual life therein, and the safeguarding of its rights, privileges, and endowments.
His Beatitude also briefed the Synod on his official visit with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey, highlighting the fruits derived for the Church of Jerusalem, the Patriarchate, and its endowments.
His Beatitude further reported on his recent visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan and the meetings he conducted during his stay.
Moreover, His Beatitude notified the Synod of the invitation received from His Eminence the Metropolitan of Montenegro to participate in a forthcoming cultural event in his Metropolis, and the appointment of His Eminence Metropolitan Makarios of Ptolemais-Acre to represent him at this occasion. He likewise presented the letter from the Hegumen of the Russian Monastery in Hebron, inviting His Beatitude to preside at the centennial celebrations of the monastery. Accordingly, His Beatitude will preside at these festivities and the Divine Liturgy on October 22, 2025.
The Holy Synod also resolved to approve the petition of Mr Alexander Buhantsev to be ordained to the priesthood for the service of the Russian community in the city of Ashdod, upon the recommendation of His Eminence Archbishop Aristovoulos of Qatar.
At the conclusion of its deliberations, His Beatitude and the Holy Fathers of the Synod lifted their prayers for the peace of the whole world, entreating the Lord to console the hearts of the faithful in Gaza, who suffer the afflictions of war, with His divine comfort, and to grant the cessation of war. They extended their paternal wishes to the flock of the Church of Jerusalem in our Holy Land and throughout the world for peace and serenity through the power of the life-giving Cross, which brings heavenly joy to the world. They further implored the Lord to bestow peace, stability, and security upon our Middle East and our Holy Land.