“My Life is Threatened”: Archbishop Damianos of Sinai in a Crisis with International Dimensions

1. Introduction – A Cry for Help in Times of Uncertainty

In a striking video message, Archbishop Damianos of Sinai appeals to both the Greek and Egyptian governments: “My life is threatened,” he says, calling for protection against any possible danger . Meanwhile, armed tension remains around Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, as rebel monks—expelled earlier—continue to camp outside the gates, attempting to re-enter and threatening violence

2. The Background of the Crisis

The conflict erupted when a group of about 15 monks convened an unauthorized assembly, seeking the dismissal and removal of Archbishop Damianos as Abbot—a move he has branded a “coup against the Church” .

Damianos denounced their actions as illegal, uncanonical, and divisive, insisting that they created “discord and scandal” . In response, he expelled the mutineers, who on August 26th attempted a violent return, reportedly even assaulting the Archbishop inside the monastery .

3. Timeline of the Crisis

4. Political & Geopolitical Implications

• The court ruling jeopardizing the monastery’s land has sparked diplomatic friction between Cairo and Athens, raising the stakes of this conflict .
• The Greek Parliament recently passed a bill granting the Monastery legal representation in Greece, signaling support for its autonomy .
• Beyond the ecclesiastical dispute, the Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a symbol of Christianity and Greek heritage. Its destabilization could have wide cultural and geopolitical consequences 

5. Conclusion – A Monastery in Crisis, a Leader in Peril

Archbishop Damianos, bound by duty and pastoral responsibility, now faces personal danger from monks who, in his words, betray the monastery’s tradition and canonical order. At the same time, the future of Saint Catherine’s Monastery has become a matter of international diplomacy and cultural preservation.

The road ahead demands cohesion, institutional protection, and peaceful resolution, lest one of Christianity’s oldest and most sacred sites fall into chaos and disarray.

Source: pagenews.gr