Sinai: Mitsotakis Sends Spiritual and Geopolitical Message – “Greece Protector of the Monastery”

Greece Stands by Orthodoxy

With emotion and political symbolism, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho, Mr. Symeon, at the historic Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai. His presence highlighted that Greece remains a guardian and supporter of one of the world’s most significant Orthodox Christian and Hellenic cultural sites.

The monastery, intact for more than 1,500 years, is a “beacon of spiritual virtue” and a bridge of friendship between Greece and Egypt. The Prime Minister emphasized that Greece will continue to be present at every step, ensuring the monastery’s special status, rights, and the protection of its monks.

Message of Unity and Spiritual Continuity

In his speech, Mitsotakis underlined that the unanimous election of Archbishop Symeon marks “the beginning of a new period of cohesion and brotherhood”. Despite recent challenges, the Sinai Brotherhood has shown patience, spiritual prudence, and unwavering faith, preserving the monastery’s historic unity.

“Greece will always stand beside the Monastery, as a supporter and ally, so that Saint Catherine’s remains a beacon of Orthodoxy, maintaining its ascetic and monastic tradition intact,” the Prime Minister stated.

Political Message and Diplomatic Dimension

Mitsotakis’s visit had a clear diplomatic impact:

• He held private meetings with Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, Archbishop Symeon, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas.
• He emphasized the strategic cooperation between Greece and Egypt, highlighting the monastery as a hub for cultural and interfaith dialogue.
• Greece’s role as protector of Orthodoxy also underscores its function as a stabilizing and influential actor in the Eastern Mediterranean.

His presence at Sinai illustrates how Greece combines faith, history, and geopolitical strategy, using religious and cultural diplomacy as a soft power tool.

Analysis – The Monastery as a Symbolic Sphere of Influence

Saint Catherine’s Monastery is one of the most historic Orthodox monasteries, continuously active for over 1,500 years. It is a reference point for Orthodoxy and Hellenism, as well as a geopolitical anchor in the Arab world.

Greece’s support ensures that the monastery:

• Strengthens cultural diplomacy and Greece’s international prestige.
• Remains autonomous, secure, and spiritually active.
• Reaffirms Greece as a long-standing protector of Orthodoxy and Hellenic heritage in the region.

Mitsotakis’s visit to Sinai was not merely a religious ceremony. It was a powerful message of unity, faith, and geopolitical strategy. Greece reaffirmed its role alongside Saint Catherine’s Monastery, safeguarding its timeless spiritual and cultural heritage, while reinforcing the country’s position as a stable pillar in the Eastern Mediterranean.

After the enthronement, the Prime Minister venerated the Holy Relics, toured the monastery’s sacred sites, and reiterated that Greece will continue to protect the monastery’s unique status and eternal spiritual radiance.

Source: pagenews.gr