The Patriarch of Jerusalem has summoned Archbishop Damianos of Sinai to face an extraordinary session of the Holy Synod and answer allegations of misconduct that have caused a growing scandal at the historic Saint Catherine's Monastery.
In a formal letter, Patriarch Theophilos III called for the archbishop to appear before the synod on Sept. 8. The letter accuses Archbishop Damianos of unjustly expelling monks and demands that he "immediately reopen the gates of the Sinai Monastery" and remove any individuals causing disruption.
The official summons follows a failed attempt to reconcile a bitter dispute between the archbishop and a group of dissenting monks at the Sinai monastery. The controversy has also involved a woman, Katerina Spyropoulou, who wrote a letter condemning what she called "vicious attacks" from the monks.
The intervention by the Patriarchate is a significant step in the escalating crisis. The upcoming synod is seen as a crucial moment that could determine the future of the monastery's governance and the leadership of Archbishop Damianos.