The statement was in response to a controversial assembly held Tuesday by 15 monks, who reportedly voted to remove Archbishop Damianos from his role as abbot.
His close aides argue the gathering was illegitimate, as it did not comply with canonical procedure requiring a formal request by two-thirds of the monastery’s monastic community.
The decision to remove the archbishop has reportedly been sent to the Patriarch of Jerusalem for confirmation.
The unrest is believed to be linked to ongoing diplomatic efforts between Greece and Egypt to resolve a legal deadlock stemming from a past Egyptian court ruling.
Timing appears crucial, as Parliament in Athens is set to vote on Thursday on legislation granting legal status to the monastery’s branch in Greece, a move seen as key to unlocking the broader agreement.
Archbishop Damianos warned that these developments “scandalize the faithful, undermine brotherhood unity and threaten the spiritual and historical legacy of the monastery.”
The Patriarchate has not yet issued a formal response.