Egypt has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Monastery of Saint Catherine of Sinai, emphasizing that a recent court ruling has further solidified its protected status.
Cairo said that the court ruling, which was mistakenly interpreted as a prelude to the seizure and closure of the world’s oldest continuously functioning Christian monastery, does the exact opposite: It safeguards its future.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed rumors of any threat to the monastery. A spokesperson clarified, “The Monastery of Saint Catherine and its historic sites remain completely unaffected. Its religious and archaeological significance, along with its cemetery, remain fully intact.”
The spokesperson highlighted that this legal ruling marks the first formal recognition and assurance of the monastery’s sanctity. They explained that while contracts have been signed for certain nearby areas to be designated as natural reserves, the court has upheld the monks’ rights to access and use these religious and archaeological sites to preserve their spiritual significance.
He emphasized that areas designated as state land due to a lack of valid ownership documents are located far from inhabited regions and have no impact on the monastery.
Emphasizing the importance of accuracy and avoiding premature conclusions, the spokesperson urged careful consideration of the court’s decision. He also underscored Egypt’s dedication to maintaining its deep historical ties with Greece, urging respect for these enduring relations.
In a related statement, the Egyptian Presidency reiterated its full commitment to preserving the unique and sacred status of the Monastery of Saint Catherine, echoing the court’s decision that strengthens this commitment.
This reaffirms the stance articulated by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi during his recent visit to Athens on May 7, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the longstanding fraternal relations between Egypt and Greece.
Before Egypt’s clarifications, the reported court’s decision was met with outrage from religious leaders in Greece and surprise within the Greek government, despite recent high-level diplomatic assurances.
Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece reacted with palpable anger, lamenting in a statement, “Yet another historic Fall that Hellenism and Orthodoxy are experiencing.”
During President el-Sisi’s official visit to Athens in early May, the fate of the monastery was a central point of discussion between the two delegations. An agreement was reportedly reached to halt the “unjust judicial attacks” on the monastery, allowing it to continue its historical mission undisturbed. Joint public statements by Mitsotakis and el-Sisi explicitly referenced the need to preserve the monastery’s unique character.
The monastery, founded by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian 15 centuries ago, has long enjoyed global renown and respect. Despite numerous historical upheavals, it has miraculously endured.
Related: The Historic Greek Orthodox St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai
