Egypt, Greece unite to protect ancient Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Tensions ease as Egypt and Greece come together to safeguard one of Christianity’s most treasured landmarks - the ancient Saint Catherine’s Monastery. Amid fears sparked by a recent court ruling, officials vow to protect the spiritual and historical legacy of this iconic sanctuary at the foot of Mount Sinai.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelaaty reassured Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis that the sovereignty of the ancient Saint Catherine’s Monastery remains secure, following recent concerns raised by Orthodox Christian leaders, Caliber.Az reports via German media.

Gerapetritis traveled to Cairo to discuss the future of the monastery after an Egyptian court ruling sparked alarm. The court declared that the land on which the monastery stands is public property, dismissing the monastery’s ownership claims. However, it confirmed that the monks retain the right to use the monastery and surrounding religious sites.

“The ruling affirmed the continued permission for the monastery’s monks to benefit from it and from the religious and archaeological areas in the region,” stated the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

During their meeting, Abdelaaty emphasized that the court decision does not affect the monastery itself and “preserves the monastery’s esteemed spiritual value and religious standing,” according to an official statement from Egypt’s foreign ministry.

Gerapetritis said both countries agreed to work together “to protect the monastery’s rights and legal status” in the future. Speaking on television, he added that Egypt and Greece share a common goal “to move forward on the basis of the monastery’s established traditions and enduring value as a place of Greek Orthodox worship.”

Founded in the sixth century at the base of Mount Sinai, Saint Catherine’s Monastery is the world’s oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery. It holds a priceless collection of rare ancient manuscripts and is traditionally regarded as the site of the biblical burning bush where God revealed himself to Moses.

Reports from Egypt Independent noted that worries about the monastery began months ago, fueled by social media rumors suggesting that South Sinai regional authorities considered evacuating the historic site.

By Naila Huseynova