The Greek government has formally requested explanations from Egypt following an Egyptian court’s decision to transfer the assets of the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery, located at Mount Sinai, to state ownership. This ruling has raised concerns about the potential eviction of the resident monks and the conversion of the monastery into a museum.
St. Catherine’s Monastery, a Byzantine-era institution operating continuously for approximately 1,500 years, holds significant religious and cultural importance. Affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Church and traditionally administered by Greek monks, the monastery is revered across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
In response to the court’s decision, the Greek Foreign Ministry has sought clarifications from Egyptian officials. The monks have announced plans to garner support from international Christian communities and other faiths to address the situation.
The Egyptian Presidency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have issued statements denying any changes to the status of St. Catherine’s Monastery following the court ruling. Greek government sources have indicated that both nations will continue discussions to resolve the issue within an institutional framework, referencing agreements made during Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to Athens on May 7.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery houses over 3,300 manuscripts, 16,000 rare books, and numerous artifacts, including the Codex Sinaiticus. Despite its remote location, it remains a significant pilgrimage site and a symbol of interfaith tolerance.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
