Egypt has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the spiritual and religious integrity of Saint Catherine Monastery in South Sinai, following a recent court ruling on land ownership that sparked concern from the Greek Orthodox Church. On Wednesday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelaaty assured his Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis that the sacred status of the monastery and its surrounding archaeological sites would remain untouched. According to an official statement, Egypt emphasized that the site’s religious value, particularly to the Greek Orthodox faith, will be safeguarded.
The controversy arose after an Egyptian administrative court ruled that while the land legally belongs to the state, the centuries-old right of the Greek Orthodox monks to use and administer the monastery is preserved. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem expressed apprehension, noting its “sacred obligation to ensure Christian worship continues on this holy ground, as it has done for 17 centuries.” However, it also acknowledged Egypt’s reassurances that no changes would affect the monastery’s operations.
Egypt’s presidency previously stated that the court decision reinforces the government’s dedication to protecting the monastery’s religious status, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Christianity’s oldest continuously operating monastic communities.
Gerapetritis, speaking to reporters on Monday, said both countries agreed to work together to clarify the site’s legal framework and ensure its ongoing protection. “Egypt and Greece are united in upholding the historic and spiritual significance of Saint Catherine Monastery, a symbol of shared heritage and faith,” he said.
