After nearly 1,500 years of operation, the world’s oldest continuously functioning Christian monastery is set to be closed, remarkably during peacetime and not due to conflict. Following a court ruling, there are plans to transform it into a museum. Monks affiliated with the monastery are spearheading a global campaign to protest this decision.
Egypt’s unprecedented and controversial decision to shut down Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai has sparked immediate and intense backlash. Archbishop Ieronymos condemned the move as another historical “Fall” for Hellenism and Orthodoxy. Officials in Athens express their shock, especially since this issue was addressed earlier this month during a meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs is prioritizing the matter.
According to orthodoxia.info, the monastery was established by Byzantine Emperor Justinian 15 centuries ago and holds significant respect and reverence. Despite enduring various historical challenges, Egyptian authorities have now chosen to cease operations during peacetime, infringing on religious freedoms. The property will be nationalized, with the monastery likely to be turned into a museum.
This decision starkly contradicts commitments made by President Sisi to Prime Minister Mitsotakis during his recent visit to Greece. Alongside the seizure of property, the government plans to evict the monks, transforming the monastery into a tourist destination similar to the Pyramids.
The monks see this as a blatant disregard for their rights and are organizing a global awareness campaign aimed at reaching Christian churches and other monotheistic communities worldwide.
Archbishop Ieronymos: Hellenism and Orthodoxy Face Another Historical “Fall”
Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece expressed profound sorrow and anger over the decision, calling on Greeks and international authorities to defend the monastery, which serves as a spiritual cornerstone of Orthodoxy and Hellenism now facing existential threat.
“I cannot accept, nor do I want to believe, that Hellenism and Orthodoxy are experiencing yet another historical ‘fall,’” the Archbishop stated. “We must not allow this to happen.”
He accused the Egyptian government of reneging on recent assurances and dismantling the longstanding legal, spiritual, and cultural framework that has supported the monastery for 15 centuries. He urged the Greek government and Prime Minister Mitsotakis to act swiftly to restore legal and religious order and prevent the closure of the monastery.
Archbishop Ieronymos’s Full Statement
“In light of yesterday’s troubling ruling by the Egyptian judiciary—a severe violation of human and religious rights—Saint Catherine’s Monastery of Mount Sinai, the world’s oldest Orthodox Christian site, is entering a difficult period reminiscent of darker historical epochs.
Despite President Sisi’s recent assurances to Prime Minister Mitsotakis, the Egyptian government has chosen to ignore justice and effectively erase the existence of the monastery, undermining its liturgical, spiritual, and cultural roles.
Seizing its property, this spiritual beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism now faces an uncertain future.
With deep sadness and rightful indignation, I implore every Greek and international authority to recognize the seriousness of this situation and take immediate action to protect the religious freedoms of Saint Catherine’s Monastery.
I categorically oppose any attempt to alter the status that has prevailed in this region for 15 centuries and ask the Greek government and Prime Minister Mitsotakis to decisively act to restore legal order and avert the monastery’s dissolution.
I extend my heartfelt solidarity to the monastic community and its leader, Archbishop Damianos of Sinai and Raithu, as well as to the Greek brothers dedicated to service in the broader Sinai area.
Finally, I cannot and do not wish to believe that Hellenism and Orthodoxy are facing yet another historical ‘fall.’ This must not occur.”
Greek Foreign Ministry: Agreements Between Mitsotakis and Sisi Must Be Honored
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis reached out to his Egyptian counterpart, emphasizing that there can be no deviation from the agreements reached between Prime Minister Mitsotakis and President Sisi regarding Saint Catherine’s Monastery.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lana Zochiou stressed: “Both the Greek and Egyptian governments have been collaborating toward a resolution that honors the sacred Greek Orthodox character of the area. We await the official text of the court ruling issued yesterday.”
Zochiou further noted that Minister Gerapetritis made it clear to Egypt’s foreign minister that both parties must adhere to the mutual understanding established during the recent High Council of Cooperation in Athens.
A Questionable Judicial Ruling
The ruling from an Egyptian court appears to be the climax of a long-standing legal campaign against the monks by the Egyptian state—a movement that traces back to the era of the Muslim Brotherhood. Despite public assurances and diplomatic interventions, Egypt seems to persist with policies threatening the monastery’s future.
The Greek government has been backing the monks’ cause, with Prime Minister Mitsotakis personally addressing the issue with President Sisi multiple times. During Sisi’s recent official visit to Athens, both delegations allegedly agreed to halt unjust legal actions against the monastery, allowing it to continue its legacy undisturbed. Both leaders acknowledged the need to safeguard the monastery’s unique identity.
Yet, contrary to those commitments, the recent court ruling has disrupted expectations and raised critical concerns about the genuine intentions of Egyptian authorities—hinting at a continuation of policies reminiscent of those promoted by the extremist Muslim Brotherhood.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
