A recent Egyptian court decision concerning land surrounding the historic Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai has ignited diplomatic and religious tensions, with Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens condemning the move as a “historic fall” for Hellenism and Orthodoxy, and calling for immediate international action.
Initial reports claimed that the decision effectively shuts down the world’s oldest active Christian monastery, converting it into a museum and evicting its monastic residents. The allegations prompted outrage in Greece and raised fears of a broader erosion of Orthodox Christian heritage in Egypt.
Ieronymos: “A spiritual lighthouse faces erasure”
In a strongly worded statement, Archbishop Ieronymos described the court ruling as a “scandalous decision” that violently infringes upon fundamental religious freedoms.
“The Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine of the God-trodden Mount Sinai now enters a severe trial, one reminiscent of darker ages,” Ieronymos said.
“The Egyptian government, despite assurances from President Sisi to the Greek Prime Minister, seeks to erase the very essence and sacred mission of this spiritual beacon.”
He urged the Greek government and international bodies to intervene immediately to safeguard the monastery’s religious and cultural role, and reaffirmed his solidarity with Archbishop Damianos of Sinai and the monastic brotherhood.
“I cannot and will not believe that Hellenism and Orthodoxy are facing yet another historic conquest. We must not allow this,” he concluded.
Greek government expects commitments upheld
Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis reaffirmed that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expects Egypt to honour the public and private commitments made during the recent bilateral summit in Athens.
“The Prime Minister remains committed to the assurance received from President Sisi regarding the preservation of the Greek Orthodox character of the monastery. We await the immediate signing of the relevant agreement,” Marinakis said.
He noted that Greece will evaluate the full legal decision once its official content is made public but stressed that no deviation from the agreed framework is anticipated.
Egypt denies property seizure, insists on continuity
In response to the international reaction, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry issued a clarification rejecting claims of property confiscation or a forced closure of the monastery. The ministry emphasized that the court decision, issued on May 28, legally reaffirms the monastery’s religious and spiritual status for the first time.
“The Monastery of Saint Catherine, its sacred grounds, antiquities, spiritual and religious status, as well as its cemeteries, remain entirely untouched,” said the Ministry spokesperson. “Monks will continue to have full access to the religious and archaeological areas of the broader region.”
The spokesperson acknowledged that certain outlying zones without clear documentation—now deemed state land—may have prompted confusion. However, these areas lie far from the monastery itself and are largely uninhabited.
The Ministry urged accuracy and caution, warning against premature conclusions that could jeopardize the historic and friendly relations between Egypt and Greece.
Egyptian Presidency reaffirms commitment
Echoing the Foreign Ministry, the Egyptian Presidency issued its own statement, reiterating its full commitment to preserving the unique and sacred religious character of Saint Catherine’s Monastery.
“The court ruling strengthens the monastery’s legal status and aligns with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s assurances during his visit to Athens on May 7,” the statement said.
The Presidency also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and protecting the close ties between the two nations and their peoples—relationships that span centuries.
In response to the growing concern over the future of Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai, the Australian Hellenic Council has formally addressed a letter to the Egyptian Ambassador in Canberra. The letter, published in full below, urges the Egyptian government to reconsider recent actions affecting the monastery and calls for the restoration of its historical autonomy and protections.
His Excellency
The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Embassy of Egypt
Canberra, ACT, Australia
Your Excellency,
On behalf of the Australian Hellenic Council, we write to you to express our deep disappointment and concern regarding the recent decision by the Egyptian government to seize the historic Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai and appropriate its assets.
Saint Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has stood as a beacon of Christian spirituality, scholarship, and interfaith respect for over 1700 years. Its uninterrupted operation and the protection of its privileges throughout centuries have long been a testament to Egypt’s commitment to religious tolerance and cultural preservation. Notably, its status and autonomy have been respected since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, who is said to have issued a letter of protection to the monks of the monastery – a remarkable and enduring symbol of coexistence.
The Greek community in Australia, and indeed around the world, holds the Monastery of Saint Catherine in profound esteem, not only for its religious significance but also for its role in fostering dialogue and understanding between the Christian and Muslim worlds.
Historically, the relationship between the Greek and Egyptian peoples has been one of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and enduring friendship. This recent action, however, risks casting a shadow over this cherished relationship. We therefore respectfully urge the Egyptian government to reconsider this course and to restore the monastery’s historic autonomy and assets, in keeping with the traditions of tolerance and protection that Egypt has long upheld.
We remain hopeful that this matter can be resolved in a spirit of dialogue, justice, and mutual respect. The Australian Hellenic Council is committed to supporting efforts that preserve the cultural and spiritual heritage shared between our peoples.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Stefanidis, President Dean Kalimniou, Secretary
