Egypt: Orthodox Church alarmed by court ruling on St Catherine's Monastery

St Catherine's Monastery, Sinai. Image ICN/JS

An Egyptian appeals court in Ismailia ruled on 28 May that the monks of St Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai, have the right to use their monastery and surrounding religious heritage sites. But the court said these sites belong to the Egyptian State since there are no ownership documents in regards to the general area.

The Greek Orthodox Church has reacted with concern at the court decision, as the status of the monastery has been protected since the time it was built, between 548 and 565 AD and is the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world.

His Beatitude Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, condemned the verdict as a grave violation of human, religious - freedoms, stating that the monastery is "undergoing a great trial reminiscent of darker times in history."

In an official statement, the Archbishop said: "The monastery's properties are being seized and confiscated. This spiritual beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism is now facing a genuine threat to its existence. With deep sorrow and indignation, I call upon the Greek government and international bodies to recognize the magnitude of this danger and to take urgent action to safeguard fundamental religious freedoms at the sacred monastery of Sinai."

A spokesperson from the Egyptian Ministry for Foreign Affairs said any claims that the land was being confiscated were not true.

The spokesperson said this judicial ruling "represents the first instance in which the legal status of the monastery has been regulated, with a clear affirmation of the preservation of its sacred standing.

"Second, although there are some additional sites for which contracts had been signed with local authorities - despite their classification as natural reserves - the court ruling, in recognition of the spiritual and religious value of the monastery, has approved the continued right of the monastery's monks to benefit from those areas, as well as from the religious and archaeological sites within the region.

"Third, the judicial ruling referred to the existence of some remote areas within the natural reserves that are completely distant from the monastery and uninhabited, for which no ownership or possession documents exist. Consequently, these lands are considered state property."

The spokesperson warned against premature judgments before reviewing the full text of the judicial ruling. He underscored the significance of avoiding any harm to the "close, fraternal, and historical relations that bind Egypt to the friendly Hellenic Republic, which have spanned across centuries."

On 10 March this year, the Egyptian government announced that the area around the Monastery of Saint Catherine of Sinai is set to be developed into a major tourist centre, catering to religious, recreational, and nature-focused visitors.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said the development project, first unveiled in 2020, known as the 'Great Transfiguration' will include an airport, hotels, services, restaurants, shops, and a residential neighbourhood in the surrounding area of the monastery.

Mr Madbouli said: "the Great Transfiguration project site on the land of peace will be Egypt's gift to the entire world and all religions. It will become a magnificent destination for all visitors, whether for religious, recreational, or environmental purposes."

In a post on X, (Twitter) Coptic Archbishop Angaelos said he had spoken "this morning with the Egyptian Ambassador in London, our Papal Office in Cairo and @DavidAltonHL regarding reports around the matter of the Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai. It would appear that the situation is not quite as has been reported. Awaiting further clarification and will be able to speak more factually once it has been received. Till then, praying for our brothers at the Monastery of Saint Catherine, and for monastic communities worldwide."