Country Granted Ownership Of Sacred Christian Site
A recent decision by an Egyptian court transferring the ownership of Saint Catherine’s Monastery to the state has triggered widespread criticism from Christian leaders and international advocacy organizations. The ruling has raised concerns about the future of the ancient Greek Orthodox monastery, located at the base of Mount Sinai—a site held sacred in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Religious leaders fear the monastery could be converted into a museum, threatening its spiritual function and displacing the Orthodox monks who have maintained it for centuries.
In response to the ruling, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis traveled to Cairo to meet with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty. Following their discussions, Gerapetritis emphasized a mutual commitment to preserving the monastery’s traditional role as a center of Greek Orthodox worship. He stressed that both nations agreed to safeguard the monastery’s religious rights and maintain its legal standing, aiming to honor its long-standing religious heritage and cultural importance.
Despite public assurances from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi that Saint Catherine’s Monastery would retain its religious status, apprehension remains high among Christian leaders. Critics argue that the court’s decision directly threatens religious freedom and may undermine the monastery’s autonomy. Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens voiced strong opposition, calling the ruling a serious violation of human rights and a dangerous step backward for religious liberty.
Saint Catherine’s Monastery, dating back to the 6th century, is one of the world’s oldest active Christian sites and a UNESCO World Heritage location. It is also home to a renowned library housing ancient manuscripts and religious artifacts of significant historical value. Advocates warn that transferring ownership to the state could jeopardize these irreplaceable treasures and the monastery’s religious life.
Organizations such as In Defense of Christians (IDC) have urged foreign governments, including the United States, to step in diplomatically. IDC emphasized that the ruling may set a harmful precedent for other religious institutions in the region, potentially increasing state interference in religious affairs. They called on the Egyptian government to reverse the decision and ensure the continued protection of Christian communities and their sacred sites.