Egyptian court affirms state ownership of Greek Orthodox Monastery of Saint Catherine sparking Greek concerns over heritage and autonomy

CAIRO / ATHENS — An Egyptian court has ruled to transfer ownership of the Monastery of Saint Catherine to the state, a decision that has raised concerns in the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek Government. In response, Egypt’s presidency issued a statement emphasizing that the ruling affirms the monastery’s legal status, enhances its protection, and safeguards its religious and cultural integrity.

The ruling pertains to one of the world’s oldest and most venerated religious landmarks. Greek officials voiced apprehension, reiterating their dedication to mutual understanding with Egypt on preserving the monastery’s Orthodox character. The Greek Foreign Ministry expressed strong opposition to unilateral actions that fall outside the framework of agreements between the two nations.

Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece criticized the court’s decision as “scandalous” and a departure from historical legal precedent. He noted that Egypt’s move contradicts prior assurances given by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during his recent visit to Athens, where he reaffirmed respect for the monastery’s autonomy.

In its official statement issued on Friday, Egypt’s presidency reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to preserving the sacred and historical status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery. The statement framed the court’s ruling as a legal acknowledgment of the site’s unique standing, aimed at bolstering its protection and maintaining its religious significance.

Saint Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most prominent Christian religious landmarks in the Middle East. Constructed in the 6th century at the base of Mount Sinai — a site revered by the followers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — it holds profound spiritual significance.

The monastery is also celebrated for its exceptional collection of early Syriac manuscripts, including the Syriac Sinaiticus (Syr. 30). This palimpsest, a nearly complete Syriac translation of the four canonical Gospels, is among the oldest of its kind. The collection, second only to that of the Monastery of Saint John in the Church of the Surian, is a cornerstone of Syriac Christian heritage.