Egypt assures Greece over status of Monastery of Saint Catherine amid court ruling concerns

CAIRO — During Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis’s official visit to Cairo, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty assured him that the historical and religious status of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Saint Catherine would remain protected, despite concerns raised by a recent court ruling over disputed land.

Abdel Atty emphasized that the court ruling does not compromise the monastery’s continued use of its religious and archaeological grounds. He stressed that neither the monastery nor its associated historical sites would be affected, reaffirming their spiritual and cultural significance.

Contrary to misleading media reports, Abdel Atty clarified that the court decision explicitly upholds the monastery’s religious, spiritual, and monastic possession of the land in and around its premises.

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, speaking in a televised address, confirmed that he had discussed the issue with his Egyptian counterpart. Both officials agreed to collaborate in safeguarding the monastery’s rights and legal status.

The Monastery of Saint Catherine, an iconic religious site, is headed by the Archbishop of Mount Sinai and El-Tor and falls under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The court ruling, which transferred ownership of certain lands associated with the monastery to the Egyptian state, had sparked concern among Churches and clergy members in Greece and Jerusalem. Egyptian officials have since worked to allay fears, reiterating their commitment to preserving the monastery’s sacred and historical role.