Egypt Seizes Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Evicts Monks Amid Greek Outcry

Egyptian court rulings have sparked international concern by effectively revoking the religious status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai, transferring its properties to the Egyptian state, and ordering the eviction of its 20 Orthodox monks. This decision contradicts previous assurances made by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, leading to strong condemnation from Greek officials, including Archbishop Ieronymos II, who denounced the ruling as a violation of religious freedoms and human rights. The monastery, founded in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I and recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating Christian monastery, holds immense religious and cultural significance, including a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and a covenant of protection from Prophet Muhammad. Egypt’s move is seen as an attempt to convert the monastery into a museum and tourist site, raising fears of erasing a vital symbol of Orthodox Christianity and upsetting Greek-Egyptian relations. The monks and Greek government are mounting efforts to oppose the closure and property confiscation, highlighting the monastery’s unique status and historical protections under international agreements. The situation remains a critical diplomatic and religious flashpoint, with calls for immediate action to preserve the monastery’s autonomy and religious function.