Deal imminent as Greece and Egypt move to settle Sinai Monastery dispute
New Archbishop of Sinai Symeon ordained in Jerusalem
Greek PM Mitsotakis announces mutual understanding reached over future of historic monastery
After months of uncertainty surrounding the historic St Catherine’s monastery on Mount Sinai, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that an early-stage agreement on the future status of the monastery has been reached with Egypt.
“Today, there’s a preliminary, mutual understanding between the two sides on the issue. The final say is up to the Holy Brotherhood of the Sinai, which will ensure the character of the monastery in perpetuity,” Mitsotakis stated on Thursday, as reported by Greek news outlet Tovima.
Speaking at the Greek Parliament, Mitsotakis indicated the forthcoming steps regarding the Monastery, referencing the longstanding dispute over its property rights. He stated that although “the issue became a matter of exploitation,” his government “has both the will and the fortitude to resolve long-standing problems.”
“Any conversion of the monastery, as well as other places of worship, is prohibited, and care is taken to ensure the monks’ continued presence,” the Greek Prime Minister specified.
The dispute over the Monastery’s status resurfaced in May when a local Egyptian court ruled that parts of its property are state-owned, prompting fears for its future and elevating the matter to a high-level political issue between Greece and Egypt.
In July, Greece passed legislation granting the monastery legal status under Greek law. However, this move was regarded as excessive by some members of the Sinai Brotherhood, who opposed it and triggered a revolt against the Archbishop and abbot of the monastery, Damianos, ultimately leading to his removal.
The crisis concerning the monastery is expected to end with the official appointment of Symeon as the new Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan, and Raitho, as well as abbot. His enthronement took place at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Sunday, in the presence of Patriarch Theophilos III, who led the Divine Liturgy.
The event was also attended by Greek foreign minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, the secretary-general for religious affairs at the Greek Ministry of Education, and the deputy minister of culture of the Republic of Cyprus.
Greece’s foreign minister acknowledged “the increased challenges that the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, as well as the Sinai Monastery, have to face,” reaffirming once again Greece’s readiness to support the Monastery in the long term.
“The Monastery of Saint Catherine of Mount Sinai, like the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, is a beacon of spirituality with global influence. They are also among the most important guardians of a tradition precious to the history, heritage and spiritual identity of Greece and all Hellenism,” Greek foreign minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stressed after the ordination of the new Archbishop.
Archbishop Symeon’s address included a reflection on recent events and an admission of the difficult circumstances the monastery has experienced in the past few months.
“I was found, alas! in a time of exceptionally great tempest and painful historical turmoil of Sinai affairs, useful as it seems and fit in the eyes of my Brethren to take up the sacred duties,” he stated.
“Although I am conscious of myself as small and weak for undertaking such a work, most difficult, of great responsibility and perilous, and especially in such grievous times, I was persuaded that the call of my Brethren was a call verily of the Divine Providence and the good pleasure of our patron Saints.”
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