Egyptian President Al-Sisi said that the structure would be “preserved”, but Christians are angry and dismayed. Plans to seize the monastery were first laid down when the Muslim Brotherhood was in power. The goal is to turn it into a museum.
Newsroom (May 30, 2025, 10:15, Gaudium Press) In a move that has sparked outrage among Christians worldwide, Egyptian authorities have ordered the closure of the historic Monastery of Saint Catherine at the foot of Mount Sinai—the oldest continuously operating Christian monastery in the world—and plan to seize its assets, transferring control to the state.
Monks residing in the 1,500-year-old monastery have been instructed to vacate the premises, with the government intending to convert the sacred site into a state-run museum.
The decision, confirmed by a recent court ruling, has plunged Egypt’s Christian community into despair, despite reassurances from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis that the monastery’s religious status would be respected. Local sources suggest the government aims to transform the ancient complex into a tourist attraction comparable to Egypt’s famed pyramids.
Government Attempts to Defuse Backlash
Facing mounting anger from Orthodox Christians, Egyptian officials released a statement late last night seeking to calm tensions.
“The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt reiterates its full commitment to preserving the unique and sacred religious status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery and preventing its violation,” the statement read. “The recent court ruling consolidates this status, aligning with the points President El-Sisi emphasized during his recent visit to Athens on May 7.”
Despite these assurances, the ruling effectively strips the monastery of its autonomy, placing its future in the hands of the state. Monks may remain only “for as long as the new owner—the Egyptian state—permits,” leaving the religious community in limbo.
Global Outcry from Orthodox Leaders
The Greek government has yet to issue an official response, but Orthodox leaders worldwide have voiced alarm. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America expressed “profound concern and deep sorrow” over the decision, calling the monastery a “God-trodden” site of immense spiritual significance.
“For centuries, this spiritual institution has maintained harmonious relations with various administrations, its walls witnessing devotion and peace among Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike,” he stated. “The recent judicial actions threaten not only religious freedoms but also a site of unparalleled historical and cultural importance.”
A Sacred Legacy Under Threat
Founded in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, Saint Catherine’s Monastery sits at the foot of Mount Sinai, where, according to biblical tradition, God appeared to Moses in the Burning Bush and delivered the Ten Commandments. The monastery houses invaluable treasures, including ancient manuscripts in its renowned library and the world’s largest collection of early Christian icons.
The legal battle over the monastery’s ownership reportedly began during the Muslim Brotherhood’s rule and persisted through judicial pressure, culminating in this week’s ruling. While Greece had previously lobbied for the monks’ rights, the court’s decision has cast doubt on Egypt’s commitment to preserving the monastery’s religious function.
A Broken Promise?
President al-Sisi had assured Mitsotakis in early May that the monastery’s character would be protected, making the court’s verdict a shocking reversal. Critics fear the move aligns with past extremist efforts to diminish Christian heritage in Egypt.
Archbishop Elpidophoros, who led a pilgrimage to the site last year, lamented, “Our visit reaffirmed the monastery’s role as a living monument to faith and resilience. To see it reduced to a museum is a devastating blow to all who cherish religious freedom and historical preservation.”
As international pressure mounts, the fate of Saint Catherine’s Monastery hangs in the balance—its sacred halls, once a beacon of interfaith harmony, now at risk of becoming a relic of the past.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from asianews.it
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