Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Greece and Egypt have resolved a longstanding diplomatic dispute concerning the future of St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest continuously operating Christian sites in the world. The deal, announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, ensures the preservation of the monastery’s religious and cultural heritage and brings an end to months of tension over the site.
Located at the foot of Mount Sinai, where according to Biblical tradition, Moses received the Ten Commandments, the 6th-century monastery remains an active center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It continues to house Greek Orthodox monks and maintains one of the oldest and most important Christian manuscript collections in existence.
Tensions flared earlier this year when an Egyptian court ruled that the monastery’s monks must vacate several parcels of land and religious facilities they had used for centuries. The ruling argued that the land had been illegally sequestered, raising concerns in Athens about the future of the Greek Orthodox presence at the site and fears of potential commercial development that could compromise its sacred character.
Greece voiced strong opposition to what it saw as threats to the spiritual and historical status of the monastery. The court decision also sparked broader anxieties over Egypt’s intentions to expand tourism in the region, possibly transforming the holy site into a commercial destination.
However, following quiet diplomatic negotiations, both countries have agreed to an out-of-court settlement. According to Prime Minister Mitsotakis and diplomatic sources cited by Reuters, the agreement will soon be formalized by the monastery’s leadership and Egyptian authorities.
“It guarantees the character of the monastery in perpetuity,” Mitsotakis announced during a speech in the Greek Parliament. “Any conversion of the monastery, as well as of other places of worship, is prohibited,” he emphasized.
A senior Greek Foreign Ministry official confirmed that the final signing of the agreement is expected in the coming weeks, though Egyptian officials have yet to comment publicly.
The agreement is seen as a diplomatic success for Athens, securing not only the monastic community’s continued presence but also affirming the religious and cultural identity of the site. It also reflects a broader effort by both nations to reinforce their bilateral relations while respecting historical sensitivities.
Founded in the 6th century by order of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, St. Catherine’s Monastery has long been revered as a unique spiritual and historical monument. It remains a vital part of Christian heritage, drawing pilgrims, scholars, and tourists alike. UNESCO notes that the monastery’s library ranks among the most significant in the Christian world, second only to the Vatican in the volume and antiquity of its manuscripts.
The resolution of the dispute marks a critical moment in the protection of sacred heritage in the Middle East, signaling what many hope will be a model for balancing development with deep-rooted religious and historical legacies.
