A Sacred Heritage Site Faces Legal Challenge
St. Catherine’s Monastery, a 6th-century religious site on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, has become the focus of a legal dispute over land ownership. Built around the biblical Burning Bush, it is sacred to Eastern Orthodox Christians and houses the world’s oldest functioning library. The Egyptian Court of Appeals ruled on May 28 that the monastery’s land is state property, though it upheld the monks’ right to worship and maintain religious duties.
Court Ruling Sparks Outcry from Religious Leaders
The court’s 160-page decision is legally dense, prompting confusion and concern. Critics say it undermines centuries of religious autonomy. Archbishop Elpidophoros called the decision “deeply troubling,” citing threats to religious freedom. The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople expressed disappointment, asserting that the ruling limits the monastery’s ownership rights.
Egypt Claims It’s Upholding Sacred Status
Egypt’s State Information Service denied allegations of confiscation. It stated that the ruling clarifies legal statuses for the first time and preserves the monastery’s sacred standing. Authorities emphasized that only uninhabited areas lacking documentation are now considered state land.
Monastery Closes to Protest Ruling
Following the ruling, the 20 monks at St. Catherine’s closed the site to visitors. They reportedly stayed inside to pray for the monastery’s protection. The symbolic protest highlights growing tensions over the site’s autonomy and religious significance.
Diplomatic Frictions Emerge Between Greece and Egypt
The dispute has strained Egypt-Greece relations. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to express concern. Egypt promised to safeguard the monastery’s status. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis plans to visit Cairo June 4, indicating Athens’ commitment to defending monastic rights while maintaining regional ties.
Source:
What’s happening at Egypt’s St Catherine’s Monastery?
Photo by Mariam Soliman on Unsplash
About Post Author
