Islamic Egypt Closes World's OLDEST Continuously Functioning Christian Monastery of St. Catherine

☪ The Egyptian government has decided to shut down Saint Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sina and expel the 20 Greek Orthodox monks serving there.

The monastery was founded by Byzantine Emperor Justinian 15 centuries ago and has been described as "the world's oldest Orthodox Christian monument".

Despite surviving numerous historical upheavals throughout its existence, the sacred site now faces what Orthodox Archbishop Ieronymos II called "a period of great trial—one that evokes memories of darker times in history".

The decision has been characterised as "unprecedented and unacceptable" by religious leaders.

The move by Egyptian authorities contradicts the expressed personal assurances given by President al-Sisi to Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakos during their recent meeting in Athens.

The decision has sparked bewilderment within the Greek government, given that the issue had reportedly been addressed during discussions between the two leaders earlier this month.

During President al-Sisi's official visit to Athens in early May, the fate of the monastery was a central point of discussion between the two delegations.

♰ Monks of Saint Catherine’s Monastery close its doors to visitors in protest over Egyptian Court ruling
https://orthodoxtimes.com/monks-of-saint-catherines-monastery-close-its-doors-to-visitors-in-protest-over-egyptian-court-ruling/

The monks of the historic Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai have made the decision to close the gates of the monastery to all visitors, according to a report by protothema.gr.

Sources indicate that the community of 20 monks has also resolved to remain within the monastery walls, mourning and praying for its protection and salvation. It remains unclear when the gates will reopen, and there is currently no reliable estimate, the report notes.

This symbolic act of protest follows a controversial ruling issued by an Egyptian court on Thursday, which challenges the ownership status of the monastery. The court granted the monastic community only usage rights over its properties, without recognizing its ownership—effectively placing the future of the world’s oldest continuously operating Christian monastery in jeopardy.

The decision has sparked immediate and deep concern among the monks, who argue that their religious and property rights are being violated. In response, they are preparing a global awareness campaign, seeking to inform all Christian Churches, as well as other monotheistic religious communities, about the serious implications of the court’s decision.

This symbolic act of protest follows a controversial ruling issued by an Egyptian court on Thursday, which challenges the ownership status of the monastery. The court granted the monastic community only usage rights over its properties, without recognizing its ownership—effectively placing the future of the world’s oldest continuously operating Christian monastery in jeopardy.

The decision has sparked immediate and deep concern among the monks, who argue that their religious and property rights are being violated. In response, they are preparing a global awareness campaign, seeking to inform all Christian Churches, as well as other monotheistic religious communities, about the serious implications of the court’s decision.

Founded in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I, Saint Catherine’s Monastery is a spiritual and cultural landmark revered across the Christian world. The recent developments mark a critical turning point in its long-standing history and have triggered widespread alarm among religious and cultural heritage advocates.