St. Catherine’s Monastery: Egypt Court Decision Sparks Diplomatic Tensions

On Monday, June 2, 2025, a Greek delegation is expected to travel to Cairo in an effort to mitigate tensions surrounding the recent Egyptian court decision affecting St. Catherine’s Monastery. According to sources close to the Maximos, a technical delegation from Greece will initially visit Cairo, followed by a potential meeting at a technical level if deemed necessary. The Greek side aims to find an institutional solution to safeguard the rights of the monks at St. Catherine’s Monastery. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Egyptian President Al Sisi had previously agreed to preserve the unique religious status of the monastery in December, but the Egyptian government delayed signing the agreement, possibly awaiting the court’s ruling issued last Wednesday. The court decision addresses property rights of the monastery’s facilities and lands. Only part of the decision has been disclosed, stating that the monastic community can use the facilities for religious services as long as they remain under Archbishop Diamano. Additionally, all spaces are considered archaeological sites supervised by the Supreme Council of Antiquities, with certain properties reverting directly to the Egyptian state. These include large gardens outside the monastery walls, crucial for its sustenance, and other sacred sites. The decision appears driven by efforts to exploit the region’s tourism potential without preserving its monastic character. Now, the Greek side seeks to ensure compliance with the agreements made between Al Sisi and Mitsotakis regarding St. Catherine’s Monastery post-court ruling.