The Greek government is taking steps to protect the legal status of St Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai following concerns over an Egyptian court ruling that questioned its ownership.
The Education Ministry has proposed legislation to create a public legal entity called the “Greek Orthodox Holy Basilica Autonomous Monastery of Saint Catherine of the Holy and Theobadist Mount Sinai.” The draft law, open for public consultation until July 22, will soon be presented to Parliament.
Ministry sources state that this reform, requested by the monastery, grants it official legal recognition in Greece for the first time. The entity will represent the monastery in Greece, manage its assets, and promote its Greek Orthodox heritage while preserving its relics and manuscripts.
The initiative follows diplomatic discussions between Greece and Egypt, prompted by concerns that Egypt might claim the monastery’s properties. Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, during a recent visit to Egypt, confirmed joint efforts to secure the monastery’s rights. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also addressed the issue during Egyptian President al-Sisi’s visit to Athens.
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