Egypt has decided to close the Monastery of Saint Catherine’s in Sinai, the world’s oldest active Christian monastery, almost 15 centuries after its founding. This decision has drawn criticism from the Greek government and church, Greek media reported today.
In addition to confiscating its property, Egypt also plans to evict the monks so that the empty buildings can be converted into a tourist attraction. The monks, who believe this decision violates their rights, are preparing a global mobilization and information campaign aimed at all Christian churches and other monotheistic religions.
Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece condemned the monastery’s closure, stating that it represents “another historical downfall experienced by Hellenism and Orthodoxy.”
“I unequivocally condemn any attempt to change the regime, which has been in force in the region for 15 centuries, and I appeal to the responsible Greek government and personally to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to immediately take appropriate measures to establish normal and lawful order and ensure that the Holy Monastery is not effectively abolished,” said Archbishop Ieronymos.
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it is handling this case, which it characterized as “a case of utmost importance,” according to Prototema. Egyptian authorities made this decision despite promises made by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his recent visit to Greece.
An Egyptian court ruled to close the monastery on Wednesday. Sources told “Greek Reporter” that authorities in Cairo have been exerting judicial pressure and launching attacks since the period when the Muslim Brotherhood, which advocates for the introduction of Sharia law, was in power, systematically attempting to close the world’s oldest monastery.
The monastery was founded by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian 15 centuries ago and is under the control of the autonomous Church of Sinai, which is part of the wider Greek Orthodox Church. In 2002, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique significance for the three major Abrahamic religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
MORE TOPICS:
EXPLOSION IN KRUŠIK: Incident in the primer plant of the Valjevo arms factory, injuries reported!
“THEY CAN BREAK MY BONES, BUT NEVER MY DIGNITY”: Student Ana openly about what she survived! (VIDEO)
Source: B92, Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons