Egypt has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and sacred status of Saint Catherine Monastery.
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry assured his Greek counterpart that Egypt would preserve the spiritual and archaeological value of the historic site.
This comes after an Egyptian administrative court ruled that the state owns the land but confirmed the monks’ continued right to use it.
The ruling sparked concern from the Greek Orthodox Church, which feared potential threats to religious freedom at the ancient monastery.
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a statement underscoring its duty to ensure uninterrupted Christian worship at the 17-century-old sanctuary.
Despite concerns, the Patriarchate acknowledged Egypt’s repeated assurances that no infringement on religious practices would occur.
Last week, the Egyptian presidency emphasized that the ruling strengthens the state’s role in protecting the monastery’s religious significance.
Saint Catherine Monastery, nestled in the Sinai Mountains, is revered as one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world.
Its sacred legacy continues to draw pilgrims and scholars, standing as a beacon of faith and endurance amid shifting political sands.
Egypt’s latest assurances aim to calm tensions and affirm the country’s respect for religious heritage within its national framework.