Archbishop Symeon says an agreement with the Egyptian government will help safeguard the historic Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai, following months of negotiations and support from Orthodox Churches.
The future of the historic Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai has taken a significant step towards resolution, with Archbishop Symeon announcing his intention to sign an agreement with the Egyptian state.
In a statement released on Saturday, October 24, the Archbishop said the agreement would help resolve outstanding issues surrounding the monastery’s legal status and protect its historic and legal rights.
The announcement follows more than a year of negotiations between the monastery and the Egyptian government, amid legal proceedings that raised concerns about the future of one of Christianity’s oldest monastic communities.
Archbishop Symeon said he would proceed with signing the agreement as soon as his health permits. A specific date will be determined in consultation with the monastery’s brotherhood and the Egyptian government.
Orthodox Churches unite behind the agreement
The Archbishop highlighted the support received from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Patriarchate of Alexandria, and the Churches of Greece and Cyprus.
According to his statement, the Orthodox Churches expressed their unanimous support for signing the agreement, hoping it would provide a secure resolution to the outstanding issues while safeguarding the monastery’s longstanding rights.
Archbishop Symeon described the development as an expression of unity among the Orthodox Churches of the East, emphasising the importance of their collective support for the monastery.
He also acknowledged the assistance of the Greek state and supporters of the monastery around the world during the negotiations.
Legal uncertainty surrounding the monastery
The negotiations followed a ruling by the Ismailia Court of Appeal on May 28, 2025, which preceded Archbishop Symeon’s election.
The monastery subsequently received a draft agreement from the Egyptian government intended to clarify aspects of the court ruling and establish how it would be implemented.
According to the Archbishop, the proposed agreement sought to preserve the monastery’s centuries-old traditions and uninterrupted monastic life while clarifying its position within Egypt’s modern legal framework.
The monastery requested additional time to examine the proposal, submit amendments and prepare documentation concerning its historical status and the properties under discussion.
Archbishop Symeon said the Egyptian government, under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, had allowed the dialogue to continue for more than a year.
He expressed confidence that the announcement of the agreement removed the grounds for issuing an expected decision by Egypt’s Court of Cassation on October 24.
The precise legal implications of the announcement will depend on the agreement’s final terms and implementation.
A historic centre of Orthodox Christianity
The Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine stands at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Dating back to the sixth century, it is one of the most significant centres of Christian monasticism and holds exceptional importance for the Orthodox Christian world.
The monastery has maintained a distinctive ecclesiastical tradition and a spiritual presence in the region for approximately 1,500 years.
Its future has attracted international attention because of its religious significance, historical legacy and longstanding relationship with both Egypt and the wider Orthodox Christian community.
Archbishop Symeon said the monastery would continue its religious mission, with its monks welcoming pilgrims, visitors and travellers.
He also expressed gratitude to the Orthodox Church leaders who supported the agreement, attributing the unity surrounding the negotiations to the intercession of Saint Catherine, the monastery’s patron saint.
The announcement marks an important development in efforts to secure the monastery’s future, although the agreement is still to be formally signed.
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Excerpt: Archbishop Symeon announces plans to sign an agreement with Egypt aimed at resolving outstanding legal issues and protecting the historic Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai.
Tags: Sinai Monastery, Archbishop Symeon, Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Egypt, Greek Orthodox Church, Ecumenical Patriarchate, Orthodox Christianity, Greece, Cyprus, Mount Sinai
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