There’s been a recent legal ruling in Egypt that’s stirring quite a bit of controversy, especially among religious communities tied to one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries.
The monks of St. Catherine’s Monastery, located in the Sinai Peninsula, were given the right to use the monastery and nearby religious heritage sites.
But the court also made it clear these sites officially remain state property, part of Egypt’s public domain.
This decision is reopening long-standing debates about ownership and religious freedom that have deep roots going back centuries.
The Court’s Decision: Rights to Use, Not Ownership
An appeals court in Ismailia, Egypt, handed down the ruling.
While it recognizes the monks’ right to access and use the monastery and surrounding religious landmarks, it reaffirmed that the land and buildings still belong to the Egyptian state.
This means the monastery operates under state oversight, rather than independent ownership by the church or monks.
Greek Orthodox Church Voices Strong Opposition
The Greek Orthodox Church was quick to speak out against the ruling.
They described it as an attempt to disrupt a system that has been in place for about 1,500 years—essentially a direct challenge to centuries of religious tradition.
His Beatitude Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, strongly condemned the court’s decision.
Archbishop Ieronymos II’s Grave Warning
Archbishop Ieronymos II warned that this verdict threatens fundamental religious freedoms and represents a serious trial for the monastery, calling it “reminiscent of darker times in history.”
He expressed deep sorrow and indignation over what he described as the seizure and confiscation of the monastery’s properties.
He urged the Greek government and international organizations to recognize the severity of the situation and to act quickly to protect this vital spiritual site—one that serves as a beacon of Orthodox Christianity and Hellenic heritage.
Egypt Reassures Its Commitment to Protecting the Monastery
In contrast to the Greek Orthodox Church’s alarm, Egypt’s presidential office quickly reassured the public and international observers that the country remains fully committed to preserving the unique religious and sacred status of St. Catherine’s Monastery.
They emphasized that the court’s ruling actually strengthens the monastery’s importance and underlined President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s recent visit to Athens, where he gave personal assurances on this matter.
Official Statements from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry
A spokesperson from Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed rumors that the monastery or its lands had been confiscated.
Speaking to the Middle East News Agency, the spokesperson clarified that the ruling does not mean seizure of property but simply confirms the monastery’s legal status under Egyptian law.