By Ekathimerini –
Egypt has reaffirmed its “commitment to protecting St. Catherine’s Monastery” in the Sinai Peninsula, amid speculation over the monastery’s future and a leadership dispute involving Archbishop Damianos.
Speaking in Athens on Wednesday alongside Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapatritis, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced an agreement between Egypt and the Monastery of Sinai. He firmly rejected recent rumors as “malicious and unfounded,” stating, “No one can touch the monastery,” and stressing that it will continue to play its pivotal role.
The recent dispute over the leadership of the monastery has raised concerns in Athens, where officials fear that interference, both internal and external, could jeopardize diplomatic negotiations between Greece and Egypt regarding the site and surrounding properties.
There has been speculation that factions within Egypt’s religious affairs ministry may be supporting efforts to remove Archbishop Damianos, allegations not confirmed by Cairo but contributing to regional unease.
The monastery’s autonomy and the role of the abbot are seen as symbolically and diplomatically important, especially given the site’s location in the Sinai region and its close association with Greek Orthodoxy.
Gerapatritis recalled the May joint declaration establishing the strategic partnership between Greece and Egypt, describing it as a reflection of “the close historical ties of our peoples and the enduring journey of our ancient cultures.”
He called Greece and Egypt “pillars of stability” in the Eastern Mediterranean, citing their “exemplary and multifaceted relationship.”
On the Gaza crisis, Gerapatritis said Greece’s priorities are “achieving a ceasefire, the massive flow of humanitarian aid to civilians, and the unconditional release of hostages,” adding that Greece “remains a steadfast supporter of Egypt.”
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