The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania has issued an official statement expressing its unwavering support for the historic Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai, its Abbot, Archbishop Damianos of Sinai, and the entire Sinai Brotherhood, during what it describes as a time of great difficulty for the monastic community.
In its statement, the Church emphasizes: “The historic Holy Monastery of the God-trodden Mount Sinai is an invaluable treasure of Orthodox spirituality and world cultural heritage, offering the Church a rich spiritual legacy. For centuries, it has safeguarded precious manuscripts and codices, including the renowned Codex Sinaiticus.”
The statement also stresses the vital role of the Orthodox monastic presence at Sinai:“The presence of Orthodox monks at the monastery has been respected by all ruling authorities throughout the centuries, making it a symbol of coexistence between Christianity and Islam.”
The Church goes on to warn of the potential consequences should the ownership status of the monastery be altered: “Any disruption of the brotherhood or conversion of the monastery into a museum due to changes in property status would be catastrophic, with immeasurable consequences.”
Reaffirming its solidarity, the Church declares: “The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania expresses its full support for the Brotherhood of the Monastery and Archbishop Damianos of Sinai during this difficult trial.”
Finally, the Church calls on all responsible authorities and international organizations to take action: “We urge the relevant authorities and international bodies to make every effort to safeguard the historical status of the monastery and ensure the uninterrupted continuation of its sacred mission.”
Source: Church of Albania
