Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly paid a symbolic visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, led by a number of Egyptian ministers.
Putting into practice the wish of the Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to highlight this unique region as much as possible, which is one of the largest strongholds of Orthodoxy in the world, the Egyptian prime minister was warmly received by the monks at his first official visit to the Greek Orthodox monastery where the three flags of Greece, of Egypt and of St. Catherine’s Monastery are flying.
Moustafa Madbouly, from the monastery, spoke by phone with the Abbot of the Monastery, Archbishop Damianos of Sinai, Faran and Raitho, who is in Athens due to the COVID-19 restrictions that existed until a few days ago.
Archbishop Damianos warmly thanked the Egyptian prime minister for the protection and care provided by Egyptian State and President al-Sisi in the St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, highlighting the great importance the country has given to the harmonious coexistence of Christians and Muslims that has become an example for the Middle East.
On his part, the Egyptian prime minister greeted one by one the monks of the Holy Monastery, on whose behalf he was officially welcomed by the Skeuophylax of the Monastery, Fr. Michael, who thanked the prime minister on behalf of the entire monastic brotherhood.
As stressed during the talks, the expansion of St. Catherine International Airport in Sinai is rapidly being promoted so that by next year it can serve large charter aircraft, thus bringing travelers and pilgrims from Greece and other countries —a move that is considered very important.
Source: ANA-MPA
