In a recent interview with the newspaper TA NEA, Greek Foreign Minister Giannis Gerapetritis addressed issues regarding the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai. He highlighted the recent Court of Appeal decision, which for the first time explicitly and institutionally recognized the monastery’s perpetual liturgical character. However, the ruling did not acknowledge the monastery’s ownership of the disputed surrounding lands.
Minister Gerapetritis reassured that Greece has not “lost” the monastery, which continues to maintain its Greek Orthodox character without interruption.
He acknowledged, however, that challenges remain regarding the ownership of worship sites, the monastery’s legal status, and the renewal of the monastic community. Taking responsibility after the court ruling, he said he plans to discuss these issues with his Egyptian counterpart during an upcoming visit to Athens in early August.
Gerapetritis stressed the importance of Greece’s ongoing dialogue with Egypt on the matter, emphasizing that it reinforces Greece’s historic role as guardian of the monastery. He noted there is a shared willingness to resolve the highly complex outstanding legal issues.
Furthermore, he announced that a bill currently being processed by the Greek Parliament will definitively address the monastery’s legal status within Greek jurisdiction.
Regarding criticisms of his handling of foreign policy, the minister stated: “Sometimes I feel I am not the real target. After all, foreign policy planning is not the sole property of the serving foreign minister but is determined by the Prime Minister and the National Security Council.”
He affirmed his sole motivation is to serve his country, to which he owes all his achievements. He cautioned that opposition-driven rhetoric, fueled by ignorance of complex geopolitical challenges or self-serving motives, which stirs nationalist emotions without constructive solutions, ultimately harms the nation.
Looking ahead, Gerapetritis expressed confidence that when he leaves office, Greece will be in a much stronger global position, with significant influence in international organizations, strategic alliances with key countries, and proactive policies promoting Greece’s interests. He also pledged to engage in honest self-criticism, calling it essential and warning that criticism without self-reflection is hypocrisy.
Source: APE-MPE / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
