Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the issue of the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai during his speech in Parliament on matters of foreign policy.
Opening a brief parenthesis in his remarks, the Prime Minister referred to the recent public debate surrounding the monastery, noting that it had unfortunately become “a subject of cheap exploitation by those who ignore even the most basic facts and realities.” He emphasized that the question of the monastery’s rights is not new, but a matter that dates back centuries.
“Following the recent developments, intensive consultations began between the two Foreign Ministers, aiming to resolve an age-old issue,” Mr. Mitsotakis stated. “I can now announce to the Parliament that a preliminary, joint understanding has been reached between the two sides.”
He clarified that the final say rests with the Holy Sinai Brotherhood, adding that under this new understanding, the character of the Monastery remains eternally safeguarded and unchanged. “Any alteration of the Monastery or other worship sites is strictly prohibited, and provisions have been made to ensure the continued presence of the monks,” he said.
Mr. Mitsotakis concluded that this framework not only secures the continuity of the Monastery of Sinai, but also elevates it as “one of the spiritual centers of Orthodoxy,” with the Greek state actively and tangibly present in a region of great significance to Hellenism worldwide.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
