The monks of the historic Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai have made the decision to close the gates of the monastery to all visitors, according to a report by protothema.gr.
Sources indicate that the community of 20 monks has also resolved to remain within the monastery walls, mourning and praying for its protection and salvation. It remains unclear when the gates will reopen, and there is currently no reliable estimate, the report notes.
This symbolic act of protest follows a controversial ruling issued by an Egyptian court on Thursday, which challenges the ownership status of the monastery. The court granted the monastic community only usage rights over its properties, without recognizing its ownership—effectively placing the future of the world’s oldest continuously operating Christian monastery in jeopardy.
The decision has sparked immediate and deep concern among the monks, who argue that their religious and property rights are being violated. In response, they are preparing a global awareness campaign, seeking to inform all Christian Churches, as well as other monotheistic religious communities, about the serious implications of the court’s decision.
Founded in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I, Saint Catherine’s Monastery is a spiritual and cultural landmark revered across the Christian world. The recent developments mark a critical turning point in its long-standing history and have triggered widespread alarm among religious and cultural heritage advocates.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
