• About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Friday, July 18, 2025
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
Orthodox Times (en)
  • Home
  • Orthodoxy
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Mount Athos
      • Archdiocese of America
      • Archdiocese of Australia
      • Church of Crete
    • Patriarchates
      • Patriarchate of Alexandria
      • Patriarchate of Antioch
      • Patriarchate of Moscow
      • Patriarchate of Serbia
      • Patriarchate of Romania
      • Patriarchate of Jerusalem
      • Patriarchate of Bulgaria
      • Patriarchate of Georgia
    • Churches
      • Church of Greece
      • Church of Cyprus
      • Church of Poland
      • Church of Albania
      • Church of Czech and Slovakia
      • Church of Ukraine
  • Politics
    • USA
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Society
    • Greek Diaspora
    • Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
  • Home
  • Orthodoxy
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Mount Athos
      • Archdiocese of America
      • Archdiocese of Australia
      • Church of Crete
    • Patriarchates
      • Patriarchate of Alexandria
      • Patriarchate of Antioch
      • Patriarchate of Moscow
      • Patriarchate of Serbia
      • Patriarchate of Romania
      • Patriarchate of Jerusalem
      • Patriarchate of Bulgaria
      • Patriarchate of Georgia
    • Churches
      • Church of Greece
      • Church of Cyprus
      • Church of Poland
      • Church of Albania
      • Church of Czech and Slovakia
      • Church of Ukraine
  • Politics
    • USA
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Society
    • Greek Diaspora
    • Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
No Result
View All Result
Orthodox Times (en)
No Result
View All Result

Orthodox Church to EU: Deep concern over Egyptian court ruling on Sinai Monastery

May 31, 2025 | 16:51
in Carousel Front Page, Orthodoxy
Orthodox Church to EU: Deep concern over Egyptian court ruling on Sinai Monastery

The Orthodox Church Liaison Office to the European Union expressed “profound concern” over the recent unexpected ruling by the Ismailia Court of Appeal ordering the seizure of the historic Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai.

This sacred site, “revered for over 15 centuries as a beacon of global religious, cultural, and spiritual heritage,” symbolizes “peaceful coexistence between Christian and Muslim communities.” It is protected by a charter granted by Prophet Muhammad in 613 AD, “bearing his palm print and explicitly placing the Monastery under his personal protection.” The Monastery also contains a mosque, reflecting longstanding interfaith respect.

The decision raises “serious questions about the protection of religious freedom and cultural heritage in Egypt,” and appears to conflict with commitments under the EU-Egypt Association Agreement, which underpins political dialogue, cultural preservation, and human rights protections.

Notably, the ruling comes shortly after a high-level discussion between the Greek Prime Minister and the Egyptian President on May 7, 2025, where “the protection of the Monastery was reportedly raised.”

The Liaison Office condemns the ruling and urges “European institutions, Member States, and political parties to take appropriate measures to ensure that Saint Catherine’s Monastery continues to operate freely as a spiritual sanctuary, a pillar of religious harmony, and a source of inspiration for all humankind.”

They also express trust that “the Egyptian government will honor its bilateral and multilateral commitments, including those under its agreements with the Hellenic Republic and the European Union.”

Read the full announcement:

Brussels, May 30th, 2025

As the Liaison Office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union, we express our profound concern regarding the recent and unexpected ruling by the Ismailia Court of Appeal, which orders the seizure of the premises of the historic Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai.

For over 15 centuries, Saint Catherine’s Monastery has been revered as a beacon of global religious, cultural, and spiritual heritage. This sacred site has long stood as a powerful symbol of peaceful coexistence between Christian and Muslim communities. It is notably protected by a charter granted by the Prophet Muhammad himself in 613 AD, bearing his palm print and explicitly placing the Monastery under his personal protection.

The Monastery is not only home to invaluable Christian relics and manuscripts, but also to a mosque within its grounds, an enduring testament to interfaith respect and hospitality.

The court’s decision raises serious questions about the protection of religious freedom and cultural heritage in Egypt. It appears to contravene commitments enshrined in the Association Agreement (AA) between the European Union and Egypt, which entered into force in June 2004 and serves as the legal foundation of their bilateral relations. This agreement establishes a framework for political dialogue, cultural preservation, and human rights protections.

At the most recent meeting of the EU-Egypt Association Council in June 2022, new Partnership Priorities were adopted to guide relations through 2027, aligned with the EU’s Agenda for the Mediterranean and Egypt’s Vision 2030. To support this partnership, the EU is preparing a financial package of €7.4 billion for the 2024–2027 period.

Of particular concern is the timing of this ruling, which follows a high-level discussion between the Prime Minister of Greece and the President of Egypt on May 7, 2025, during which the protection of the Monastery was reportedly raised.

This court decision has already sparked strong reactions from religious, academic, cultural, and political communities around the world. We, as the Liaison Office of the Orthodox Church to the EU, firmly and respectfully join in condemning this action.

We call on the European institutions, Member States, and political parties to take appropriate measures to ensure that Saint Catherine’s Monastery continues to operate freely as a spiritual sanctuary, a pillar of religious harmony, and a source of inspiration for all humankind.

We also place our trust in the Egyptian government to honor its bilateral and multilateral commitments, including those under its agreements with the Hellenic Republic and the European Union.

Tags: Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount SinaiOrthodox Church Liaison Office to the European Union

Follow OrthodoxTimes.com on Google News and learn all the news about Orthodoxy in Greece and worldwide.

All the latest developments in the Orthodox world, society and humankind, at the moment they happen, at OrthodoxTimes.com


Related Posts

Draft Law for the strengthening of orthodoxy and the legal recognition of the Sinai Monastery
Orthodoxy

Draft Law for the strengthening of orthodoxy and the legal recognition of the Sinai Monastery

July 9, 2025
World Heritage Watch demands St Catherine Monastery be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Danger
Society

World Heritage Watch demands St Catherine Monastery be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Danger

July 7, 2025
The Greek Orthodox Monastery of Sinai and the Challenges of a “Neutral” Declaration: Legal and Canonical Dimensions
Christianity

Article by Egypt’s Foreign Minister: The Sinai Monastery is a symbol that is protected and honored

June 26, 2025
European Parliament discusses issues facing the historic Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai
Politics

European Parliament discusses issues facing the historic Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai

June 17, 2025
Greece reaffirms support for status of St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai
Politics

Greece reaffirms support for status of St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai

June 2, 2025
Patriarch of Alexandria reaffirmed support for Sinai Monastery in call with Archbishop Damianos
Patriarchate of Alexandria

Patriarch of Alexandria reaffirmed support for Sinai Monastery in call with Archbishop Damianos

May 31, 2025
Load More
Next Post
Patriarch of Bulgaria led Divine Liturgy for Ascension of the Lord at Yavorov Church

Patriarch of Bulgaria led Divine Liturgy for Ascension of the Lord at Yavorov Church

Latest News

EU approves 18th sanctions package against Russia targeting energy, banking, and trade sectors

EU approves 18th sanctions package against Russia targeting energy, banking, and trade sectors

by NewsRoom
Jul 18, 2025 | 15:41
0

The Council of General Affairs of the European Union today officially approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia,...

Greek Defense Minister meets Patriarch of Antioch to discuss protection of Christian Communities

Greek Defense Minister meets Patriarch of Antioch to discuss protection of Christian Communities

by NewsRoom
Jul 18, 2025 | 14:56
0

Greek Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, met with Patriarch John X of Antioch at the Patriarchal Seat in...

Patriarch of Jerusalem and Cardinal Pizzaballa visit Gaza (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

Patriarch of Jerusalem and Cardinal Pizzaballa visit Gaza (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

by NewsRoom
Jul 18, 2025 | 14:14
0

In a powerful demonstration of ecclesial unity and humanitarian commitment, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa,...

Greek Defense Minister expresses full support for Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai

Greek Defense Minister expresses full support for Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai

by NewsRoom
Jul 18, 2025 | 12:33
0

Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias reaffirmed Greece’s unwavering support for the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at...

Metropolitan of Korea visits the Gapyeong Transfiguration Monastery

Metropolitan of Korea visits the Gapyeong Transfiguration Monastery

by NewsRoom
Jul 18, 2025 | 11:53
0

On Thursday, July 10, 2025, Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea accompanied by Fr. Epiphanios Gregoriatis, Fr. Theodosios Argyropoulos, his Presbytera...

Bulgarian Patriarchate: Efforts to de-Christianize and de-humanize Europe will not succeed

Bulgarian Patriarchate on blockade of Gaza Strip: A cry for Gaza from the heart of the Church

by NewsRoom
Jul 18, 2025 | 11:07
0

The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate has issued a powerful and deeply compassionate statement...

Newsletter

Sign up for our weekly newsletter



Quick Links

  • Orthodoxy
  • Politics
  • Society
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
  • History
  • Press Releases

Get Social

About Us

Advertise

Contact

Terms Of Use

© 2025 OrthodoxTimes.com
digital world media

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Orthodoxy
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Mount Athos
      • Archdiocese of America
      • Archdiocese of Australia
      • Church of Crete
    • Patriarchates
      • Patriarchate of Alexandria
      • Patriarchate of Antioch
      • Patriarchate of Moscow
      • Patriarchate of Serbia
      • Patriarchate of Romania
      • Patriarchate of Jerusalem
      • Patriarchate of Bulgaria
      • Patriarchate of Georgia
    • Churches
      • Church of Greece
      • Church of Cyprus
      • Church of Poland
      • Church of Albania
      • Church of Czech and Slovakia
      • Church of Ukraine
  • Politics
    • USA
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Society
    • Greek Diaspora
    • Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
  • Greek Version

© 2023 OrthodoxTimes.com - All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT