In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Egypt and Greece have reached an agreement to protect the status of the Mount Sinai Monastery, one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in the world. The announcement comes after an Egyptian court ruling last week that had raised concerns over the future of this historic landmark.
The foreign ministers of both countries, Sameh Shoukry of Egypt and Nikos Dendias of Greece, made the joint declaration late on Wednesday, emphasizing their commitment to preserving the monastery’s unique heritage and religious significance.
“We have agreed to work together to safeguard the status of the Mount Sinai Monastery, which is of great importance to both our countries and the international community,” said Shoukry, speaking at a press conference alongside his Greek counterpart.
The Mount Sinai Monastery, also known as the Monastery of St. Catherine, is located at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. It is revered as the site where, according to the Bible, God revealed the Ten Commandments to Moses. The monastery, which dates back to the 6th century AD, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world.
The recent Egyptian court ruling had raised concerns about the monastery’s future, as it challenged the ownership and management of the site. However, the new agreement between Egypt and Greece aims to resolve these issues and ensure the continued protection and preservation of the monastery.
“This agreement is a testament to the strong ties between our countries and our shared commitment to safeguarding our common cultural and religious heritage,” said Dendias, the Greek foreign minister.
The two countries pledged to work closely together, collaborating on various initiatives to maintain the monastery’s status and facilitate its continued operations. This may include joint conservation efforts, security measures, and cultural exchange programs to promote the site’s significance on the global stage.
The Mount Sinai Monastery is not only a sacred site for Christians but also holds immense historical and archaeological value. Its extensive collection of ancient manuscripts, icons, and other artifacts make it a treasure trove for scholars and researchers worldwide. The new agreement between Egypt and Greece is a crucial step in ensuring that this remarkable cultural landmark continues to be protected and appreciated for generations to come.
