Mt. Sinai, August 7, 2024
Photo: vimaorthodoxias.gr
Greek Orthodox media is warning of attempts by the Coptic church to seize the ancient St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mt. Sinai.
St. Catherine’s, the oldest continuously operating Christian monastery, is located on the mountain where the Prophet Moses spoke to God in the Burning Bush (which still grows in the monastery), and where he received the 10 Commandments from God.
The monastery, together with its extensive museum collection, is one of the most important spiritual centers of the Orthodox Church. And according to a report from Vima Orthodoxias, the Coptic church is encroaching upon the monastery.
The Coptic church split from the Orthodox Church following the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon in 451, according to which Christ is one Person in two natures—Divine and human. The Coptic Church together with the other “Oriental Orthodox” Churches confess Christ in one nature.
Vima Orthodoxias writes:
In recent years, the Greek Orthodox community has been facing serious problems with the monastery’s property, as the Copts appear to have seized a large part of its real estate.
The Copts, the main Christian group in Egypt, have shown intense interest in the property of the Monastery of Sinai. There are allegations that they have illegally occupied several areas and buildings belonging to the Greek Orthodox monastery. These actions have caused tension and concern in the Greek Orthodox community, which sees its historical property being threatened, as emphasized to VIMA ORTHODOXIAS by a diaspora figure.
The situation is exacerbated by the pressure exerted by the Copts on the Egyptian government to gain control of the entire monastery. Diplomatic and religious pressures on the Egyptian government are intense, with the aim of recognizing the Monastery of Sinai as the property and functional asset of the Coptic Church. This could mean the loss of the monastery for the Greek Orthodox community, which would be a huge blow to its cultural and religious heritage…
The protection of the Monastery of Sinai is not only a matter of religious justice but also of cultural heritage. This monastery has immense historical value, as it is one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries. It is also an important pilgrimage site for Christians from around the world and contributes significantly to the understanding and promotion of religious and cultural heritage.
In addition to diplomatic actions, the Greek Orthodox community is also making efforts to mobilize the global Christian community. International support is crucial for the protection of the Monastery of Sinai and for preventing the seizure of its property by the Copts. Cooperation with other Orthodox and Christian churches, as well as with international cultural and religious organizations, is essential for the success of these efforts.
The continued operation of the Monastery of Sinai under Greek Orthodox administration is vital for preserving its cultural and religious heritage. The international community must recognize the importance of this historical site and support efforts to protect it. Cooperation between the Greek government, the Greek Orthodox community, and the international community is critical to preventing the loss of the Monastery of Sinai and its cultural heritage.
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