Archbishop Simeon speaks about situation surrounding Sinai Monastery

Archbishop Simeon of Sinai. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

The Monastery of Saint Catherine the Great Martyr on Sinai remains at the center of attention for both the Egyptian and Greek authorities. The monastery’s new abbot – Archbishop Simeon of Sinai – says he hopes the question of preserving the monastery’s special status will soon be settled by the Egyptian authorities, orthodoxianewsagency.gr reports.

According to Greek media, Egypt has not yet issued a presidential decree recognizing Archbishop Simeon of Sinai. At the same time, in recent months tourism development projects around Mount Moses have intensified, prompting concern among ascetics and researchers. A new article in the French newspaper Libération described these plans as “a threat to the traditional way of life of the Bedouins and to the monastery’s autonomy.”

Commenting on the situation for a publication of the University of Athens, Archbishop Simeon said he understands the importance of tourism for Egypt, yet stressed the need for “coordinated action, so as not to endanger the monastery’s very existence.” He expressed hope that government decisions and dialogue will make it possible to restore the Sinai monastery’s privileges.

The archbishop said he is looking to diplomatic talks and an anticipated “renewal of the monastery’s privileges” after the issuance of a presidential decree, rather than to court proceedings.

As the UOJ previously reported, Greece’s prime minister earlier stated that mutual understanding had been reached on the Sinai monastery issue.

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