The agreement to resolve the issue of claims against the Sinai Catherine Monastery, which was referenced during the recent meeting of Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al -Sisi with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and with whom he would be closed by him.

However, the delays in the signing of the agreement on the Egyptian side, which were mostly suspected of some suspicion, finally resulted in the controversial decision of Egyptian justice and sounded an alarm in Athens, which has since served on a diplomatic marathon.

But what was agreed between the two sides?

According to “K”, after a prolonged negotiation last December, a “agreement and arrangement contract” was the agreement to be signed by Lieutenant General Dr. Hald Mubarak Hussein Barry, who was the governor of South Sinai. Leadership, and Archbishop Damianos in the capacity of the monastery’s legal representative, according to Presidential Decree 306 of 1974.

See the text of the deal here

This is the agreement that made a reference during the recent visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al -Sisi to Athens and with which the two sides would close the pending claims against the Sinai Monastery, recognizing it.

The preamble to the agreement retrieves the history of the case, starting with the lawsuit lodged in 2015 by the South Sinai Region, questioning the monastery’s properties, and then in two appeals deposited by the opposing parts.

“The Court of Appeal ordered the merger of the two appeals and, before deciding on their substance, ordered the appointment of a five -member committee of experts by the Ministry of Justice, which undertook its mission and submitted a report containing a description of the disputed land (71). areas and characteristics of their occupation, regarding their activities or buildings, as well as the decisions related to them and the legal actions carried out on them between the parts of this agreement. The two appeals are still pending before the court and were postponed to the meeting of March 26, 2025 (this is a meeting postponed and held last Wednesday, when the decision in question was issued), “the preamble said.

Particular reference is made to the recognition by the Egyptian state of the historical significance and the cultural heritage of the area of ​​St. Catherine and the culture of the Sinai community that has been living in the region from the 4th century AD, while the recognition of the area as a UNESCO monument is highlighted.

“The parties agree to end the litigation through a settlement that ensures the preservation of natural and cultural heritage and natural resources, the freedom of practicing religious ceremonies by citizens and the ability of the state to implement its future plans for sustainable development.”

Articles of the Agreement

The first article of the Agreement states that “the registration of the area of ​​St. Catherine in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002, together with the attached document including plots, churches and buildings related to the monastery, is an integral part of this agreement, complements and interprets its terms.”

The third article references to the ownership of the monastery: “The parties agree that, according to the registration of the Monastery of St. Catherine on the World Heritage List, the Monastery, its buildings, its plots, churches and related buildings referring to the attached and signed document.

The monastery maintains its autonomy in managing its internal affairs, administrative and religious, without external intervention. This includes control over daily functions, preserving cultural heritage and dedication to its traditions. This provision confirms the unique historical and spiritual significance of the monastery, allowing it to maintain its identity and heritage through the centuries. All of the above is under the supervision of the abbot, who bears the title of Archbishop of the Diocese of Sinai in Egypt. “

The same article refers to the monastery in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Egyptian Antiquities for Maintenance Interventions, while noting that not only buildings but also monastic life within the walls of the monastery are protected.

Similarly, the fourth article confirms the agreement to preserve the architecture of the monastery, its treasures, and even “the ancient trees, which are a vital part of the environmental heritage, invaluable natural treasure”. In the fifth article, the Parties agree to confirm the respect for all existing decisions by Prime Minister, Minister of Culture and President of the Antiquities Authority for the Monastery, the Temples and the buildings around it, as well as the land of the court. In the sixth article, the South Sinai Region is committed to protecting the area and the security of the monastery, while the Archbishop is committed to maintaining the monastery and providing the necessary facilities to visitors.

The seventh article states: “The Parties are fully agreeing on their commitment to reconciliation, resignation and ending of the ongoing legal dispute between the South Sinai Region and the Monastery” and that “the parties are also committed to withdraw and reconcile in all mutual lawsuits and lawsuits”.

The agreement, with which the litigation would be closed, as it resolved all outstanding issues, has not yet been signed, with estimates of sources in the Sinai community converging in the fact that the delay was deliberate in order to eventually issue the court ruling, which is forming a new one.

Ecumenical Patriarchate

“Frustration” is the reaction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the Sinai Monastery. In a statement, the Ecumenical Patriarchate “is calling for the Egyptian Government, on the basis of yesterday’s statements by the President of the country. Mr. Abdel Fatah al -Sisi, to be able to be the appropriate way to maintain the status quo of the Holy Monastery, which was particularly established and renounced it for centuries for Islam, and to implement it recently. Respect for the eternal detainees and the observed those agreed can help the Monastery of St. Catherine to continue its religious and cultural mission from the Sinai peninsula, where the god has ever been to people. ” It is also noted that “centuries have been settled in the Sinai Monastery. Let Egypt also respect it today, as a civilized and prosperous country, respecting religious freedom and human rights in general. “

Data and blurry points for the next day

The decision to be closed indefinitely in the monastery, “in protest and mourning” for recent developments, was received yesterday by the monks of St. Catherine Sinai Monastery. The details of the new regime formed by the court ruling have not been clarified in their entirety, as the entire court ruling has not been disclosed. However, the image of what has already been made known by the summary of the decision released is raising great concern in the Sinai community.

According to the legal adviser of Sinai Monastery, Christos Kobiliris, the decision gives the monks to the right to use the monastery’s facilities, while of the 71 areas, which had been disputed, 25 are passing directly to the Egyptian State.

This development is causing great insecurity and uncertainty about the perspectives of the monastery, as the right to use the installations was never the issue, the disputes had been raised on ownership. Indeed, as the decision references to maintain the right for as long as there are monks, but also to Archbishop Damianos, questions arise about what will happen if the annual visas that allow the monks to stay in the monastery or if the next Archbishop will not be renewed. “There is no safety dialog,” he said, while Mr Kobiliris believes that “the Aeolian bag opens”.

In relation to the land that passes directly to the Egyptian State, based on the court ruling, it is stated that they include the large gardens outside the walls of the monastery, on which its supply depends, the Gardens of Saints Saranda, where the water springs are located, with what it entails, the gardens of the Ancients. of the monastery, the Gardens of Great Science, where Saint Paisios and the cave of St. John the Scale, which is considered a particularly religious landmark.

The questions about the changes that occur under the operation of the Sinai Monastery are many and it is expected that they will be gradually clarified in the coming days, when the full text of the decision is known. In the discussion that has been opened, the issue of objects hosted at the monastery’s premises, the only value of manuscripts, collections in libraries, sacred utensils, etc., are also dated to the monastery, many of which date back to its establishment. It is reported that all this was not the subject of the judicial claim. However, the increased role that the Archaeological Service has to do with concern, as its interventions had already intensified, “with daily suggestions to those who have preserved the treasures for centuries.”