Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem calls for protection of Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai
The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem reaffirmed its steadfast support for the brotherhood of Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, stressing that the rights of the monks are enshrined in the monastery’s foundational statutes and preserved through a monastic tradition deeply rooted in centuries of worship and asceticism. The Patriarchate emphasized that this support stems from its spiritual authority and canonical jurisdiction, urging the Greek state and all concerned parties to safeguard the ecclesiastical order, ensure the stability of monastic life, and preserve unity within the monastery.
However, the sanctity of the site was gravely violated on the evening of Tuesday, August 26, when the deposed Damianos stormed the monastery accompanied by masked men. They assaulted the monks’ cells, broke doors and windows, and forcibly expelled the monks. The assault was documented most notably in the case of Father Alexios, who put up courageous resistance before being violently dragged away, a scene that epitomized the violation of monastic dignity.
The attack left several monks injured, with some transferred to Sharm El-Sheikh Hospital, while twelve others were expelled beyond the monastery walls and forced to spend the night outdoors. Egyptian police arrived at the monastery’s perimeter but were unable to enter. Official records were filed at the Saint Catherine Police Department, and the case is now being followed up by the Nuweiba authorities.
The Orthodox community is appealing to the Egyptian state, long known for its historic commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the monastery, to return the monks to their cells at the earliest opportunity, in recognition of Egypt’s enduring role in protecting this spiritual landmark and ensuring its security through the decades. The community also expressed confidence that these efforts are complemented by the guardianship of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Hashemite custodian of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in the Holy Land, in keeping with his ongoing commitment to the protection of the region’s spiritual and religious heritage.
This incident comes at a particularly sensitive time, with ecclesiastical elections approaching, as certain disgruntled parties seek to disrupt the process, a development that calls for broad solidarity to protect the monastery, support its brotherhood, and safeguard its spiritual and human sanctity.
The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem reaffirmed its steadfast support for the brotherhood of Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, stressing that the rights of the monks are enshrined in the monastery’s foundational statutes and preserved through a monastic tradition deeply rooted in centuries of worship and asceticism. The Patriarchate emphasized that this support stems from its spiritual authority and canonical jurisdiction, urging the Greek state and all concerned parties to safeguard the ecclesiastical order, ensure the stability of monastic life, and preserve unity within the monastery.
However, the sanctity of the site was gravely violated on the evening of Tuesday, August 26, when the deposed Damianos stormed the monastery accompanied by masked men. They assaulted the monks’ cells, broke doors and windows, and forcibly expelled the monks. The assault was documented most notably in the case of Father Alexios, who put up courageous resistance before being violently dragged away, a scene that epitomized the violation of monastic dignity.
The attack left several monks injured, with some transferred to Sharm El-Sheikh Hospital, while twelve others were expelled beyond the monastery walls and forced to spend the night outdoors. Egyptian police arrived at the monastery’s perimeter but were unable to enter. Official records were filed at the Saint Catherine Police Department, and the case is now being followed up by the Nuweiba authorities.
The Orthodox community is appealing to the Egyptian state, long known for its historic commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the monastery, to return the monks to their cells at the earliest opportunity, in recognition of Egypt’s enduring role in protecting this spiritual landmark and ensuring its security through the decades. The community also expressed confidence that these efforts are complemented by the guardianship of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Hashemite custodian of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in the Holy Land, in keeping with his ongoing commitment to the protection of the region’s spiritual and religious heritage.
This incident comes at a particularly sensitive time, with ecclesiastical elections approaching, as certain disgruntled parties seek to disrupt the process, a development that calls for broad solidarity to protect the monastery, support its brotherhood, and safeguard its spiritual and human sanctity.
The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem reaffirmed its steadfast support for the brotherhood of Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, stressing that the rights of the monks are enshrined in the monastery’s foundational statutes and preserved through a monastic tradition deeply rooted in centuries of worship and asceticism. The Patriarchate emphasized that this support stems from its spiritual authority and canonical jurisdiction, urging the Greek state and all concerned parties to safeguard the ecclesiastical order, ensure the stability of monastic life, and preserve unity within the monastery.
However, the sanctity of the site was gravely violated on the evening of Tuesday, August 26, when the deposed Damianos stormed the monastery accompanied by masked men. They assaulted the monks’ cells, broke doors and windows, and forcibly expelled the monks. The assault was documented most notably in the case of Father Alexios, who put up courageous resistance before being violently dragged away, a scene that epitomized the violation of monastic dignity.
The attack left several monks injured, with some transferred to Sharm El-Sheikh Hospital, while twelve others were expelled beyond the monastery walls and forced to spend the night outdoors. Egyptian police arrived at the monastery’s perimeter but were unable to enter. Official records were filed at the Saint Catherine Police Department, and the case is now being followed up by the Nuweiba authorities.
The Orthodox community is appealing to the Egyptian state, long known for its historic commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the monastery, to return the monks to their cells at the earliest opportunity, in recognition of Egypt’s enduring role in protecting this spiritual landmark and ensuring its security through the decades. The community also expressed confidence that these efforts are complemented by the guardianship of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Hashemite custodian of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in the Holy Land, in keeping with his ongoing commitment to the protection of the region’s spiritual and religious heritage.
This incident comes at a particularly sensitive time, with ecclesiastical elections approaching, as certain disgruntled parties seek to disrupt the process, a development that calls for broad solidarity to protect the monastery, support its brotherhood, and safeguard its spiritual and human sanctity.
comments
Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem calls for protection of Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai
comments