Negotiations Over St. Catherine’s Monastery Reportedly Near Final Stage

SINAI, EGYPT — Negotiations between the Egyptian government and the Brotherhood of the Monastery of St. Catherine are reportedly approaching a decisive stage, with the parties expected to exchange final positions before moving toward an agreement governing the monastery’s future legal status.

According to ecclesiastical sources, the proposed arrangement would establish a form of “dual ownership regime.” The Sinai Brotherhood would retain permanent rights to religious possession, use, and operation of the monastery’s movable and immovable property. However, it would reportedly be prohibited from transferring, altering, or commercially exploiting the monastery’s historic properties and archaeological and Byzantine treasures.

The brotherhood is also working on regulations covering dozens of smaller properties, including land and buildings that provide limited income for its support. The negotiations have intensified in recent months amid concerns over a pending decision by Egypt’s highest court, which has been repeatedly postponed.

The brotherhood’s response to the latest Egyptian proposals, delivered in early August, is expected after the departure of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas, who recently visited the monastery and attended the Divine Liturgy. Rigas followed senior adviser Massad Boulos, who had previously met with Abp. Symeon of Sinai and conveyed U.S. presidential interest in the monastery’s situation.

If negotiations proceed successfully, Egypt is expected to grant citizenship to Abp. Symeon and recognize him by presidential decree as the monastery’s legitimate abbot, while also establishing a special residence status for members of the brotherhood.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a crucial appeal hearing was set for the Holy Monastery of St. Catherine on Mt. Sinai.