Third Delay Opens New Window for Sinai Monastery Negotiations

CAIRO, EGYPT — The Egyptian Supreme Court has postponed for a third time its announcement of a decision in the appeals concerning the ownership status of St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, a delay that church and diplomatic sources reportedly view as opening another window for negotiations over the monastery’s future.

According to the report, the latest postponement is expected to be the final one and is not anticipated to last longer than a month. Sources believe the delay could foreshadow an agreement in the coming weeks between Abp. Symeon of Sinai, the monastery’s abbot, and the Egyptian state.

Negotiations have reportedly continued quietly since Abp. Symeon assumed office about a year ago. A proposed arrangement would reportedly leave the internationally significant archaeological site under Egyptian state supervision while guaranteeing the Sinaitic Orthodox Brotherhood the right to use the monastery for religious purposes in perpetuity.

Several issues remain to be resolved before a final agreement can be reached. These reportedly include formal government recognition of Abp. Symeon as the monastery’s legitimate abbot, recognition of the monastery’s Fundamental Regulations as an official legal document, resolution of the monks’ residency status, and approval of any agreement by the Sinai Brotherhood.

The status of monastery properties outside the main complex, many of which are considered vital to the community’s survival, is also under discussion. Church and diplomatic sources nevertheless reportedly regard the latest court postponement as a potentially significant opportunity to complete negotiations before the court announces its final decision.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a U.S. official met Abp. Symeon over the preservation of the Sinai Monastery.