Archbishop Damianos of Sinai has vowed legal action against dissenting monks of the ancient St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai, stating that “all compensation arising from the lawsuits will be donated to the Holy Monastery of Sinai.” His reaction comes amid escalating unrest within the monastic community and renewed international concern about the monastery’s status and future.

A Legacy Under Threat

St. Catherine’s Monastery, founded in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian and revered as the world’s oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery, stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a spiritual beacon. Its significance extends beyond faith: the monastery houses priceless manuscripts—including the Codex Sinaiticus—and symbolizes a rare intersection of ancient history, religion, and shared heritage.

Court Ruling and Diplomatic Fallout

In June 2025, an Egyptian appeals court delivered a controversial ruling transferring control of land surrounding the monastery—including vineyards and gardens—to the Egyptian state. Though the court insisted it did not affect the sacred core, fears mounted that the ruling could undermine the monastery’s autonomy, prompting swift diplomatic engagement between Greece and Egypt.

Foreign ministers George Gerapetritis of Greece and Badr Abdelatty of Egypt met afterward in Cairo, reaffirming their countries’ joint commitment to preserving the monastery’s legal and spiritual status and ensuring continued access for the monks.

Internal Crisis: Monks vs. Archbishop

Meanwhile, tensions inside the monastery reached a breaking point. A group of 10–15 monks held an unsanctioned assembly—deemed “anti-canonical” by the ruling Archbishop Damianos- seeking to remove him from leadership. The synod’s legitimacy was disputed, and the move was branded an “ecclesiastical coup”  by Damianos.

Damianos, who has served as Abbot since the early 1970s, confronted the insurgent monks upon his return to the monastery on August 26, aided by loyal brethren and Bedouin guards in restoring order. He subsequently convened a General Assembly of remaining monks to elect new leadership, exclude the dissenters, and return the monastery “to legality and normalcy”.

Archbishop’s Full Statement (Unofficial English Translation)

“It is most gratifying that at last all the parochial gossip and obscenities of the brothels have come to light with the signatures of specific individuals, who now assume personal and written responsibility. This makes it possible for judicial review of their claims. Soon Greek criminal and civil justice will be called upon to decide on all the false, indecent, and slanderous claims contained in this shameful ‘memorandum.’
Of course, all compensation arising from the lawsuits will be donated to the Holy Monastery of Sinai. I humbly apologize for the scandal caused to the faithful and pray to God to forgive them for the incalculable damage they have done and continue to do to the Holy Monastery and to the national effort to safeguard its status and its future.”