The Greek government has dispatched Giorgos Kalantzis, Secretary-General for Religious Affairs at the Ministry of Education, to Egypt in an urgent effort to resolve the escalating crisis at the historic Mount Sinai Monastery (St. Catherine’s Monastery), located is Egpyt.

Emergency Meeting in Athens

Kalantzis’ mission was decided after a high-level meeting reportedly held at the Maximos Mansion (the Greek prime minister’s office). Officials warned that without swift action, the monastery could face a fate similar to the troubled Esphigmenou Monastery on Mount Athos, where a long-running schism has left the monastic community deeply divided and effectively ungovernable.

A Test for Greece–Egypt Relations

Beyond the ecclesiastical dispute, the monastery’s location in Egypt raises serious diplomatic stakes. Athens fears that the crisis could strain bilateral ties if the legal status and governance of the monastery are not quickly clarified to the satisfaction of both states.

Six-Hour Journey to Sinai

Sources said Kalantzis left Cairo early Monday morning on a six-hour journey to Sinai in pursuit of an agreement. Senior clerics from the Church of Greece stressed: “Both the Archbishop and the monks in opposition must urgently find a solution.”

Patriarch and Archbishop in Mediation

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens have reportedly made intensive mediation efforts in recent hours. Draft texts of possible agreements have already been exchanged between Archbishop Damianos, who resides inside the abbot’s quarters with his supporters, and the monks opposing him, who occupy the monastery’s guesthouses.

Monastery Closed to Pilgrims

The monastery has been closed to visitors and pilgrims, a move that has angered Egyptian authorities, who demand its immediate reopening. The split has left Archbishop Damianos and his supporters on one side, and the dissenting monks on the other, deepening the impasse.

Critical Hours Ahead

The coming days are viewed as decisive. Observers note that any agreement reached will shape not only the future governance of the monastery but also its place in history.