Mt. Sinai Denies Coptic Orthodox Church Takeover Claims

Gerges Mounir Hanna – OCP News Service – 10/08/2024

Cairo – Egypt: St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mt. Sinai has refuted a report published on August 7 by Greek news website Vima Orthodoxias, which claimed the Coptic Orthodox Church is attempting to seize monastery property.

The report, originally picked up by OrthoChristian, sparked concern among Greek Orthodox media outlets.

In a statement issued today, His Eminence Archbishop Damianos, Abbot and representative of St. Catherine’s Monastery, categorically denied any truth to the claims. He emphasized that the Coptic Church has no involvement in the monastery’s property affairs.

“There is no connection whatsoever to the news published on vimaorthodoxias.gr,” Archbishop Damianos stated.

Furthermore, the statement highlighted the strong and positive relationship between St. Catherine’s Monastery and the Coptic Church, led by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. It emphasized a history of cooperation and friendship between the two institutions.

This news comes on the heels of a recent visit by His Eminence Metropolitan Damianos  to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II on April 4, 2024. The meeting further solidified the existing bond between the religious leaders.

Pope Tawadros II and Damianos of Sinai Discuss Cooperation, Social Service, and Education

Source:

OCP News Service