Greek government moves to strengthen legal status of the Holy Monastery of Sinai

A bill establishing a public legal entity for the Holy Monastery of Sinai was presented to the Greek Council of Ministers on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, by Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgios Gerapetritis and Greek Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports Kyriakos Pierrakakis. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, marked a significant step toward protecting and reinforcing the historic Monastery.

The Sinai Monastery: A Global Spiritual and Cultural Treasure

During the presentation, the unique historical and cultural significance of the Holy Monastery of Sinai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was underscored.

“The Sinai Monastery is the oldest continuously operating Christian monastery in the world, founded in 549 AD by decree of Byzantine Emperor Justinian.”

Renowned for its spiritual and cultural heritage, the Monastery has preserved its Greek Orthodox identity for centuries, serving as a vital symbol of Christian tradition in the region.

A Long-Awaited Solution to a Legal Issue

The proposed legislation seeks to resolve a longstanding legal ambiguity regarding the Monastery’s status in Greece, ensuring a clear and stable legal framework for its operation.

As emphasised in the Council of Ministers’ discussions: “In response to a request from the Holy Monastery, we are addressing the chronic issue of its legal status in Greece, strengthening the monastic brotherhood in its ongoing effort to maintain the Greek Orthodox character of the Monastery and its centuries-old legacy.”

Source: ANA-MPA, orthodoxtimes.com