Saint Catherine’s Monastery to Welcome PA-UfM High-Level Delegation

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Sinai, Saint Catherine’s Monastery stands as one of the most enduring symbols of spiritual devotion, cultural exchange, and historical preservation in the Arab world. This September, it will receive a distinguished delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM), marking yet another moment where Egypt’s heritage serves as a bridge between global civilizations  

 A Sacred Landmark of Humanity  

Founded in the 6th century under the orders of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the monastery is among the world’s oldest continuously functioning Christian monasteries. For nearly 15 centuries, it has remained a beacon of spirituality, scholarship, and tolerance. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, the monastery is treasured not only by the Christian Orthodox tradition but by the global community as a rare testament to interreligious coexistence and cultural dialogue  

Saint Catherine’s Monastery is renowned for its fascinating blend of spirituality and heritage. Within its walls is the oldest continually operating library in the world, home to thousands of manuscripts in Greek, Arabic, Syriac, Georgian, and Coptic. The monastery’s icons are considered among the most valuable collections of early Christian art preserved anywhere on earth. According to tradition, the grounds also encompass the site of the “burning bush” from the Biblical story of Moses, making it sacred in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike  

 A Pilgrimage of Diplomacy  

The visit of Euro-Mediterranean parliamentary delegates comes at a time when nations across the region seek to emphasize common values and shared heritage. The Union for the Mediterranean represents 43 states from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, working together on fostering cooperation in areas such as sustainable development, climate action, and cultural ties. By visiting Saint Catherine’s Monastery, the UfM parliamentary representatives highlight the role of heritage in bridging divides and advancing dialogue across the Mediterranean basin  

During their stay, the delegation is scheduled to tour the monastery’s renowned library, view priceless manuscripts and religious relics, and meet with local leaders and clerics. They are also expected to walk through the rugged sacred landscape to observe ongoing preservation efforts, supported in part by Egyptian authorities, international organizations, and local communities. Such initiatives help protect the fragile desert environment while sustaining the flow of cultural tourism, which is vital for South Sinai’s economy  

 South Sinai: A Crossroads of Civilizations  

The monastery’s location in South Sinai is itself symbolic. This mountainous desert terrain has long been a crossroads for prophets, pilgrims, and travelers. From the Biblical journey of the Israelites to Islamic traditions revering Mount Sinai as a place of revelation, the region embodies a tapestry of faiths and civilizations. Today, it continues to draw visitors from around the world seeking not only breathtaking natural beauty but also timeless spiritual inspiration  

Egyptian officials have underscored that the UfM delegation’s visit will help spotlight Sinai’s unique role in promoting intercultural understanding. The event is also an opportunity to showcase Egypt’s ongoing commitment to protecting its heritage while harnessing it as a driver for sustainable development and peace-building efforts in the region  

 Heritage as a Tool for Dialogue  

Cultural heritage like Saint Catherine’s serves as more than a relic of history. It is an active tool of diplomacy and education. By fostering international recognition of such landmarks, Egypt and its Mediterranean partners stress their shared identity as custodians of civilizations that predate modern borders. The monastery is an enduring reminder that interactions between cultures need not be marked by conflict; they can also be defined by respect, preservation, and shared human values  

This message resonates particularly strongly in today’s global climate, where the twin challenges of division and extremism undermine collective progress. By elevating heritage and faith traditions that unite rather than separate peoples, visits like this one demonstrate how soft diplomacy can complement political dialogue  

 Looking Ahead  

The forthcoming visit of the Union for the Mediterranean delegation will not end with the close of their tour. Officials are expected to engage in discussions on long-term cultural exchange programs, partnerships to conserve Sinai’s sacred landscapes, and joint initiatives to promote interfaith dialogue. Egypt, with its extensive history as a cradle of civilizations, remains at the heart of such endeavors  

In welcoming the delegation to Saint Catherine’s, Egypt not only reaffirms its role as guardian of one of the world’s irreplaceable spiritual heritage sites but also emphasizes its leadership in shaping a Mediterranean future built on dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect  

As the monastery’s bells echo against the mountains of Sinai, the visit will stand as a reminder of how timeless landmarks can inspire contemporary partnerships, weaving together the shared story of the Mediterranean across faith, history, and culture.