A recent decision by an Egyptian court regarding ownership rights for the famous Greek Orthodox monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai has generated controversy and as much confusion around one of Christendom's most iconic religious communities.
The 1,600-year-old monastery – the world's oldest continuously-inhabited Christian monastery – is said to house the burning bush from the Old Testament when Moses received his first instruction from God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
Following a May 28 decision by an Egyptian court, which reportedly denied ownership rights to the fabled "God-trodden" Greek Orthodox monastery – granting only "usage rights over its properties and surrounding lands" – the monks of the historic Saint Catherine’s Monastery have closed its gates to all visitors in protest of the court ruling, reportsThe Greek Herald.
