Amid mounting tensions at the historic Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai, Archbishop Damianos issued a new video appeal to the Egyptian government, urging authorities to secure the delivery of medicine, food and other essentials.
The plea came after renewed clashes between monks inside the monastery and those outside attempting to re-enter.
The incidents unfolded during a visit by the Greek ambassador to Cairo, Nikloaos Papageorgiou, who had traveled to the peninsula to help evacuate a Greek visitor trapped in the monastery during Wednesday’s unrest.
“Without medicine, without food, without clothing,” Damianos said in a statement.
He accused “the coup-mongering monk Isychios Mohamed and local armed businessman Antonis Kazamias” of influencing local police, who, he claimed, were blocking supplies “despite the efforts of the Greek ambassador, who stands with us.”
“I appeal to the respected government of Egypt to ensure the unobstructed entry of medicines, food, clothing and other necessities for our survival,” Damianos said.
“We are free men under siege in the monastery to which we have devoted our lives, fighting the ultimate battle for its future.”
Close associates voiced concern for the archbishop’s health, warning of risks if he remains without medical treatment and basic supplies.
