Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs, Visits the Cairo Metochion of Saint Catherine’s Monastery and Meets Archbishop of Sinai Metropolitan Simeon Papadopoulos on July 18, 2026.

In a visit carrying both political and spiritual significance, the Cairo Metochion of Saint Catherine’s Monastery welcomed Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs and Senior Advisor for Africa. During the visit, he met with His Eminence Simeon Papadopoulos, Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan and Raitho, and Abbot of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, at a time of growing international interest in the monastery’s historic and spiritual status.

Boulos was accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Embassy of the United States of America in Egypt, including Chargé d’Affaires Robert Silverman, Political Affairs Officer Judit Visontai, and Economic Counselor Kris Kvols.

The delegation was received by His Eminence Simeon, Archbishop of Sinai, Pharan and Raitho, and Abbot of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, together with members of the Sinai Brotherhood and friends of the Μonastery.

Following the official welcome, the delegation toured the historic Metochion and visited the Church of Saint Catherine, where they joined the Archbishop and the monastery’s fathers in prayer, expressing their deep appreciation for the spiritual and historical heritage preserved by the Sinai Brotherhood.

The visit was followed by an extensive meeting during which the participants reviewed the monastery’s long history, its spiritual mission, and its global cultural contribution as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastic institution.

During the meeting, Massad Boulos expressed his profound respect for the Holy Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine’s Monastery, emphasizing their unique historical, spiritual, and ecumenical significance. He also conveyed the personal interest of U.S. President Donald Trump in preserving the monastery’s historic Status Quo, reaffirming his commitment to supporting efforts aimed at safeguarding the unique identity and heritage of this ancient Christian sanctuary.

At the conclusion of the visit, His Eminence Archbishop Simeon and the fathers of the Sinai Brotherhood presented commemorative gifts to the Senior Advisor and members of the delegation as a gesture of appreciation for their visit and sincere interest in the monastery. His Eminence also extended an official invitation to Massad Boulos to visit Saint Catherine’s Monastery at the Holy Mount Sinai, an invitation that Boulos warmly welcomed, expressing his strong desire to make the pilgrimage.

The visit underscores the enduring international standing of Saint Catherine’s Monastery and reflects the continued global commitment to preserving its religious, historical, and cultural heritage as one of the most important monuments of Christian and human civilization.

Source: Ecumenical News