Profile of a Sacred Space
April 4th, 2008
Saint Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai
General Description
Located in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, Saint Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai is one of the oldest, still functioning Christian monasteries in the world. It is considered a sacred space to all three major monotheistic religions, and was built at the site where Moses is said to have encountered the burning bush and received the Ten Commandments. The first construction at the site was known as The Chapel of the Burning Bush and took place under order of Empress Helen, the mother of Constantine. Emporer Justinian I ordered the construction of Saint Catherine's Monastery to surround the chapel sometime later between the years 527 and 565 A.D. It's purpose was primarily to house the remains of Saint Catherine of Alexandria for which it is named, but also to protect nearby monks. Besides being a working monastery, it also houses a spectacular collection of historic art, religious pieces, and one of the largest collections of ancient manuscripts.
Architectural Design
The monastary was designed by Architect Stephen of Aila. It is considered one of the earliest examples of Byzantine Architecture, and displays many commomn characteristics with this Architectural style. When Saint Catherine's Monastery was first constructed it was essential that it provide protection for the monks, so it was built primarily as a fortress. The exterior granite walls range from 8 to 35 meters tall, and the original entrance was very small and almost thirty feet above the ground making it difficult for unwanted invaders.Inside the walls, the complex includes chapels, libraries, museums and buildings necessary for the monk's everyday lives and activities.
Harmony with Nature
One of the most prominent aspects of Saint Catherine's Monastery is the harmony it posesses with the surrounding nature. The complex is almost hidden within the surrounding arid landscape and cliffs, and the cypress trees grow both around and inside the walls. The chapel also houses what is said to be the still living burning bush, among many other native plants of the area. It is also considered one of the most spectacular places to see art in a natural setting.
Symbolism and Sacred Objects
The Chapel of the Burning Bush contained within Saint Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai was built at the site where Moses encountered the burning bush, and housed inside the chapel is a still living bush said to be the original one. Visitors are required to take off their shoes when entering the chapel as Moses did, and there are several examples of religious symbolism in the monk's daily activities and rituals. The monastery is named for Saint Catherine, and many of the sacred objects and symbolism are related her. A Christian martyr, it is said that after her death angels brought her remains to the site at Mount Sinai. The monastery is also home to thousands of important works of art, sacred to several different faiths, and the second largest collection of manuscripts is housed here second only to the Vatican.
How it is Used by Worshippers
Pilgramages to Saint Catherine's Cathedral and the general area of Mount Sinia have taken place for hundreds of years. The site is considered sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam and houses art and relics significant to all three. The Monastery is one of the oldest still functioning Christian Monastaries in the world, and is home to one of the smallest diocese of around ten to twenty monks of the Greek Orthodox faith.
Sources
Tour Egypt Website. 1997-2008.
http://touregypt.net/Catherines.htm
Sacred Sites Website
http://www.sacredsites.com/africa/egypt/mount_sinai.html
Atlas Tours Website.
http://www.atlastours.net/egypt/st_catherine.html
All Sinai Website
http://www.allsinai.info/sites/sites/st_catherine.htm
Geographia Website
http://www.geographia.com/egypt/sinai/stcatherine.html
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