Fire Safety Project

2019 - 2020

Installing a water-operated fire-fighting system

In 2020, the installation of a water-operated firefighting system across the Monastery campus was completed. This included a fire detection system in exposed parts of the campus, underground and overground pipes, fire hydrants, hoses and pumping facilities with access to a water storage tank – essential to protect the Monastery, artefacts within it, and those who live and work there.

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Donate to a project of your choice through our Projects page. Whether you feel passionate about safeguarding the Monastery and those who live within its walls from the threat of fire, or you wish to contribute to the ongoing preservation of the second most significant collection of Christian manuscripts in the world, you can ensure that 100% of your donation goes to the cause you most believe in.

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You’ll find Christmas cards, fascinating books on the Monastery and its artefacts, lithographs, tote bags and more in our online shop.

All of the profits from our shop go directly to one of the many projects that we are raising funds for at any one time. By buying something from our shop, you make an essential contribution to the preservation, protection and dissemination of St Catherine’s Monastery and the irreplaceable artefacts that belong there.

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Our Projects

2019-2020

Fire Safety Project

Since 2019, the installation of a water-operated firefighting system across the Monastery campus has been ongoing.

2016

South Range Project

The original layout of the library was reconfigured with improved structural strength, state-of-the-art security and safety systems, inbuilt passive climatic control, making the best use of the available space.

2008

East Wing Cells Project

Originally dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, the cells situated along the Monastery’s East Wing were built of earth and timber which had deteriorated over time.

2007

Printed Books Survey

Specialist conservators have been using pioneering digital technology to prioritise and manage the future conservation of the Monastery’s historic collection of early printed books.

2007

Water Wells Project

The original water reserve situated above the library held insufficient water to deliver an effective fire response, for the new water-powered fire protection system.

2006

Manuscript Survey

Specialist conservators from around the world assessed 3,306 manuscripts to enable conservation to be scheduled according to need and significance.

2005

Archbishop Porphyrios III Library Project

Noted scholar, Archbishop Porphyrios III, held a substantial library with books dating back to the 15th century.

2004

Kitchen Project

In 2004, the old gas-fired kitchen, located immediately below the library, was dismantled, and moved to a new position in the eastern quarter of the Monastery, reducing the risk of damage by fire.

2004

Design of conservation

The creation of specialist areas equipped with the correct technology and tools for ongoing conservation and digitisation minimises the risk in transporting books and manuscripts during the conservation process.

2004

Cell 31A Project

In 2003, a set of manuscript fragments were discovered glued to the wall in cell 31A.

2001

Achtinames Project

The Achtiname, which, according to legend, was gifted by the Prophet Muhammad to the Monastery in the 7th century, grants the Fathers special privileges and protection.

1999

Water Storage Project

In 1999, the Monastery’s water tank was relocated to a new site outside of the Monastery’s walls, removing the risk of flooding.

Codex Sinaiticus Project

In 1975, renovation works following an earthquake led to the discovery of 12 complete leaves and more than 20 fragments of the Codex Sinaiticus, the oldest surviving copy of the Bible.

Stainless Steel Boxing Project

This ongoing project will protect 2,187 manuscripts from further damage and pigment loss, which can be caused by the dry and dusty Sinai environment.

Arts Collaboration

Since the inception of the Saint Catherine Foundation, we’ve supported a wide range of cultural, historical and conservational activities to protect, promote and share the insights provided by Saint Catherine’s Monastery and the library that is houses.