Our projects
We support projects that advance preservation of, research into and education surrounding the Library of Saint Catherine’s Monastery and its historic artefacts.
The protection of this rich tapestry of historical insights does not stop at the library walls. The safety and security of manuscripts and printed books depends on aspects of everyday life at the wider Monastery campus and the cultures and communities around it.
Research and Education
Using modern technology, we extend scholarly access to the manuscripts and printed books preserved at the library of Saint Catherine’s Monastery.
We work with world-leading universities, museums and publishers to enhance the wider public’s understanding of the rich heritage that the library represents and explore Sinai’s fascinating legacy in art, culture and religion.
In these ways, we make the Monastery, a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of ecumenical faith, relevant to today’s global audiences.
Conservation and Preservation
Without the conservation and preservation of the Monastery's library and the contents within it, we limit our ability to learn from these unique insights into ancient history.
For these items to be enjoyed and explored by future generations, conservation and preservation of these works need to be prioritised.
With technology advancing so rapidly, who knows what other secrets these historic documents will reveal in time.
Monastic Life and Traditions
For sixteen centuries, the Fathers who live at Saint Catherine’s Monastery and the local Bedouin have enjoyed a symbiotic relationship.
Their resilience and dedication have not only preserved the Monastery and its ancient manuscripts and other treasures from being ravaged by the elements, destroyed by hostilities, or scattered to the four corners of the earth; they have also ensured the survival of a unique way of life, one in itself more valuable than the rarest artefact. Our support extends to these communities and their way of life.
Stainless Steel Boxing Project
Protecting ancient manuscripts for future generations
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.
University of the Arts Collaboration
Camberwell/Ligatus
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.
Fire Safety Project
Installing a water-operated fire-fighting system
The installation of a water-operated firefighting system across the Monastery campus was completed in 2020.
South Range Project
Reconfiguring the Library and creating conservation and digitisation studios.
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.
Codex Sinaiticus Project
Broadening access to the earliest surviving Bible
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.
East Wing Cells Project
Renovation of historic cells
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.
Printed Books Survey
Documenting 954 early printed books with pioneering technology
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
Creating new wells to supply the Monastery’s water
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.
Manuscript Survey
Surveying over 3,000 manuscripts for long-term conservation work
Specialist conservators from around the world assessed 3,306 manuscripts to enable conservation to be scheduled according to need and significance.
Archbishop Porphyrios III Library Project
Disinfestation of the book collection of Archbishop Porphyrios III
Noted scholar, Archbishop Porphyrios III, held a substantial library with books dating back to the 15th century.
Kitchen Project
Relocating the Monastery kitchen from beneath the library
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.
Design of conservation and digitisation studios
Creating specialist suites for ongoing care and 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.
Cell 31A Project
Conserving an Arabic manuscript discovered in a disused cell
In 2003, a set of manuscript fragments were discovered glued to the wall in cell 31A.
Achtinames Project
Conserving a historic manuscript
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.
Water Storage Project
Removing risk posed by overhead water storage
In 1999, the Monastery’s water tank was relocated to a new site outside of the Monastery’s walls, removing the risk of flooding.
Exhibitions
- ‘Fred Boissonnas in Egypt’ exhibition, Benaki Museum, Athens, 2018
- ‘Boissonnas in Egypt’ exhibition, Royal Geographical Society, London, 2017
- 2011 Boissonnas Exhibition Chambésy
- ‘Sinai, Byzantium, Russia’, The Gianadda Foundation, Martigny, 2004
- ‘Sinai, Byzantium, Russia’ exhibition, The State Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg & The Courtauld Gallery, London, 2000-2001
- ‘The Glory of Byzantium at Mount Sinai’ exhibition, Benaki Museum, Athens, 1997
- ‘Monastery of Saint Catherine’ exhibition, Foundation for Hellenic Culture, London, 1996
Saint Catherine Foundation lectures and conferences
- Christoper de Hamel, 'The Forger Constantine Simonides and the Codex Sinaiticus', Bridgewater House, London, 2023
- Robin Lane Fox, ‘Monks, Hermits and the Natural World: 300–650 AD’, Royal Geographical Society, London, 2019
- ‘Boissonnas and Egypt’ conference, Royal Geographical Society, London, 2017
- Dr Alessandro Falcetta, ‘Manuscripts, monasteries and mysteries: The adventures of a Victorian Bible scholar, James Rendell Harris’, Society of Antiquaries, London, 2017
- Professor Janet Soskice, ‘The Magnificent Lady Bible Hunters: Two Victorian heroines’, London, St Stephen’s Church, South Kensington, London, 2017
- ‘The World Comes to Sinai’ conference, Bridgwater House, London, 2016
- ‘The Place of Bindings’ conference, University of Oxford, Oxford, 2011
- Study Day in Memory of Professor Ihor Sevcenko, University of Oxford, Oxford, 2010
- Michael Wood, ‘Alexander’s Legacy: A Traveller’s Thoughts on the Greek Adventure in the Near East and Asia’, Bridgewater House, London, 2005
- ‘Religious Heritage and Mass Culture in the Third Millennium’ conference, Bridgewater House?, London, 1998
- John Julius Norwich, ‘Saint Catherine’s: Saving the World’s Monuments’, Bridgewater House, London, 1997
©The Saint Catherine Foundation. All rights reserved. The Saint Catherine Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity Number 1053138). We are also a company limited by guarantee (Company Number 3091163).