The Chapel of Our Lady of the Steward, known in Greek as Panagia Oikonomissa, is a Christian Orthodox chapel situated on the summit of Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa) in the Sinai Peninsula. It is located within the broader monastic complex of Saint Catherine's Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stands at an elevation of approximately 2,285 meters above sea level.
The chapel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary under her title "Oikonomissa," which translates to "the Stewardess" or "the Housekeeper." This dedication is deeply connected to the history and spiritual life of the adjacent Saint Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world. The title reflects a specific aspect of Marian veneration within the Orthodox tradition, emphasizing her role as a provider and protector.
Historically, the chapel's existence is intertwined with the early centuries of monasticism on Mount Sinai. It is traditionally believed to have been constructed on the site where, according to Orthodox tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to a monk in a time of great need, miraculously providing sustenance and assuring the monastery's future provision. This event is central to the chapel's significance and its annual feast day celebration.
The chapel serves as a key destination for pilgrims ascending Mount Sinai, often undertaken as a spiritual journey culminating in a sunrise view. The ascent is traditionally made via the Steps of Repentance, a historic path with over 3,000 steps carved by monks, which leads directly to the summit area where the chapel is located. For many pilgrims, the visit represents the culmination of a devotional ascent.
As part of the Saint Catherine's Monastery area, the chapel falls under the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem. Its location on the summit places it near other significant religious structures, including a small mosque and the purported site of the biblical Burning Bush at the monastery's base. The chapel remains an active place of worship, with liturgical services held periodically, particularly on major feast days dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
28.5557, 33.9805