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The flourishing of Sinai monasticism was greatly aided by the command of the Emperor Justinian (who reigned from 527-565 AD) to construct a great basilica at the site of the Burning Bush, and high surrounding walls. The emperor also commanded that soldiers be sent to construct the basilica and fortress, and to continue to reside in the area and protect the monastery.
Two inscriptions dating from that time are carved into the beams of the basilica. The one said, “For the salvation of our most august emperor Justinian.” The other says, “For the memory and repose of our departed empress Theodora.” The empress Theodora died in the year 548, and the basilica is first mentioned by Procopius, writing about the year 556. This allows a dating of the basilica to within a few years. To this day, the fathers of Sinai commemorate the sovereigns Justinian and Theodora at every Liturgy as the founders of the holy monastery.
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