Jerusalem Patriarchate calls for Pan-Orthodox Council

The Orthodox world expresses concern about the growing military tensions in the Middle East and calls for an immediate ceasefire. At a meeting on March 12, 2026, the Jerusalem Patriarchate paid special attention to prayer for peace, the protection of Christian communities, and the discussion of the initiative to convene a Pan-Orthodox Council, accompanied by an appeal to world leaders, including US President Donald Trump.

According to Vima Orthodoxias, on March 12, 2026, a meeting of the Holy Synod was held at the residence of the Patriarchate in the Old City of Jerusalem under the chairmanship of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. The central theme was prayer and an appeal for an immediate ceasefire.

The hierarchs emphasized the need to protect Christian communities and holy sites in areas of high tension and offered prayers for peace and stability in the Holy Places, the publication said.

According to media reports, the hierarchs of the Jerusalem Church expressed deep concern for the safety of believers living and making pilgrimages in the areas of hostilities. They note the risk of new attacks on churches and shrines and believe that Orthodoxy needs to consolidate in order to make the voice of peace heard.

Church circles are discussing the initiative to convene a Pan-Orthodox Council to develop a unified appeal of all Orthodox Churches to the international community. Such a platform, according to supporters of the idea, can strengthen the role of Orthodoxy as a spiritual force for peace and reconciliation in a region with a centuries-old interfaith presence.

The hierarchs also consider it necessary to make a public appeal to the leaders of the states involved — in particular, to US President Donald Trump — with a call to immediately help achieve a ceasefire. According to them, peace is a key condition for regional stability and a guarantee of religious freedom.

The Synod meeting ended with a joint prayer for peace in the world and comfort for the peoples suffering from war, as well as for wise decisions by world leaders that will lead to the restoration of peace.

Earlier, we reported that the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church (PAOC) reaffirmed its position on the need to resolve the church conflict related to the creation of the OCU at the Pan-Orthodox Council.