Patriarch Theophilos III emphasized the unique role of the Church of Jerusalem in the Orthodox world

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem spoke of the special status and global mission of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, emphasizing its unique connection to the site of Christ’s Resurrection. According to the Patriarch, the Patriarchate’s responsibility extends to the entire Orthodox world.

As reported by the news outlet eeod.gr, the statement was made following the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Athens. Patriarch Theophilos explained that while other local Churches were founded on the apostolic preaching, the Church of Jerusalem has the unique privilege of being founded directly on “the holy and all-holy Sepulcher of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Primate noted that such historical continuity obliges the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to view its activities not only as pastoral care for the faithful of the Holy Land, but also as a special responsibility toward the entire Orthodox community. Earlier, Theophilos III also drew attention to the serious trials the Church is facing today in this region.

As a reminder, it was previously reported that U.S. President Donald Trump supported the initiative to appoint Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem as a mediator in efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine. The religious leader is expected to help establish a direct channel of communication between Moscow and Kyiv to seek ways to achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflict.