Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem plans to visit Putin and Zelenskyy to bridge the schism within the church and end the war

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem announced his intention to act as a mediator to end the conflict in Ukraine. The primate stated that he plans to hold talks with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to help overcome the ecclesiastical schism and stop the bloodshed.

According to BREITBART, the patriarch’s initiative has received support from Donald Trump, with whom Theophilos III met at the White House earlier this summer. During the visit, the patriarch presented the American politician with a high honor from the Orthodox Church—the Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher. According to the patriarch, Trump expressed his willingness to support efforts to establish peace.

Patriarch Theophilos III emphasized that his role is spiritual rather than political. As the “Mother of Churches,” the Patriarchate of Jerusalem possesses unique moral authority, enabling it to serve as a platform for dialogue and reconciliation. “My mission is not only to care for my flock but also to be a peacemaker,” he noted, adding that he is deeply saddened that two Orthodox peoples have become embroiled in conflict.

The Patriarch also emphasized the importance of “active listening” and shifting the focus of national leaders from military objectives to the well-being of ordinary families and children. In concluding his address to the international community and personally to Donald Trump, Theophilos III quoted the words from the Gospel: “Blessed are the peacemakers,” calling on all parties to the conflict to begin a constructive dialogue for the sake of the future of both countries.

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 line of communication between Moscow and Kyiv to find ways to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.