Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria called for strengthening the unity of the Orthodox Church

During an official visit to Jerusalem on September 25, 2026, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria emphasized the need to preserve and restore the unity of the Orthodox world. According to Orthodox Times, the primates noted that human weaknesses and divisions undermine the Church’s witness in the modern world, which suffers from wars, violence, and a spiritual crisis.

Patriarch Theophilos III stated that the Church is called to carry the message of reconciliation and hope, and emphasized that Patriarch Daniel’s recent visits to both the Ecumenical Patriarchate as well as to Jerusalem, are a tangible confirmation of his commitment to peace and harmony among the Local Churches. As a sign of special respect and brotherly love, the Patriarch of Jerusalem presented Patriarch Daniel with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher.

In his remarks, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria recalled the historical ties between the two Churches, particularly noting the invaluable role of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in resolving the Bulgarian church schism in the last century. The Primates also jointly offered prayers for peace in the Holy Land and throughout the world, emphasizing that the Orthodox Church must speak with one voice in defense of human dignity and the value of human life in an era of global conflicts.

The visit’s program included an official meeting at the Gate of David, a solemn divine service, and veneration of the Holy Sepulcher, which served as a living testimony to the unity of faith and Eucharistic communion between the Orthodox Churches of Jerusalem and Bulgaria.

As a reminder, we previously reported that Greek church media had criticized Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. The reason for this was a disagreement between the head of the Church of Jerusalem and Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on a number of fundamental issues, including the recognition of the Ukrainian schism. Patriarch Theophilos was also reminded of the Council in Amman, with accusations that he was overly committed to the Moscow Patriarchate.