Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem Calls for Peace in Ukraine and the Protection of Christians in the Middle East

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem is holding a series of international meetings aimed at resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as ensuring the protection of Christian communities in the Middle East. According to the Orthodoxia News Agency, the patriarch is using his spiritual authority to facilitate dialogue among world leaders.

The patriarch’s diplomatic initiatives include high-level meetings. In June 2026, a meeting was held at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump, where issues of religious freedom and the security of Christian holy sites were discussed. During the visit, Theophilus III awarded the American leader the Megastavros of the Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher.

In November 2026, as part of a visit to Moscow at the invitation of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Theophilus III was received by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. The Russian leader presented the patriarch with the Order of Friendship for his contribution to strengthening spiritual ties. During their conversation, the patriarch emphasized the need to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, noting that the Church is ready to facilitate reconciliation between the parties.

Patriarch Theophilos III has repeatedly emphasized that the role of the Church of Jerusalem extends beyond the protection of holy sites. He insists that Jerusalem must remain a model of interfaith coexistence, and that the international community must make efforts to end wars and protect the Christian population in the region, which faces serious threats to its stability.