Moscow, November 9, 2026
Photo: patriarchia.ru
His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem visited Russia last week, following through on the intention he has expressed several times in the past to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.
Already in 2023, the Patriarch stated that “we extend the hand and effort of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to our sisters and brothers in Ukraine and Russia, to mediate and do all that we can to initiate a dialogue that may lead to an end to suffering and to a healing within the Orthodox family.”
He also spoke of his desire to work towards peace during a meeting with President Trump in June of this year.
The Jerusalem Patriarch arrived in Moscow on November 4, where he was greeted by His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, and other clerics.
The next day, he began his trip with a visit to Holy Protection Monastery, where he served a moleben before the relics of the greatly beloved St. Matrona of Moscow.
At the relics of St. Matrona. Photo: mospat.ru
The Patriarch emphasized that an icon of St. Matrona that was gifted to him on a previous visit to Moscow has remained in his cell ever since.
“The main task of our Church is, through prayer and through the Church’s Sacraments, especially the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, to help us be spiritually cleansed and ultimately follow the path that St. Matrona followed,” His Beatitude said.
He then visited His Holiness Patriarch Kirill at his Patriarchal residence. The two primates discussed the development of ecclesiastical life in their respective Churches, the situation of Christians in the Middle East, current problems in inter-Orthodox relations and ways to overcome them, and the upcoming celebration of the anniversary of the Baptism of Christ in 2030.
Later that day, Patriarchs Theophilos and Kirill held a meeting with President Putin at the Kremlin. The Russian head of state presented the Jerusalem Patriarch with the Order of Friendship “for his significant contribution to strengthening friendship, cooperation, and spiritual ties with Russia.”
In his welcoming remarks, President Putin spoke of the good relations between the Jerusalem and Russian Churches, noting that Russia has historically taken special care for the situation of Christians in the Middle East.
In response, Patriarch Theophilos spoke of the peacekeeping role of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the plight of Christians in the Middle East.
Concerning the war in Ukraine, His Beatitude said:
We are aware of the proposals to hold negotiations in connection with the current situation on your western border. As a monk, I have a sacred duty to listen to those around us, to the cries of the suffering, to their hopes for their children’s future, to their desire to live in peace. We offer our help and, of course, our support to promote dialogue between two peoples who profess the same faith.
Patriarch Theophilos assured President Putin that he always prays for him, that the Lord may enlighten and inspire him.
Photo: patriarchia.ru
His Beatitude departed Moscow the following day, November 6.
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