Theophilos Greets Kirill After Snubbing Bartholomew

ASTANA — On September 17, 2025, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem addressed the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, Kazakhstan, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

During his speech, he emphasized interreligious dialogue rooted in shared humanity, citing Scripture to underscore the need for reconciliation amid differences. He highlighted the suffering in Gaza, urging renewed commitment to peace. 

While in Astana, Theophilos met with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow. This follows his recent visit to Constantinople, where he thanked Turkish President Erdoğan for preserving ecclesiastical heritage but (according to the Orthodox Times) avoided meeting Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

A day earlier, on September 16, Metropolitan Barsanuphios of Saint Petersburg visited the Patriarchate of Jerusalem with thirty clergy and theology students.

Received by Theophilos, the Metropolitan praised his efforts to support Holy Land Christians and Orthodox unity. Theophilos gifted the students icons and engolpia, encouraging them to study the Church Fathers, while Barsanuphios presented him with episcopal engolpia. 

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