Patr. Theophilos Receives Putin’s Support for Ukraine Mediation

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has given Patr. Theophilos III of Jerusalem his “blessing” to pursue a mediating role in efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, following the two leaders’ meeting at the Kremlin on November 5.

Patr. Theophilos told Putin that the Jerusalem Patriarchate was prepared to assist peace initiatives, declaring, “We are ready to offer our assistance and fully encourage every effort aimed at facilitating and achieving peace between brothers.” The Patriarch previously announced plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin after discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying he had received encouragement to pursue mediation efforts.

During the Kremlin meeting, Putin awarded Patr. Theophilos the Order of Friendship of the Russian Federation for his contribution to strengthening spiritual and cultural ties with Russia. The Jerusalem Patriarch thanked Putin and described him as a “defender of the Orthodox faith,” praising his support for the Patriarchate and the protection of Christian holy sites in the Middle East.

Patr. Theophilos also expressed personal admiration for the Russian president, saying, “I personally admire you and pray every day for your health, that the Lord may enlighten and inspire you in addressing all the challenges that lie ahead.”

During his visit to Moscow, Patr. Theophilos also visited the Pokrovsky Stavropegial Convent, where he prayed before the relics of St. Matrona of Moscow and venerated her shrine. He was accompanied by Metr. Anthony of Volokolamsk and other clergy.

The Patriarch described the visit as deeply moving, recalling that he had visited the convent previously and kept an icon of St. Matrona in his cell. Abbess Theophania presented him with an icon of the saint, prayer beads, and a silver censer. Patr. Theophilos also spoke about the spiritual importance of the Holy Sepulchre and the relics of saints as witnesses to the Christian hope of resurrection.

The Kremlin meeting comes ahead of a November 30 gathering of the ancient Orthodox Patriarchates at the Phanar, convened by Patr. Bartholomew of Constantinople, where inter-Orthodox relations are expected to feature prominently.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Daniel concluded his historic visit to the Jerusalem Patriarchate.