Patriarch Theophilos to act as mediator in negotiations on the war in Ukraine - media
US President Donald Trump has approved the candidacy of the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem as a key mediator for the ceasefire.
Donald Trump supported the candidacy of Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III as a mediator in diplomatic efforts to establish peace in Ukraine. This is reported by Ynet News.
The decision was made following a meeting at the White House that lasted about 40 minutes. The American leader views the head of the Jerusalem Church as a figure capable of creating an effective communication channel between the warring parties.
The choice fell on Patriarch Theophilos due to his high authority in the Orthodox world and the trust that both sides of the conflict have in him. In diplomatic circles, he is characterized as a "non-political figure" possessing "religious and moral credibility."
It is expected that as part of the peace initiative, Patriarch Theophilos will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as the end of June 2026. Washington hopes that progress on the Ukrainian front will allow the White House to adjust its strategic priorities in other regions of the world.
As reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists, Patriarch Theophilos presented Donald Trump with the highest order of the Jerusalem Church. During the conversation at the White House, Donald Trump confirmed his readiness to protect Christian communities and shrines around the world. The parties drew attention to the situation of Christian communities in the Middle East. Patriarch Theophilos called on the US President to assist in protecting believers in the region.
