Patriarch Theophilos III Plans Meetings to Address Ukraine Conflict

ATHENS, Greece — Theophilos III, the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church, shared with Breitbart News that he aims to meet with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. His goal? To help broker a resolution to the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine, which has deeply affected the Orthodox Church.

Earlier this summer, Theophilos III conferred with American President Donald Trump at the White House, where he presented Trump with a prestigious honor from the Orthodox Church, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. During this meeting, Trump expressed support for Theophilos III’s mission to mediate peace in Ukraine.

On his recent visit to Greece in August, Theophilos III participated in an interview at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. He plans for a more in-depth discussion in person later. When discussing the ongoing schism within the Orthodox Church due to the war, he described the Patriarchate of Jerusalem as holding a “unique position” in the global Christian landscape.

“Here, the Church was first revealed,” he explained, emphasizing the Patriarchate’s global recognition as the “Mother Church.” This church, he noted, carries responsibilities that extend beyond simply maintaining holy sites. Theophilos III believes it serves as a beacon for unity and peaceful coexistence in troubled areas. “Our ministry of reconciliation is our greatest challenge today,” he added.

Theophilos III believes that his role as a Patriarch is not just to worship God but also to advocate for peace. He sees religious leaders as having the unique ability to promote dialogue and understanding in the midst of conflict. He expressed gratitude for the endorsement from Trump regarding his mediation efforts, as well as support from the Greek State and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He said, “My mission is not political; it’s about fostering communication and reinforcing the virtues of love and peace.”

He is currently working to schedule discussions with both leaders soon, aiming for a “constructive dialogue” that could foster peace within the Orthodox community. Reflecting on the war, he expressed pain over the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, noting that both nations share a deep Orthodox heritage.

“It’s heart-wrenching to see these two Orthodox nations at odds,” Theophilos III stated. He underscored the interconnectedness emphasized by St. Paul in Corinthians, which highlights the importance of harmony and mutual care among the churches. He hopes for ongoing dialogue and efforts to mend the church’s unity, having already initiated discussions under the guidance of Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

When asked what is needed for peace in Ukraine, Theophilos III suggested starting with the fundamentals: healing the Orthodox Church and encouraging dialogue not only to stop the fighting but to ensure the wellbeing of both Ukrainians and Russians. He is committed to aiding in reconciliation, viewing it as a journey requiring patience and listening to the stories of those affected.

His concerns extend to the broader Middle East. In reference to the situation in Iran and ongoing conflicts, he expressed a desire for change, invoking the need for prayer and action toward peace, citing his Easter message’s call for an end to violence and suffering throughout the region.

Theophilos III believes that influential leaders like Trump have the potential to facilitate peace. “His position makes him a key figure in efforts to establish lasting peace,” Theophilos III remarked. He encourages Trump to empower those working towards resolution and to instill hope that goes beyond merely stopping the conflict—it’s also about rebuilding communities and fostering a secure future for families and children.

In closing, he reflects on the hope of Easter and the transformative possibility it holds for the future. He wishes to leave Trump with the reminder of Christ’s words, “blessed are the peacemakers.”

Additional insights from Theophilos III’s interview are expected to be available soon.