Patriarch of Jerusalem calls for an end to violence in Gaza and Ukraine

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency

On June 9, 2025, during the festive Liturgy on the Day of the Holy Spirit at the Holy Trinity Church in Jerusalem, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem wished for the Holy Spirit to enlighten the hearts and minds of world leaders, to stop violence, and establish peace and harmony. This was reported by Orthodoxia News Agency.

In his speech, the Patriarch noted that the feast of the Holy Spirit symbolizes the peace and unity that the Church of Jerusalem has preserved from the time of the first Pentecost to the present day.

Patriarch Theophilos called for prayers for the cessation of violence in Gaza and Ukraine. He emphasized that the Holy Spirit supports the Church and the unity of believers and enlightens the minds and hearts of those on whom decisions about war and peace depend.

The Patriarch offered prayers for peace between Russia and Ukraine and the restoration of church unity.

"We also pray for a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict between brothers in Russia and Ukraine, so that peace and reconciliation may prevail between these nations as well and the unity of the Church may be restored," Patriarch Theophilos addressed the faithful.

He reminded that the Church of Jerusalem remains a living witness of faith and is called to serve the cause of reconciliation and the spiritual mission of the Church worldwide.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Jerusalem, the Primate of the ROCOR elevated the new abbess of the Ascension Monastery.

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