Patriarchs of Jerusalem and ROC meet in Astana
Patriarch Theophilos and Patriarch Kirill. Photo: ROC Press Service
On September 17, 2025, a meeting took place in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, between Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church, the ROC Press Service reported.
The meeting was held as part of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Attending on behalf of the ROC was also Archimandrite Philaret (Bulekov), Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations.
The ROC Press Service did not disclose any further details of the meeting.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Theophilos discussed the protection of Jerusalem with Erdoğan.
Read also
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.