Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem arrived on a visit to Athens

Patriarch Theophilos III in Athens. Photo: eeod.gr

The Primate of the Jerusalem Church Patriarch Theophilos III is in Athens on a visit that began yesterday, June 6, 2026. This is reported by UOJ-Greece.

The Jerusalem Patriarchate is participating in the Divine Liturgy at the metochion (dependency) of the Holy Sepulchre.

Since the 18th century and to the present day, this territory has been under the jurisdiction of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

In the past, the church also served as the residence of the Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre. The church was built on the site of a more ancient temple of Aphrodite, and also, according to tradition, over the burial sites of representatives of the Palaiologos dynasty. It is to this church that the Holy Fire from Jerusalem is first brought in Greece for the feast of Christ's Resurrection. The day before this, a solemn procession with Christ's Shroud (Epitaphios) passes through the streets of the district.

Patriarch Theophilos's visit is planned for conducting a series of contacts with representatives of the Church and government of Greece.

The Patriarch will remain in the country until the completion of all planned meetings.

After visiting Greece, according to his schedule, the Primate of the Jerusalem Church will travel on a visit to Russia.

As UOJ reported, earlier a meeting took place in Washington between Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III and the President of the United States Donald Trump.

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