Patriarch Theophilos in Athens: The Church of Jerusalem facing trials
Patriarch Theophilos. Photo: UOJ
Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem stated on June 7, 2026, that the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem is experiencing serious trials caused by instability in the region, reports the UOJ in Greece.
"Today the Church of Jerusalem, more than ever before, finds itself in a place subjected to disorders, anxiety and upheavals," emphasized the Primate of the Jerusalem Patriarchate, following the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Athens. The Patriarch also noted that the Risen Christ remains "a refuge and hope for all people, and especially for Christians and our Orthodox brethren."
According to Patriarch Theophilos III, despite the difficult situation in the region, the Jerusalem Patriarchate continues to bear responsibility for preserving the Holy Land and maintaining vibrant spiritual life at the shrines of Christianity. The Primate emphasized that the Patriarchate does not abandon its care for the sacred pilgrimage sites.
As the UOJ reported, Patriarch Theophilos presented Donald Trump with the highest order of the Jerusalem Church.
Read also
Odesa Metropolitan bars human rights activist Kokhanovska from Holy Communion
According to the decree of Metropolitan Agafangel, Victoria Kokhanovska is forbidden from receiving communion until she repents and refutes the accusations made.
Religious procession with reliquary of Oleksandria saints held in Znamyanka
Metropolitan Boholep, clergy, and faithful of the Oleksandria Eparchy of the UOC walked in prayer with holy relics through the streets of Znamyanka.
Evidence of early Christians' struggle against paganism found in Turkey
An Aramaic inscription in the Zerzevan Castle confirms that Christians sealed the Roman Mithras temple in the 3rd–4th centuries.
Dumenko foresees RF's collapse and OCU recognition by Russian Church
The head of the OCU spoke about the future of Russia and the ROC at a discussion in Berlin.
OCU awards deputy whose security firm seized UOC church in Odesa
Andriy Babenko, whose men beat a priest of the Odesa Eparchy during the seizure of St. Alexander Church, received an order from Dumenko’s structure.
Polish company to allocate €1 million for restoration of St. Nicholas Church
Polimex Mostostal will provide equipment for emergency stabilization work at St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv.