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
Council of Churches urges Zelensky to establish military chaplain day
UCCRO said establishing Military Chaplain Day would help develop chaplaincy services in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Priest at Lavra prayer vigil explains why saints feared nothing
During a prayer vigil outside the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on the feast day of St. John the Theologian, Fr. Georgiy reminded the faithful that love casts out fear.
UOC hierarch takes part in consecration of Serbian monastery in Germany
Bishop Veniamin of Boyarka took part in the consecration of the restored monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Hildesheim.
International conference on theology and Church history held in Kharkiv
On October 9, the V International Conference on Theology and Church History, attended by guests from Europe, was held at the Kharkiv Theological Seminary of the UOC.
UOC Boryspil Eparchy priest's brother killed in war
In the village of Perevolochna, Chernihiv region, a funeral service was held for the soldier Roman Povkh, the brother of the rector of a UOC church in the village of Sadove.
TRC detains rector of UOC church in Mali Puzyrky village
A priest of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy with a heart condition was forced to undergo a medical commission and taken away to an unknown destination.