Patriarch Theophilos to mediate Ukraine war talks, media reports
Patriarch Theophilos III and Donald Trump at the White House. Photo: X page of the U.S. adviser on Arab and African affairs
Donald Trump has backed the candidacy of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem as a mediator in diplomatic efforts to bring peace to Ukraine, Ynet News reported.
The decision was made following a meeting at the White House that lasted about 40 minutes. The American leader reportedly views the head of the Jerusalem Church as a figure capable of creating an effective channel of communication between the warring parties.
The choice of Patriarch Theophilos was due to his high authority in the Orthodox world and the trust he enjoys from both sides of the conflict. Diplomatic circles describe him as a “non-political figure” who comes from a position of “religious and moral trust.”
As part of the peace initiative, Patriarch Theophilos is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in late June 2026. Washington hopes that progress on the Ukrainian track will allow the White House to adjust its strategic priorities in other regions of the world.
As the UOJ reported, Patriarch Theophilos presented Donald Trump with the highest order of the Jerusalem Church. During their conversation at the White House, Trump confirmed his readiness to protect Christian communities and holy sites around the world. The parties also discussed the situation of Christian communities in the Middle East, with Patriarch Theophilos urging the U.S. president to help protect believers in the region.
Read also
Zelensky: We are preparing for millennium of symbolic place of our strength
The President signed a decree launching preparations for the 1,000th anniversary of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which will mark 975 years since its foundation in August 2026.
Zelensky says where Mazepa monument will be erected in Kyiv
A monument to Hetman Ivan Mazepa will be erected on Shevchenko Boulevard in Kyiv – at the site where the monument to Lenin was toppled in December 2013.
Zelensky marks Constitution Day at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
The President posed for a photo with S. Dumenko and Stefanchuk against the backdrop of a bust of Mazepa.
Sweden launches map of mosques to monitor spread of Islam
The Sweden Democrats added 238 mosques and prayer rooms to a migration map, stating the need to monitor their funding.
Lavra abbot ordains monastery resident as deacon
During the Liturgy at St. Barbara Church, Metropolitan Pavel ordained Monk Avramiy, a resident of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, to the diaconate.
Turkish officials arrested over extortion from Constantinople Church
In Istanbul, the head of the Adalar district and municipal officials were arrested in a case involving extortion from an Orthodox foundation that was exempt from fees.