Ukrainian Embassy dismisses Trump–Patriarch Theophilos talks as childish
Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency
Representatives of the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel called the attempt to involve Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem in peace negotiations "kindergarten-level." As reported by "Orthodox Ukraine" citing sources in diplomatic circles, Kyiv categorically rejects the possibility of such mediation, comparing the Primate of one of the oldest Local Churches to European politicians - Gerhard Schröder and Karin Kneissl.
Ukrainian diplomats leveled a number of accusations against His Beatitude. According to a high-ranking embassy official, the Patriarch allegedly regularly received cash payments from the Moscow Patriarchate and certain "Orthodox oligarchs." "You wouldn't believe who we've seen visiting him, who came with sports bags," the diplomat was quoted as saying.
The Embassy emphasized that Ukraine does not intend to cooperate with a hierarch who "walks arm in arm with the Russian ambassador" and holds "anti-American views."
The main reason for such an aggressive reaction was that Patriarch Theophilos consistently opposes granting the Tomos to the OCU and refuses to recognize this structure. The diplomatic department stated that they are "absolutely not on the same path" with the Primate, who ignores the Embassy's initiatives. The diplomat also added that "voluntaristic decisions" by the Trump administration will have no consequences for Ukraine.
As the UOJ reported, the US President supported the candidacy of the Primate of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church as a mediator for peaceful settlement of the war. As part of the peace initiative, Patriarch Theophilos will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June 2026.
Read also
Stuttgart bishop: Killing at Sviatohirsk shocked entire Orthodox world
The hierarch of the ROCOR German Diocese said the brutal killing of a Sviatohirsk Lavra monk had reverberated painfully throughout the Orthodox world.
Volodymyr persecuted community of Dormition Church marks its patronal feast
The Volodymyr community of the UOC continues to hold services in temporary facilities following the seizure of the Dormition Cathedral.
His Beatitude gives school backpacks to 200 displaced children
After a prayer service marking the start of the school year, the UOC Primate gave displaced children school backpacks and essential supplies.
Armenia to restore 5th-century church built on ancient pagan sanctuary
Armenia is preparing to restore an ancient Christian church built on the site of a pagan sanctuary.
DESS demands Zaporizhzhia Eparchy sever ties with UOC Kyiv Metropolia
The leadership of the UOC Zaporizhzhia Eparchy said it had received DESS documents alleging signs of affiliation with the Russian Orthodox Church.
Patriarchate of Constantinople canonizes six Athonite elders
The Constantinople Patriarchate canonized six Athonite ascetics, including four elders of Romanian origin, as well as Tikhon the Confessor and Georgios Hadjigeorgis.