The key facts

  • Putin said Moscow values Theophilos III's readiness to maintain relations with the Russian Orthodox Church
  • The Patriarch of Jerusalem was awarded the Order of Friendship
  • The visit takes place at the invitation of Patriarch Kirill; events in Jordan in 2030 were also discussed

Kremlin meeting and church talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin received Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, who is on an official visit to Moscow, and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus at the Kremlin on November 5. “We value your commitment to maintaining and developing relations with the Russian Orthodox Church,” Putin said, according to the Anadolu agency. During the meeting, the Russian leader presented Theophilos III with the Order of Friendship — as stated in the report, for his contribution to strengthening friendship, cooperation and spiritual ties with Russia.

What the patriarchs discussed

Theophilos III's visit began on Wednesday at the invitation of Patriarch Kirill. Earlier that same day, the heads of the two churches held talks at the residence of the Moscow Patriarchate: they discussed relations between the churches, problems in inter-Orthodox relations, and the situation of Christians in the Middle East. A separate topic was preparations for events planned in Jordan in 2030 to mark the anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ. The source does not report any specific agreements or documents signed as a result of the visit.