Putin presented the Order of Friendship to Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem

On November 5, at the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented the Order of Friendship to Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. The award was granted by a decree signed back on November 17, 2025, for his contribution to strengthening friendship, cooperation and spiritual ties with Russia. The patriarch's visit to Moscow runs from November 4 to 6 at the invitation of Patriarch Kirill.

Otabek YusupovFirst published on tafs uz 6 November 2026 at 00:162 min read

The key facts

The Order of Friendship was presented to Theophilos III in the Kremlin on November 5, 2026
The decree on the award was signed on November 17, 2025
The patriarch's visit to Moscow will last until November 6

Award ceremony in the Kremlin

On November 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented the Order of Friendship to Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. The ceremony took place in the Kremlin. 'It is a great honor for me to present you with this order,' the Russian leader said as he handed over the award, and wished the patriarch all the very best. This was reported by Life.ru.

Grounds for the award and context of the visit

Theophilos III was granted the state award for his significant contribution to strengthening friendship, cooperation and spiritual ties with Russia. Putin signed the corresponding decree back on November 17, 2025 — meaning the presentation took place almost a year after the decision to confer the award was made.

Program of the stay in Moscow

The Patriarch of Jerusalem arrived in Moscow on November 4 at the invitation of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus'. At Vnukovo-3 airport he was met by representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church led by Metropolitan Antony of Volokolamsk. According to Life.ru, earlier Theophilos III visited the Pokrovsky Convent; Metropolitan Antony and Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, an adviser to Patriarch Kirill, arrived at the monastery together with him. The patriarch's visit to the Russian capital will last until November 6.