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
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.