Exclusive — Orthodox Church Patriarch Theophilos III Message to Trump as He Seeks to Help End Ukraine War: ‘Blessed Are the Peacemakers’

ATHENS, Greece, The Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III has announced plans to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, seeking to end the ongoing war. According to exclusive reports from Breitbart News, the Patriarch will travel to meet both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to facilitate peace talks. This move comes after Theophilos III met with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House earlier this summer, during which Trump bestowed upon him one of the Orthodox Church's highest honors, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. The Patriarch also reportedly received Trump’s blessing to assist in brokering peace in Ukraine. Theophilos III, who serves as the Patriarch of Jerusalem, all Palestine, and Jordan, visited Washington, D.C., on June 5, 2026, to discuss the protection of the Christian presence in the Holy Land and the broader Middle East. During this visit, he engaged in discussions regarding the preservation of religious heritage and the challenges faced by the faithful in the region. The Patriarch emphasized the importance of unity and dialogue, stating that the Patriarchate of Jerusalem holds a unique position in the Christian world. He described the Patriarchate as the “Mother Church” and noted its historical significance as the site of key events in the salvation of humanity. In an exclusive interview conducted by Breitbart News in Athens this August, Theophilos III elaborated on the Patriarchate’s role in promoting peace and reconciliation. He highlighted the Patriarchate’s responsibilities beyond the care of holy sites, noting that it plays a vital role in fostering unity and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities. The Patriarch pointed to the experiences in the Holy Land as a model for addressing global conflicts and supporting regions affected by division and strife. Theophilos III expressed his belief that his personal role as a leader is uniquely positioned to contribute to peace efforts. He stated that religious leaders possess the spiritual and moral authority to engage in conflicts and advocate for peace in ways that few others can. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, he reflected on the importance of listening and elevating the voices of the marginalized. The Patriarch also acknowledged the support he has received from the Greek government and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, emphasizing their commitment to the cause of reconciliation between Ukraine and Russia. The Patriarch’s upcoming journey includes planned meetings with both Putin and Zelensky, marking a significant step in the effort to resolve the conflict. His involvement underscores the growing recognition of religious leaders as potential mediators in international disputes. As preparations for the meeting continue, the hopes of many remain pinned on the possibility of achieving lasting peace through dialogue and mutual understanding.