On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem received the following visitors:
A. The President of the Parliament of Romania, Sorin Grindeanu, accompanied by the President of the Jewish Community in Romania, the Representative of the Romanian Patriarchate in Jerusalem, Archimandrite Ioannis Meïou, and a delegation of his associates, who are visiting Jerusalem at the invitation of the Jewish Parliament.
Patriarch Theophilos welcomed Sorin Grindeanu and his entourage, stating that the Patriarchate embodies the living continuation of the work of Christ. He further noted that, in the light of the fragile peace now emerging, the Patriarchate carries out its precious and God-pleasing pastoral mission, confronting all challenges in the light and power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The President of the Parliament expressed his gratitude to Patriarch Theophilos for the visit, stating that he was commencing his mission in Israel with a visit to the Most Holy and Life-giving Tomb, to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and to the Romanian representation in Jerusalem.
At the conclusion of the visit, Patriarch Theophilos presented the President with a silver-plated icon of Jerusalem and the commemorative medal minted on the occasion of the two-thousandth anniversary of Christianity. He also bestowed Patriarchal blessings upon the members of the delegation. In return, the Minister presented Patriarch Theophilos with a distinguished memento from his homeland.
B. The Minister of Tourism of Cyprus, Konstantinos Koumis, who was visiting Israel in the framework of promoting common interests between the State of Israel and the Republic of Cyprus, was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Israel, Mr Kornilios Korniliou.
Patriarch Theophilos wished him the strength of the Incarnate, Crucified, and Risen Christ, and thanked him for his proposal that the Republic of Cyprus provide financial support for the educational work of the Patriarchate.
Patriarch Theophilos then outlined to the Minister the educational work carried out by the Patriarchate and expressed his gratitude for this intention.
C. A group of pilgrims from Georgia, led by their priest.
D. Metropolitan Seraphim of Baltiysk of the Patriarchate of Moscow, accompanied by a group of pilgrims.
E. A group of pilgrims from Greece, together with Fathers from Mount Athos.
F. Fr Artemios, Hegumen of the Greek Orthodox Arabic-speaking Community of Haifa.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
