On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew warmly welcomed, with heartfelt affection and brotherly love, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, who is visiting the See of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
In previous days, the Patriarch of Jerusalem had expressed his desire to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in response also to earlier invitations extended by Patriarch Bartholomew.
Upon the arrival of the Primate of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem at the entrance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, he was received by the clergy of the Patriarchal Court, headed by the First Hierarch of the Patriarchal Office, Metropolitan Gregory of Ankara, while the bells rang festively in his honour.
After venerating at the Venerable Patriarchal Church, he proceeded to the Patriarchal Residence, where he was awaited by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
During the meeting in the Throne Room, the Ecumenical Patriarch was accompanied by Metropolitan Joseph of Proikonnesos and Metropolitan Gregory of Ankara, Bishop Paisios of Xanthoupolis, as well as clergy and members of the staff of the Patriarchal Court. Also present were Patriarch Theophilos’ entourage: Archbishop Nectarios of Anthidon, Commissioner of the Holy Sepulchre in Constantinople, his Chief Deacon Markos, and his lay collaborators.
A private meeting between the two Primates followed, during which they had the opportunity to discuss inter-Church matters as well as other current issues of mutual interest. The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed to the Patriarch of Jerusalem his personal concern, as well as that of the First-Throned Church of Orthodoxy, regarding the situation of Christians in the Holy Land, expressing the hope that peace may prevail in the long-suffering Middle East, for the benefit of all the peoples who dwell there.
Immediately afterwards, the Ecumenical Patriarch hosted a dinner in honour of the Patriarch and his delegation.
Patriarch Theophilos III will depart tomorrow for his See.
