On September 17, 2024, Metropolitan Barsanuphius of St. Petersburg and Ladoga met with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem at the small throne hall of the Jerusalem Patriarchate. The meeting included representatives of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, including Archimandrite Vassian (Zmeev), Deputy Head of the Mission Igumen Nikon (Golovko), and Nun Catherine (Kopyl), who served as translator.
During the discussion, Patriarch Theophilos expressed his concerns about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader crisis in Ukraine. He assured his prayers and support for Metropolitans Onuphrius, Pavel, and Arsenius, highlighting their courage during these challenging times.
The Patriarch emphasized the importance of maintaining the unity of the Church, warning of the dangers of schism and calling on clergy to work toward restoring ecclesiastical unity. He noted that this is not only a moral duty before God but also a responsibility toward all believers.
Patriarch Theophilos expressed joy at the arrival of pilgrims led by Metropolitan Barsanuphius and stressed the need for spiritual nourishment and divine grace, especially in a world plagued by crises. He remarked that the holy sites of the Holy Land serve as places where people of all religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds can experience the unity of humanity.
In closing, Patriarch Theophilos sent a fraternal greeting to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all faithful members of the Russian Orthodox Church.