Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine received Metropolitan Varsonofy of St. Petersburg and Ladoga, along with a group of Russian pilgrims, at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem on September 15, the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem reported.

The meeting took place in the Small Throne Hall of the Jerusalem Patriarchate and was attended by representatives of the Jerusalem and St. Petersburg dioceses, Archimandrite Vassian (Zmeev), head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission, Bishop Lazar of Narva and Pechory, as well as faculty members and students of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy. Pilgrims from Russia and Estonia also took part.

Addressing the visitors, Patriarch Theophilos stressed the importance of Jerusalem to Christians worldwide. He said the Holy Land remains a place where Orthodox believers can come together regardless of their nationality or cultural background.

“The Church of Jerusalem thanks the Lord and prays for peace and an end to wars,” the patriarch said, emphasizing the role of the Church in helping people overcome spiritual trials.

Metropolitan Varsonofy conveyed greetings from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and thanked Patriarch Theophilos for his hospitality. He said the pilgrimage was taking place with the blessing of the Russian Orthodox Church's patriarch.

Varsonofy also highlighted the importance of prayer for peace amid continuing conflicts and disagreements within the Christian world. He described Patriarch Theophilos as a church leader who advocates Orthodox unity and supports peace-building initiatives.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts. Metropolitan Varsonofy presented Patriarch Theophilos with liturgical items, an icon of St. John the Apostle and Theologian, and a gift set from St. Petersburg. In return, the Jerusalem patriarch presented the visiting bishops with altar crosses and gave the pilgrims small icons of the Jerusalem Mother of God.