Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III has been awarded the Medal of the City of Athens, one of the Greek capital’s highest municipal honors, in recognition of his longstanding commitment to peace, humanitarian assistance, education, and interfaith dialogue.

The award was presented during a ceremonial event at Athens City Hall attended by representatives of the Church, local government authorities, and civil society organizations. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas welcomed the patriarch and praised the role of the Jerusalem Patriarchate in promoting peace and providing support to communities affected by ongoing crises in the Middle East.

In his address, the mayor emphasized that Patriarch Theophilos’ work extends far beyond traditional ecclesiastical responsibilities. He highlighted the humanitarian efforts of the Jerusalem Patriarchate during the conflict in Gaza, noting that the historic Church of Saint Porphyrios, which falls under the patriarchate’s jurisdiction, served as a refuge for civilians, offering shelter, food, and essential assistance to hundreds of people.

Doukas also drew attention to the patriarchate’s educational mission. The Jerusalem Church currently operates a network of schools across Jerusalem, Palestine, and Jordan, educating thousands of children regardless of their nationality or religious affiliation. He further praised the patriarchate’s recent initiative to establish the first Orthodox university in the Middle East, describing the project as an important center for education, culture, and interreligious cooperation.

Accepting the award, Patriarch Theophilos expressed gratitude to the city authorities and said he regarded the distinction not as a personal achievement but as recognition of the work of the Jerusalem Patriarchate and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre.

“This award belongs to the Church of Jerusalem, which for many centuries has carried out its ministry in the Holy Land and preserved the Christian presence in the region,” the patriarch said.

He noted that the Jerusalem Church is considered the oldest ecclesiastical institution in the Christian world and has maintained an uninterrupted presence for nearly seventeen centuries, providing spiritual care, safeguarding Christian holy sites, and supporting local populations during times of hardship.

The patriarch also highlighted the Church’s humanitarian activities amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, stressing the importance of assisting civilians regardless of their religious background.

The award ceremony took place against the backdrop of continued regional tensions. Throughout the event, participants repeatedly called for an end to violence, the promotion of interfaith dialogue, and the protection of the historic status of Christian holy sites in the Holy Land.

Speakers noted that the Jerusalem Patriarchate continues to advocate for the internationally recognized status quo governing the holy places and supports maintaining open access to them for Christians of all denominations.

The ceremony concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts and informal discussions focused on the importance of peace, solidarity, and cooperation among nations in addressing contemporary global challenges.