Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded the Order of Friendship to His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine, according to a presidential decree published on the official legal information portal on 17 November 2025.

The decree states that the award is granted “for a significant contribution to strengthening friendship, cooperation, and spiritual ties with the Russian Federation.”

The Order of Friendship is among Russia’s notable state honors. It was established on March 2, 1994, as the successor to the Soviet Order of Friendship of Peoples, which existed from 1972. According to publicly available information, 16 individuals have received both the Soviet and Russian versions of the award. Among them is Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, who was honored in 1988 and again in 1995.

Today, the Order of Friendship is bestowed upon both Russian citizens and foreign nationals for outstanding efforts in promoting peace, international cooperation, and mutual understanding among nations. It also recognizes achievements in culture, science, education, the preservation of historical heritage, as well as contributions to major joint economic projects and charitable work.

The decoration consists of a silver five-pointed star with enamel and gold accents. At its center is an image of the globe encircled by a green laurel wreath adorned with rubies. The reverse side bears a relief inscription reading: “Peace and Friendship.”