Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Moscow values the willingness of Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III to maintain and develop relations with the Russian Orthodox Church.
“We value your commitment to maintaining and developing relations with the Russian Orthodox Church,” Putin said during a meeting with Theophilos III and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia in the Kremlin.
The meeting took place during Theophilos III’s official visit to Moscow, which began Wednesday at the invitation of Patriarch Kirill.
Earlier Thursday, Kirill and Theophilos III held talks at the Moscow Patriarchate’s residence, discussing relations between the two churches, challenges in inter-Orthodox relations and the situation facing Christians in the Middle East.
They also discussed preparations for events planned in Jordan in 2030 to mark the anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ.
During the meeting with Putin, the Russian president presented Theophilos III with the Order of Friendship, awarded for his contribution to strengthening friendship, cooperation and spiritual ties with Russia.