Patriarch of Jerusalem meets US Ambassador and pilgrims

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem held a series of diplomatic and religious meetings on October 16 and 17, 2026. On Friday, the Patriarch received pilgrimage groups from the Orthodox Churches of Serbia, Ukraine, and Russia, as well as iconographer Nizar Ksieboun.

On Saturday, the Patriarch met with the United States Ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Francis Burch, and his staff. During their discussion, Patriarch Theophilos highlighted the Patriarchate’s role in peacebuilding, education, and cultural preservation. He specifically emphasized efforts to maintain the pilgrimage status of the Old City of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, while advocating for the peaceful coexistence of all local communities.

Additional meetings included discussions with Fouad Breek, President of the Board of Trustees of the Holy Metropolis of Acre and Ptolemais, regarding pastoral matters. The schedule concluded with the reception of pilgrimage groups from Ireland and Serbia.