Patriarch of Jerusalem receives UOC representatives in his residence
His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III conveyed his primate’s blessing to the believers of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
On January 22, 2019, the Patriarch of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Theophilos III, received pilgrims of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in his residence, reports the press service of Odessa eparchy of the UOC.
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Agafangel of Odessa and Izmail, Vicar of Odessa eparchy Bishop Victor of Arcis, made a pilgrimage to the Holy City of Jerusalem. As part of the pilgrim visit, a meeting was held with His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine.
His Beatitude Patriarch addressed the Ukrainian pilgrims with an edifying word. He stressed that he was especially praying for peace in Ukraine and conveyed his primate’s blessing to the faithful children of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
In memory of the visit, Patriarch Theophilos gave the pilgrims memorable gifts.
Recall, yesterday, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko was unable to meet with the Patriarch of Jerusalem, who, according to media reports, "got to the hospital and is now in serious condition in Tel Aviv." Instead of the scheduled meeting with the Patriarch, Poroshenko had a talk with his deputy, secretary of the Jerusalem Patriarchate Archbishop Aristarch, via whom he transferred all his messages to Patriarch Theophilos III.
Earlier the media reported the Jerusalem Church is under serious pressure to recognize the schismatics from the OCU and serve with them.
As the UOJ reported, Patriarch Theophilos has repeatedly said that the Jerusalem Church constantly offers prayers about Ukraine and His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy, whom he considers "the most suitable person in the difficult situation the Ukrainian people are facing today."
