Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem has become a tool of the Kremlin — The Times of Israel
Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem is becoming increasingly dependent on the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kremlin’s support, posing risks for Ukraine and Israel.
This is reported by The Times of Israel.
The article notes that the patriarch’s ties with Moscow are both political and economic in nature. In particular, since 2013, Theophilos III has intensified his contacts with the Russian side and has met repeatedly with Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill.
Since the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine, he has publicly spoken out in support of the Russian Orthodox Church’s positions and against the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The publication notes that due to these ties, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem could become a tool of influence for the Kremlin, particularly regarding control over religious sites in Jerusalem.
This refers, in particular, to the Alexander Complex in the Old City, over which Russia is attempting to gain control. According to the authors, this could have geopolitical consequences for Ukraine and create additional risks for Israel.
It is also noted that the Patriarchate’s cooperation with Russian entities could impact international relations and strengthen Russia’s position in the region.
Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church publicly stated that Russians fighting against Ukraine allegedly do not violate the biblical commandment “Thou shalt not kill.”
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, who is under sanctions, stated that in 1943, “an entirely new era of Orthodoxy” began. He called Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and his successor Vladimir Putin “a miracle of God.”
