In brief
In November 2014, President Vladimir Putin held talks with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, reaffirming Russia's diplomatic and religious ties in the Middle East. Putin praised the smooth operation of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church and awarded the patriarch the Order of Friendship. The meeting underscored Moscow's emphasis on protecting Christian communities regionally.
On November 5, 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem in Moscow to discuss the situation of Christians in the Middle East and to present him with Russia’s Order of Friendship.
Meeting with Patriarchs
The meeting, arranged by Moscow’s Patriarch Kirill and hosted by the Russian presidential press office, brought together religious leaders from Russia and Jerusalem. According to a statement released by the Russian Orthodox Church on the same day, Theophilos will remain in Moscow until November 6.
During the encounter, Putin emphasized Russia’s longstanding concern for Christian communities across the region. He said, “Russia has traditionally paid special attention to the situation with Christians; I know that you also have a difficult situation, because the situation in the region is quite complex.”
"Russia has traditionally paid special attention to the situation with Christians, the Christian population in the Middle East region," Putin told Theophilos.
He added that the Jerusalem Orthodox Church, backed by local authorities, was operating smoothly, and promised further efforts to deepen relations between Russia and the church.
Order of Friendship Award
In a separate ceremony, Putin presented the Order of Friendship to Theophilos for his significant contribution to strengthening friendship, cooperation and spiritual ties between the two churches. He remarked, “It is a great honor for me to present you with this order.” The award followed a similar honor given to the patriarch at the end of the previous year.
The acknowledgement came at a time when Russia is perceived as a key protector for Christianity in a region marked by conflict. The move is seen by observers as part of Moscow’s broader strategy to maintain influence across the Middle East while promoting its own religious diplomacy.
Incidents and reports following the meeting indicate that the discussion reaffirmed a long‑standing partnership between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Jerusalem Patriarchate, while also highlighting Washington’s perception of an expanding Russian role in faith‑based affairs overseas.
