The President of the United States, Donald Trump, met with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, with discussions focusing on the protection of Christian communities in the Middle East and the safeguarding of freedom of worship in the Holy Land.

The meeting, which lasted approximately 40 minutes, took place amid heightened regional instability, as Christian communities in Lebanon, Syria, and the Holy Land face increasing pressure and security challenges.

During the meeting, Patriarch Theophilos expressed concern to the US President about the situation of Christian communities in the region, emphasizing that their protection is not only a religious matter but also a key factor for stability, coexistence, and peace.

“Christian communities in the Middle East have been facing a difficult reality of instability, increasing threats, and growing pressure in recent years. We see ancient communities asking for something very basic: to continue living safely, to preserve their faith, and to safeguard their freedom of worship,” the Patriarch of Jerusalem said in a statement.

Addressing President Trump, Theophilos noted that “preserving religious freedom and ensuring open access to the Holy Land is not only a religious issue, but a prerequisite for stability, coexistence, and peace throughout the entire region.”

During the meeting, Patriarch Theophilos conferred upon Donald Trump the honor of “Great Crusader” of the Order of the Crusaders of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the highest distinctions of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

According to the Patriarchate’s statement, the meeting reflected the longstanding relationship between the Patriarch and President Trump and his family, and followed Trump’s 2017 visit to Jerusalem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Finally, the statement noted that the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem is one of the oldest Christian institutions in the world and has played a historic role in preserving Christian holy sites in the Holy Land, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Patriarch Theophilos III has held the patriarchal throne since 2005 and has participated in events of major religious and international significance, including the consecration of the oil used in the coronation of King Charles III.