Patriarch of Jerusalem at the White House: Focus on Christian Communities in the Middle East

Ishtartv.com –orthodoxtimes.com

Jun 05, 2026

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem visited the White House, where he met U.S. President Donald Trump. They discussed the protection of Christian communities in the Middle East and safeguarding religious freedom in the Holy Land.

The meeting, which lasted approximately 40 minutes, took place at a critical time for the region, with Christian populations in countries such as Lebanon and Syria, as well as in the Holy Land, facing growing security concerns.

The Patriarch emphasised that supporting and protecting Christians in the Middle East is about more than just religious freedom. He noted that it is a fundamental prerequisite for preserving social cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and stability throughout the wider region.

During his visit to Washington, D.C., Patriarch Theophilos awarded Donald Trump the highest honour of the Order of the Crusaders of the Holy Sepulchre, granting him the title of “Grand Crusader”.

Patriarch Theophilos expressed deep concern over the vulnerability of the Christian communities. Credit: White House