Primate of OCA: The UOC continues to stand in the holy Orthodox faith

Metropolitan Tikhon of All America and Canada at the Pochaiv Lavra. Photo: screenshot from Mir video

The Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan Tikhon of All America and Canada expressed his support for the Primate and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and called on the civil authorities of Ukraine to respect freedom of religion in the country and observe the norms of international law. He said this in his address after the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra.

In his speech, the Primate of the OCA said that it was a great joy and honor for him to make a pilgrimage to one of the monasteries – Pochaiv, which is associated with steadfastness in the holy Orthodox faith. He emphasized that despite pressure on the UOC from all sides, the brethren of the Pochaiv Monastery and the entire Ukrainian Orthodox Church continue to stand in the holy Orthodox faith.

As reported by the UOJ, during his visit to the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon said, "I want to once again confirm my unwavering, fraternal love for you, Your Beatitude, for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and for the entire Ukrainian people. In this regard, we affirm the right and obligation of your beloved country, of Ukraine, to defend itself against unjustified aggression. We also implore the civil authorities of this land to respect religious freedom, due process, and the norms of international law. This request comes out of love for His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and out of love for the entire Ukrainian people in their struggle to preserve their land and their freedom."

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"We rejoice that the canonical Church in the territory of Ukraine has in Your person a tireless builder of Christ's vineyard," noted Metropolitan Nicholas.