OCA Primate expresses support for Met. Onuphry after strike on Kyiv Lavra

Metropolitan Onuphry and the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, Metropolitan Tikhon. Photo: oca.org

The Primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), Metropolitan Tikhon, sent a letter of support to His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry in connection with the damage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. This was reported by UOJ-USA.

The archpastor expressed deep sorrow and indignation over the danger to which the ancient monastery was subjected during the recent attack. The head of the OCA conveyed words of solidarity and assurances of prayers to the Primate of the UOC, monastics, and all the faithful of the Ukrainian people.

In his message, Metropolitan Tikhon called the Lavra one of the greatest spiritual treasures of the Orthodox world, which has been hallowed by the exploits and witness of countless saints.

"Any act of violence directed against such a holy place is a cause of grief and indignation for Orthodox Christians everywhere," emphasized the Primate of the Church in America.

He noted that the clergy and laity of the OCA remain united in prayer with His Beatitude Onuphry, who is leading the UOC through a period of profound trials. The head of the OCA condemned the military strikes, which bring immeasurable suffering to civilians and cause damage to holy sites.

The archpastor expressed hope for the speediest restoration of peace and called upon the holy saints whose relics rest in the caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra to intercede for suffering Ukraine. Metropolitan Tikhon concluded his address with a prayer for the well-being of God's holy Churches and the unity of all.

As the UOJ previously reported, the Khmelnytskyi hierarch expressed support for the UOC Primate and Lavra's brotherhood.

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