NEW YORK: 17 August, 2026
Congratulations to Metropolitan Onouphry of Kiev and All Ukraine on the anniversary of his enthronement from the Primate of the Russian Church Abroad

To His Beatitude ONOUPHRY,
Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine

Your Beatitude, Most Blessed Father:

On behalf of the Synod of Bishops, the clergy, the monastics, and all the faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, as well as on my own behalf, I warmly congratulate you on the anniversary of your enthronement upon the ancient see of the Metropolitans of Kiev! In these challenging and deceitful days, when the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is going through the crucible of severe trials, people across the Russian diaspora look upon your primatial service with deep reverence and unwavering prayer. Your courageous defense of the purity of Orthodox Christianity, your meekness, and steadfast faithfulness to the canonical Truth of Christ sets a high example for the entire Orthodox world. By the will of the Holy Spirit, you were called to primatial service in a difficult period of the Church's historical existence, becoming a true good shepherd to your flock.

On this festive day, I prayerfully wish Your Beatitude strong and enduring health, grace-filled vigor of spirit, and the almighty help of God in bearing your heavy Primatial cross. We fervently pray to the All-Merciful Lord for the swift restoration of blessed peace on the Ukrainian land and for the end of unjust persecutions directed against the canonical Church, its archpastors, pastors, and faithful children. We believe and trust that the holy truth about the currently persecuted Ukrainian Orthodox Church will surely triumph, and that the example of its patience, confession of faith, and fidelity to Christ will serve as profound spiritual instruction and strengthening for future generations of Orthodox believers.

May the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos and the prayers of the venerable fathers of the Kiev Caves Monastery remain constantly with Your Beatitude, keeping you in peace and well-being for many good years!

Beseeching your holy prayers, I remain with love in the Lord,

+NICHOLAS
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia