The Primate of the OCA sent a letter of support to Metropolitan Onufry following the damage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), sent a letter of support to His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry following the damage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra caused by the Russian Federation’s rocket attacks on Kyiv. The Primate of the OCA expressed deep sorrow and condemned the attacks on one of the most important holy sites of the Orthodox world. This was reported by the press service of the American Church.

In his statement, Metropolitan Tikhon emphasized that the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is one of the greatest spiritual treasures of Orthodoxy, sanctified by the feats of countless saints. According to him, any act of violence against such a place causes pain and outrage among Orthodox Christians around the world.

The Primate of the OCA also assured His Beatitude Onuphrius, the monastic community, and all the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of his solidarity and constant prayer. He noted that the clergy and laity of the OCA remain united with the UOC during this time of severe trials, and that military strikes, he said, cause suffering to civilians and damage holy sites.

Metropolitan Tikhon expressed hope for a speedy restoration of peace and called upon the holy martyrs, whose relics rest in the caves of the Lavra, to intercede for Ukraine. He concluded his message with a prayer for the well-being of the Churches and the unity of all believers.