The Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Cyprus supported Metropolitan Jonathan of Tulchin

The Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Cyprus, Metropolitan Timothy of Vostr, has sent a letter to Metropolitan Jonathan of Tulchyn and Bratslav, in which he expressed his support and sympathy. The press service of the Tulchyn diocese published the letter on September 6, 2023, according to the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

Metropolitan Timothy assured the bishop that «these days always my thoughts and my humble prayer are with you.»

«I recall our student years at the Theological Academy in the city of Leningrad, your devotion to the Church when it was condemned by the godless state of the Soviet Union, your courage in accepting monastic tonsure and ordination, the zeal with which you served, and your remarkable achievements in church music, and your sufferings are a sign of Christ’s love,» the Exarch noted in the letter.

The hierarch noted the deep faith, patience, courage and bravery that Metropolitan Jonathan and other clergy in Ukraine who are being persecuted have.

«In addition, we know that ‘we do not have a permanent hail here, but we seek the future (Hebrews 13:14)’ — where the Lord will reward every ascetic of faith with a ‘crown of life’ and give him the opportunity to enjoy His Divine glory,» the bishop said.

The Exarch also told Metropolitan Jonathan that he would pray in the holy city of Jerusalem that the Most Holy Mother of God «comfort you in your sorrows and trials, strengthen you mentally and bodily, so that you may joyfully endure injustice, ridicule and humiliation and move from hardship to spiritual renewal and exaltation, as the Lord through His Cross and Holy Sepulchre granted us the Resurrection.»