Serbian Patriarch Congratulates His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy on His Patron Saint’s Day

On June 25, 2025, the day commemorating Venerable Onuphrius the Great — heavenly patron of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine — the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije, sent a congratulatory message to His Beatitude. This was reported by the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

In his message, Patriarch Porfirije addressed the Primate of the UOC with words of brotherly love and support on behalf of the entire Serbian Orthodox Church, expressing deep respect and spiritual solidarity.

“On behalf of the entire Serbian Orthodox Church and personally from us, please accept our heartfelt congratulations on the feast of your heavenly intercessor and protector, one of the greatest ascetics — Venerable Onuphrius the Great,” the message reads.

The Patriarch expressed compassion regarding the sufferings of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and admiration for Metropolitan Onufriy’s steadfast Gospel witness.

“With deep concern and compassionate brotherly love, but also with faith in the victory of love over hatred, life over death, we look upon the sufferings of the saints in Ukraine… We are in awe of your unwavering testimony of the Gospel of peace and truth in these times of severe trials, persecutions, and injustices endured by the Holy Church entrusted to you.”

Patriarch Porfirije wished Metropolitan Onufriy spiritual and physical strength, wisdom, and steadfast faith to continue guiding his flock.

“May the Lord grant you spiritual and physical strength, enlighten your mind, and establish you in love, wisdom, and faith with which you have thus far shepherded your entrusted flock,” the greeting says.

In conclusion, the Serbian Patriarch extended his archpastoral blessing and wished Metropolitan Onufriy many blessed years:

“From the depths of our hearts we cry out: Many and blessed years, Your Beatitude!”

It should also be noted that on the eve of the feast day of Venerable Onuphrius the Great, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy also received greetings from Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York — First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.