Met. Nicholas of ROCOR Congratulates Met. Onufriy of Ukraine on Anniversary of Enthronement

NEW YORK — Met. Nicholas, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), extended heartfelt congratulations to Met. Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine on the occasion of the anniversary of his enthronement as the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

In a formal letter, Met. Nicholas praised Met. Onufriy for his steadfast leadership amid challenging times for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. “Another year has passed of your great and arduous labor as the Primate of the persecuted Ukrainian Orthodox Church,” the letter stated, acknowledging the difficulties faced by the Church in Ukraine. Met. Nicholas expressed gratitude to God for granting Met. Onufriy the spiritual and physical strength to lead in his later years, describing him as a “tireless worker in Christ’s Vineyard” whose example inspires devotion to God and service to others.

The message highlighted the joy of the ROCOR’s bishops, clergy, and faithful in recognizing Metropolitan Onufriy’s enduring commitment to the canonical Church in Ukraine. “We rejoice that the canonical Church in Ukraine has in Your Beatitude a steadfast servant, adorning the Church and showing all how to serve God and people with a burning heart,” Met. Nicholas wrote.

The letter concluded with warm wishes for peace, divine assistance, and continued blessings for Met. Onufriy, his fellow hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and the faithful gathered to honor him on this significant milestone. Met. Nicholas also requested Met. Onufriy’s prayers, signing off as a “devoted brother and co-minister.”

The anniversary marks another chapter in Met. Onufriy’s leadership, which continues to be a beacon of resilience and faith for Orthodox Christians worldwide.

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