ROCOR First Hierarch on Conflict in Iran: We Must Keep Peace, Not Fight During Great Lent

Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR. Photo: T. Veselkina, V. Gaberman - Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese

MARCH 5, 2026 — The salvific time of Great Lent exists for making peace, not for fighting, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), Metropolitan Nicholas (Olhovsky), told the Union of Orthodox Journalists of America, commenting on the recent escalation in Iran and across the Middle East.

“We try to enter these holy days of Great Lent through the gates of Forgiveness Sunday, because it is necessary to make peace, not fight in this salvific time,” His Eminence said.

He underscored that Great Lent is a time when a person is called to self-examination and prayerful repentance, not to focus on others.

Vladyka Nicholas also noted that current unrest and divisions are troubling, but they do not frighten the Church.

“We have to keep fasting, repent of our sins, pray for those who are suffering, support our Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, which is in danger, and try to remain in Christ’s love, thereby softening the cruel spirit of this time,” Metropolitan Nicholas said.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Divine Liturgy was served amid explosions at the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Iran.

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