KIEV: 16 September 2022
The Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church congratulates the newly-elected First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad

His Beatitude Metropolitan Onouphry of Kiev and All Ukraine congratulated His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan on his election as the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia:

“The Primatial cross of service, which Your Grace has accepted to bear, is the continuation of the long ascetic effort of your God-loving and Divinely-wise predecessors who stood before the Altar of God on behalf of the flock of the Russian Church Abroad. I am genuinely joyful that the Lord selected You and placed you at the helm of the Ship of salvation, to lead those traveling in it towards the Heavenly City, so that those who are helpless and struggling in the midst of this earthly sea would finally find firm and unshakable purchase on the rock of the true faith of Christ,” wrote His Beatitude.

The Primate noted that he shares the joy of Vladyka Nicholas in the forthcoming ceremony of enthronement:

“I especially beseech the Magnanimous God that He strengthen Your Eminence in health and well-being to the benefit of the Mother Church. I hope that the relations between our Churches which have been established over the course of many years will continue to be filled with the spirit of friendship, beneficial cooperation and Christian love. I prayerfully wish Your Holiness peace, all that is good and the powerful aid of God in working the spiritual Vineyard which the Hand of the Lord has planted. May the All-Merciful Lord always be your refuge and strength (Psalms 46:7),” added Metropolitan Onouphry.

The letter of His Beatitude can be viewed here.