November 26/December 9, 2022
Consecration of the Church of St. George in Kiev

To His Beatitude, the Most Blessed
ONOUPHRY
Metropolitan of Kiev & All Ukraine

Your Beatitude,
Most Blessed Master!

As we prepare for the feast of "great joy" (Luke 2:10), I fraternally kiss Your Beatitude and send my very most heartfelt greetings on the 32nd anniversary of your episcopal consecration, along with my best wishes for your firm health, boldness of spirit, and your peace and tranquility, as one who is revered throughout the entire Orthodox world!

It is with great concern and pain that we follow the events on the territory of Ukraine: the military conflict, the repression of true Orthodox Christians and the suffering of those who are "quiet in the land" (Psalm 35:20M), that is, the common folk: I, a sinner, and all of the archpastors, pastors, monastics, and faithful children of the Russian Church Abroad with me prayerfully extend to you a hand of support and love, laying all of our hopes in God, Who "spake peace unto His people" (Psalm 84:9). May this Divine peace reign in the hearts of man and may they possess the "great peace which have they who love God’s law" (Psalm 118:165).

Prayerfully joining you, I earnestly wish Your Beatitude, and the entire Ukrainian Orthodox Church which you lead, strength from God and every blessing!

Asking your holy prayers, I remain Your Beatitude’s devoted brother and concelebrant,

+NICHOLAS
Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia