NEW YORK: 3 January 2023
Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York sends a fraternal letter of support to Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshgorod and Chernobyl and the brethren of the Kiev-Caves Lavra

To His Eminence
PAUL,
Metropolitan of Vyshgorod and Chernobyl,
Prior of Kiev-Caves Lavra

Your Eminence Vladyka!
On behalf of the hierarchy and the faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, I hasten to assure you of our common love, support and prayers for the speedy overcoming of the present difficult ordeals which have befallen you, your monastic brethren, supporters, and worshipers of the Kiev-Caves Lavra. With profound empathy, with faith in Divine Providence which leads us all to salvation, we join you in your prayers, wishing with all our hearts for Heavenly aid and the bolstering of your strength in these difficult times. I feel your personal pain over these events, especially praying for you before the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God and during the Divine Liturgies which I celebrate.

May the light of the star of Bethlehem which once showed the Magi from the East the path to Christ the Divine Infant illuminate and warm you all and lead you to the joy of the reestablishment of justice for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, headed by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onouphry, who is universally beloved and honored, and the reestablishment of Divine services in the great Dormition and Trapeza Cathedrals of the Kiev-Caves Lavra beloved by us all.
 
I embrace you all in my heart, remaining in the perpetual love of the Lord, and beseeching your holy prayers,
 
+NICHOLAS
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia