11 June, 2024

Feast of the Holy Apostle Bartholomew

His All-Holiness

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

The Ecumenical Patriarchate

Phanar, Istanbul, Turkey

Your All-Holiness,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST!

On behalf of the Council of Bishops, the clergy and the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, we extend our heartfelt greetings and best wishes to you on the joyous occasion of your Name Day celebration. This significant day allows us to express our profound gratitude and deep respect for your tireless spiritual leadership and unwavering dedication to the well-being of Orthodox faithful worldwide.

Your All-Holiness, your enduring commitment to the spiritual care and guidance of the Orthodox Christian community has been a beacon of hope and solace, particularly for the people and nation of Ukraine. During these trying times of war and unrest, your prayers, advocacy, and compassionate support have provided a wellspring of strength and encouragement. The Ukrainian people, enduring immense hardship and suffering have found in your steadfast presence a source of profound comfort and inspiration. Your advocacy for peace and justice and your vocal support for the sovereignty and dignity of Ukraine resonate deeply within our hearts and souls.

The current conflict has brought untold suffering and devastation to our homeland, yet amidst this turmoil your spiritual leadership has been a testament to the enduring power of faith and love. Your All-Holiness, your words and actions have not only offered immediate relief but have also sown seeds of hope for a peaceful and just future. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, along with the broader Ukrainian community, is profoundly grateful for your unwavering support and solidarity.

In addition to your spiritual and moral support during this crisis, we are also deeply inspired by your unwavering commitment to the care of God’s creation. Your pioneering work in raising awareness about ecological issues and advocating for the protection of the environment stands as a testament to your visionary leadership. In a world increasingly threatened by environmental degradation and climate change, your voice has been a clarion call for the stewardship of our planet. You have reminded us of our sacred duty to preserve the beauty and integrity of the natural world, a gift from our Creator.

Your initiatives, which have earned you the loving and well deserve title “the Green Patriarch”, have significantly contributed to global ecological awareness, encouraging individuals, communities and nations to embrace more sustainable and responsible practices. Your call for an ecological ethos resonates with the Orthodox Christian understanding of the world as God’s creation, entrusted to our care. We, the clergy and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, are inspired by your leadership and committed to supporting and advancing these vital efforts within our communities.

As we celebrate your name day, we reflect on the countless ways your ministry has enriched the spiritual lives of the faithful and advanced the salvific mission of the Orthodox Church. Your dedication to fostering unity, peace, and environmental stewardship exemplifies the true spirit of our Faith. We pray that the Lord grants you many years of health, strength, and spiritual wisdom. May He continue to bless your ministry and guide you in your endeavors to lead the Orthodox Church with love, compassion, and a deep sense of justice.

With deepest respect, warmest regards and most importantly, unending prayers for many years more of your stalwart leadership and guidance,

+Antony, Metropolitan of the UOC of the USA and Diaspora

+Jeremiah, Archbishop of South American Eparchy

+Daniel, Archbishop of the UOC of the USA and Diaspora