The heads of several Orthodox Churches have sent greetings to Metropolitan Onufrius of Kyiv and All Ukraine as he marked the 12th anniversary of his enthronement. Messages of support were issued by Patriarch Porphyrius of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia, Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, and Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.

The hierarchs expressed brotherly solidarity and highlighted what they described as Metropolitan Onufrius’s loyalty to Christ, as well as his courage and steadfastness amid difficult circumstances facing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), according to the statements accompanying the anniversary.

Metropolitan Onufrius was enthroned as Metropolitan of the Kyiv cathedra on August 17, 2014. This year’s congratulatory messages were received from the heads of the Serbian, Macedonian, American and Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) jurisdictions.

Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid called Metropolitan Onufrius “a cornerstone,” saying that despite trials he continues to bear witness to the “Gospel truth and reality.” He wished Onufrius many more years to testify to truth, love, and patience both before fellow bishops and before the God-given people entrusted to him.

Patriarch Porphyrius of Serbia wrote that he hopes Metropolitan Onufrius will continue to “shepherd the flock entrusted” to him “in a God-wise and courageous manner,” remaining a clear witness of faith in Christ. In closing, he assured the UOC primate of his continued “brotherly prayer support.”

Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America similarly stressed that over the past 12 years Metropolitan Onufrius has shepherded his flock during a period of severe testing. He described his “steadfast service” as testimony to an enduring hope found in Christ, whom he referred to as the “Good Shepherd” of His people. He also conveyed the prayers of clergy and faithful in the Orthodox Church in America and wished Metropolitan Onufrius God’s help, wisdom, and courage.

Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR, emphasized the primate’s resolve and “courageous standing for the purity of Orthodoxy” as well as his “unwavering fidelity to the Truth of Christ.” He described Metropolitan Onufrius as an example for the entire Orthodox world and said Onufrius was called to this service during a complicated period in church history, becoming a “true good shepherd” for his flock. He expressed confidence that the UOC’s patience and fidelity to Christ will serve as an example for future generations.

The congratulatory messages were delivered against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Ukrainian authorities. After the creation in 2018 of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU)—which the UOC does not recognize as canonical—the relationship between the Ukrainian state and the country’s largest canonical Orthodox jurisdiction has sharply deteriorated.

Ukrainian authorities have accused the UOC of maintaining ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, while UOC representatives say the church and its faithful have faced pressure, including efforts to seize church properties and restrict the rights of parishes.

In August 2024, Ukraine adopted a law that allows the termination of religious organizations that state bodies consider linked to religious centers in Russia. UOC representatives have said the legislation poses a threat to the church’s continued existence.