Archbishop of Alaska Apologizes for Meeting Putin

Archbishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska has apologized for meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The text of his statement was published on the website of the Orthodox Church in America.

The Archbishop stated that he "deeply regrets" the "scandal" caused by his actions.

"As the Archbishop of Sitka and Alaska, I am a member of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, which is presided over by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon. Therefore, I follow the instructions and pastoral counsels of the Holy Synod regarding this tragic war and strive to lead the faithful of Alaska in prayer and works of mercy on behalf of all who are suffering.

The Diocese of Alaska is one of the dioceses of the Orthodox Church in America, which is an autocephalous church whose mission extends from the Arctic Circle to Central America and includes many peoples, cultures, and languages. Last week, I welcomed President Vladimir Putin during the Anchorage summit in a spirit of peaceful hospitality, after praying for peace for three days throughout the diocese.

Since then, I have heard from many that this moment was seen as a rebuke or a missed opportunity to demand peace amid the ongoing conflict and suffering. Once again, I repeat, to all who have found my actions to be a cause of sadness or confusion, I sincerely apologize," the statement of Archbishop Alexei reads.