To the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, beloved children in the Lord, and to people of good will throughout the wide world:
Every human life is incalculably precious; each human person is a soul for whom Christ died. As violence sweeps the world and conflicts in Israel and Palestine claim ever more victims, we mourn for the destruction of human life and well-being, plead with the relevant authorities for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and call for meaningful dialogue between the contesting parties.
We ask the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America to come before the face of the Prince of Peace seeking peace for our lives and for the entire world, and to do so with special diligence and fervor during the coming season of the Nativity Fast.