The Scandal of Silence in the Face of Wickedness

Brief thoughts on Putin's Visit to Alaska

Archbishop Alexei published a letter in response to those scandalized by his meeting with Vladimir Putin. Contrary to what his letter suggests, the scandal is not his venerating icons but remaining silent about Putin's war crimes in Ukraine. The Archbishop praises Russia but offers no correction. He has offended not just those outside his diocese but his own clergy. Sadly, instead of asking forgiveness, he justifies himself.

Here's Archbishop Alexi's letter:

Dear Fathers,

Recently, much has been said and written about my brief greeting with President Putin during his visit to Alaska. Many have misunderstood that moment, and some have taken offense. I write to you, my brothers, so that you may understand my heart and give clear witness to our faithful.

Before any photograph or video, we had already dedicated our diocese to prayer. For three days, our churches were filled with people—Unangan, Yup’ik, Sugpiaq, Tlingit, and many others—praying for peace, for the suffering in Ukraine, and for the conversion of hearts. Bells rang, candles were lit, and our villages lifted up tears and petitions before the Lord. This was and remains the true work of the Church, our gift to the world.

When I expressed gratitude in that public moment, it was not praise for present politics, but a remembrance of the missionaries of earlier generations—Saint Herman, Saint Innocent, Saint Yakov, and others—who brought us the Orthodox faith at great cost. Their sacrifice is our inheritance, and for that spiritual gift we must always give thanks.

As for the icons exchanged, some have condemned me for that, but I must be clear: the veneration we give to holy icons is directed not to the one who gives them, but to the saint or feast they represent. I cannot apologize for kissing an icon of Saint Herman or of the Dormition of the Mother of God. Even if the greatest sinner were beside me, the honor passes not to him but to heaven itself.
I know that sacred gestures can be misunderstood, and I grieve if this has caused confusion or scandal. But our vocation in such moments is not to join the anger of the world, but to keep the lamp of Christ burning, to obey His commandments to pray even for enemies, and to open whatever small door may be given for a pastoral word of peace.

Fathers, I ask you to continue leading your people in prayer. Remind them that we do not sanctify violence, nor ignore suffering. We condemn the shedding of innocent blood wherever it occurs. At the same time, we show love even toward those who oppose us, for the Gospel calls us to nothing less.

If asked, you may tell your faithful simply this: The Archbishop called our diocese to prayer, and in that spirit spoke of gratitude for the saints who brought us the faith. Nothing more, nothing less. The prayers are what remain before God. The pictures will pass away.

May the Crucified and Risen Lord comfort you, strengthen you, and keep your flocks in peace.

With God’s blessings,

†Archbishop Alexei
†Allgiliyaq Ciukliq Kilirnaq
†Архиепископ Алексий
The God-protected Diocese of Sitka and Alaska