An American Orthodox archbishop has issued a public apology after facing criticism for warmly greeting Russian President Vladimir Putin during his recent visit to Alaska.

Archbishop Alexei, Bishop of Alaska for the Orthodox Church in America, met Putin following the Russian leader’s summit with former US President Donald Trump at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

The two exchanged holy icons, prompting concern from Ukrainian church leaders and others who viewed the gesture as inappropriate in light of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

In a written apology, Archbishop Alexei admitted he had made a mistake by not using the opportunity to call for peace.

“I sincerely ask your forgiveness,” he wrote. “I accept full responsibility for the confusion and pain my actions caused.”

His apology comes after strong condemnation from leaders of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, who called the meeting “a betrayal of the Gospel of Christ” and said extending warm words to Putin amounted to endorsing his actions.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, more than 500,000 people have been killed or injured, including an estimated 300,000 Russian soldiers.

Archbishop Alexei said his intention was to honour the Church’s historical legacy, not to express political approval.

“The honour passes not to him,” he said, “but to heaven itself.”