Metropolitan Onufry, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church—Moscow patriarchate, has issued a plea to Russian President Putin to allow civilians an opportunity to leave the embattled city of Mariupol.

“It is my pastoral duty” to make the plea, the Ukrainian prelate wrote in an open letter. He said “we hope that you will, in a Christian way, agree” to let Ukrainian troops evacuate the city peacefully.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church allied with the Moscow patriarchate has seen a sharp drop in support since the Russian invasion of the country; the independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church—Kiev patriarchate has been outspoken in condemning Russian aggression.