An Orthodox archbishop who exchanged friendly greetings and gifts with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska is apologizing to “those who have experienced pain, suffering, or confusion" because of his actions. Alaska Archbishop Alexei did not apologize for the meeting itself, however. It took place in Anchorage following Putin’s Aug. 15 summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which focused on the war in Ukraine. Alexei's superior in the Orthodox Church in America, Metropolitan Tikhon, said the archbishop failed to inform him of his plans to meet Putin. Tikhon said the meeting doesn’t represent the church's position, which he said has been to “clearly and repeatedly condemn the aggression against Ukraine.”