Memorial service held for slain monk Varlsanofiy at Sviatohirsk Lavra

The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra serving a panikhida for the slain Monk Varsanofiy. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra.

On August 23, 2026, a panikhida was served at the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra of the UOC for Monk Varsanofiy (Turiansky), who was killed as a result of an attack on the monastery grounds, reports the Telegram channel of the Sviatohirsk Lavra.

Monk Varsanofy was killed at around 11:00 a.m. near the St. Nicholas Church, where a group of unidentified individuals attacked members of the monastery's brethren. The circumstances of his death are currently being investigated by law enforcement.

The attack on the brethren became known after one of the wounded monks managed to reach the monastic quarters and report what had happened. The police were called to the scene, and the injured were taken to hospital.

That evening, following the All-Night Vigil in the Dormition Cathedral, the brethren of the Lavra held a memorial service for the newly departed monk Varsonofiy, who had been killed.

A criminal investigation has been opened in connection with the attack. Investigative proceedings are ongoing.

The UOJ previously reported that a UOC archimandrite was beaten during the seizure of a cathedral in Kremenchuk.

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