Greek theologian condemns murder of monk at Sviatohirsk Lavra

Georgios Foundoulakis. Photo: UOJ

Georgios Foundoulakis, a professor at the Faculty of Theology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, described as a tragedy the attack that claimed the life of Sviatohirsk Lavra monk Varsonofiy (Turyansky). The theologian made the statement in a comment to the Union of Orthodox Journalists in Greece.

According to Foundoulakis, the death of any person – and all the more so of a monk who devoted his life to prayer, asceticism and service to the Church – cannot leave anyone in the world indifferent. He also recalled that two other people were injured in the attack.

The theologian stressed that in these difficult times, the Church’s message can only be one of love, unity, forgiveness and peace. He said that faith in Christ calls people to overcome differences and divisions, recognizing the image of God in every person, and that genuine unity is built not on confrontation, exclusion and violence, but on respect, dialogue, solidarity and love.

Foundoulakis noted that Sviatohirsk Lavra, as a historic center of Orthodox monastic life and prayer, has already endured severe trials amid the war, and that this new tragedy adds yet another page of sorrow to its history. He said that the Christian response to pain and violence cannot be hatred – it must be love, prayer, forgiveness and peace. The theologian expressed hope for the establishment of peace in Ukraine and for a path to reconciliation and brotherhood among people.

As the UOJ reported, a German theologian also condemned the murder of the Sviatohirsk Lavra monk.

Read also