A monastic tonsure ceremony was held at the Ilyinsky Monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Vinnytsia

A significant event took place at the St. Elijah Men’s Monastery in Vinnytsia: for the first time since the monastery’s founding in 2021, a monastic tonsure was performed there. According to , the press service of the Vinnytsia Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church reports that Hierodeacon Sofroniy (Cherneha) has become a new resident of the monastery.

The tonsure ceremony was performed by Metropolitan Varsonofy of Vinnytsia and Bar in the monastery’s lower church, consecrated in honor of the Holy Martyr Innocent of Vinnytsia. Hierodeacon Sofroniy took his monastic vows under the name Lavrenty, in honor of St. Lavrenty of Chernihiv. The monastic community and representatives of the clergy from various dioceses participated in the solemn divine service.

Upon completion of the rite, Metropolitan Varsonofy congratulated the newly tonsured monk, wishing him God’s help on his chosen spiritual path. The diocesan leadership described this event as an important milestone in the life of the young Ilyinsky Monastery, one that strengthens its spiritual traditions.