A forensic medical examination confirmed the murder of Monk Varsonofius at the Svyatogorsk Lavra

An official forensic medical examination has determined the cause of death of Monk Varsonofius (of Turya), a resident of the Holy Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra. According to the experts’ report, death was caused by a gunshot wound classified as an assault with intent to kill. The Svyatogorsk Lavra’s press service reported this to .

A medical certificate issued by the Slavyansk branch of the Donetsk Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination confirms that the monk sustained a through-and-through gunshot wound to the head and neck. The tragedy occurred on August 23, 2026, near the St. Nicholas Church, where a group of unidentified individuals attacked members of the monastic community. The wounded monk was found on the landing of the Cyril and Methodius Staircase; according to eyewitnesses, his last words were a glorification of the Lord.

Monk Varsonofy, who was 53 years old, served as the refectory attendant and gardener at the monastery. On the day of his death, he had received Holy Communion. On August 25, a funeral service was held for the deceased, after which he was buried on the monastery grounds alongside other monks who had died during the shelling in 2022. Law enforcement agencies have now opened a criminal case regarding this crime, and an investigation is underway.

As a reminder, on August 23, 2026, a serious crime occurred at the Holy Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church: a group of unknown individuals carried out an armed attack on the monastery’s residents, resulting in one death and two injuries.