A hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church expressed his condolences regarding the tragedy at the Svyatogorsk Lavra

Metropolitan Victor of Khmelnytskyi and Starokostiantyniv, on behalf of the clergy and faithful of the diocese, sent words of deep condolence to Metropolitan Arsenius, the abbot of the Svyatogorsk Lavra. The occasion for this message was the tragic death of Monk Varsonofy (Turyansky) and the serious injuries sustained by two other residents of the monastery. This was reported by the press service of the Khmelnytskyi Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

In his message, the archpastor emphasized that the violent death of a monk within the monastery walls is a testament to the high price of fidelity to Christ. Metropolitan Victor noted that the Svyatogorsk Lavra, located near the front lines, is regularly subjected to attacks and faces severe trials. At the same time, the monastery continues to serve as a refuge for hundreds of civilians.

“The pain of one monastery is the pain of the entire Body of the Church, and we share in it with you,” stated the metropolitan, expressing solidarity with the monastic community. Representatives of the Khmelnytskyi Diocese assured that they are joining the Church-wide prayer for the repose of the soul of the newly departed monk Varsonofy, as well as for the speedy recovery of the injured monks of the Lavra.

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 the death of one person and injuries to two others.