A Metropolitan of the Church of Antioch called for justice following the murder of a monk at the Svyatogorsk Lavra

The murder of Monk Varsonofius at the Svyatogorsk Lavra has caused a widespread outcry among the Local Orthodox Churches. Metropolitan Isaac of Germany and Central Europe of the Antiochian Orthodox Church issued an official statement demanding a thorough investigation into this crime.

In his address at , the hierarch expressed his deepest condolences regarding the tragic death of a monk at the monastery and the wounding of two of his fellow monks. ““It is with deep sorrow that we learned of the murder of Monk Varsonofy at the Svyatogorsk Lavra and the serious wounding of two other brothers,” the metropolitan noted, emphasizing the need to establish the truth and ensure that justice prevails. According to His Eminence, believers must not remain indifferent to violence but are called to pray for peace and to overcome hatred.

As a reminder, the attack on the monastic community of the Svyatogorsk Lavra of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church took place on August 23, 2026, near St. Nicholas Church. As a result of the incident, Monk Varsonofy died at the scene, having sustained, according to preliminary reports, not only stab wounds but also gunshot wounds. Two other victims—Monk Gregory and novice Andrei—were hospitalized in Kharkiv in serious condition. At this time, law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the circumstances of this high-profile incident.