The first monastic tonsure was performed in the Western European Vicariate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The first monastic tonsure was performed within the Western European Vicariate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. On August 15, 2025, in the parish of the Nativity of John the Baptist and Forerunner of Christ in Forte dei Marmi (Italy), Bishop Veniamin of Boyarka, head of the Western European Vicariate of the UOC, performed the monastic tonsure of Archpriest Victor Radchuk, rector of the Holy Trinity Parish in Chechnya. This was reported on the official website of the UOC.

It is reported that the tonsure was attended by Archpriest John Malysh, dean of the parishes of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Italy, the brethren of the vicariate, numerous parishioners and guests who came to share in the spiritual joy and offer a joint prayer for the newly tonsured monk. In monasticism, Archpriest Victor received the name Anthony, in honor of St. Anthony of Kiev.

After the ceremony, Bishop Veniamin addressed those present with a sermon. The hierarch emphasized the importance of monasticism and called this event special, as it marks the beginning of monastic life in the vicariate. The archpastor also drew a parallel with the story of Anthony of Pechersk, who became the founder of monastic life in Rus, and emphasized that this tonsure is of great importance for the spiritual strengthening of the overseas communities of the UOC.

Recall that the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (ROCA) decided to return the publicist nun Vassa Larina to the status of a laywoman, officially depriving her of her monastic rank. The decision was made in connection with her visit to Kyiv and public contacts with representatives of the OCU.