Monk Varsnofy killed at Svyatogorsk Lavra, two residents wounded

A group of unknown assailants broke into the territory of the UOC’s Svyatogorsk Lavra and attacked monks: one was killed and two were hospitalized in serious condition.

This was reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists; the UOC itself later confirmed the information.

The attack occurred on August 23 at around 11:00 near the St. Nicholas Church. According to the Union of Orthodox Journalists, a group of unknown individuals broke into the monastery grounds and attacked its residents.

Monk Varsonofy was killed. His body was found with multiple stab wounds to the face — the face had been disfigured beyond recognition. Monastic novice Grigory sustained a stab wound to the lung, and novice Andrei was also wounded. Both are in a hospital in Kharkiv in serious condition. Police are investigating the attack.

This is not the first incident involving Svyatogorsk Lavra. Previously, unknown individuals robbed a skete of the monastery: a guard discovered broken gates and forced-open doors, with tire tracks from a truck and numerous human footprints on the ground indicating that an entire gang had been at work.

In addition, the UOC announced the seizure of the Church of Alexander Nevsky in Odessa. According to the church, people who arrived with clubs demanded that the rector hand over the keys and property of the church, using physical force: one of the priests was knocked to the ground and strangled.