Brethren of the Svyatogorsk Lavra are attacked

DECR Communication Service, 24/08/2026

On 23^rd August 2026, around 11 a.m., members of the monastic community of the Holy Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra were attacked by a group of unidentified individuals. The attack took place near St. Nicholas Church, patriarchia.ru reports, citing the monastery’s VK page.

Monk Varsonofy (Turyansky) was killed in the attack. Monk Grigory and Andrei Kiriyenko, a refugee living in the monastery, were wounded.

A report of the assault came at around 11:15. Wounded Monk Grigory managed to make his way down to the brethren’s living quarters and inform others of the attack. The brethren immediately notified law enforcement bodies; the police arrived at the scene.

The brethren took the wounded men to a hospital in Slavyansk, where they received medical help. Monk Grigory has four knife wounds, including a penetrating lung injury. Andrei Kiriyenko, who also has a lung wound, is in a more serious condition. They both lost a lot of blood.

Later, the wounded were transferred to Kharkov for further treatment. They are now under medical supervision.

Criminal proceedings with regard to the assault have been initiated. Investigation is under way.

On 23^rd August, after the All-Night Vigil at the Holy Dormition Cathedral, the Lavra’s brethren celebrated a memorial service for the newly departed slain Monk Varsonofy.

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Brethren of the Svyatogorsk Lavra are attacked

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Patriarch

Department Chairman

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