ROCOR Synod Strips "Vassa" Larin of Monastic Tonsure

London, UK—After her highly controversial visit to Ukraine, in which the OCU(EP) Kyiv Theological Academy called her “a friend of our autocephaly,” the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad moved to laicize Vassa Larin on May 9, 2025. 

The Statement, released by the Synod Friday, May 16, 2025, reads as follows:

“Discussing church disciplinary matters, the archpastors reviewed the correspondence of His Grace Bishop Luke of Syracuse with Varvara Georgievna Larina, formerly Nun Vassa, in which His Grace informs her of the removal of her cassock and veil for disobedience. The Synod confirmed Bishop Luke's decision prohibiting the former Nun Vassa from wearing monastic clothing and using the name given at her tonsure, as well as from representing herself as a nun of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia in her statements.”

In spite of no longer being allowed to wear monastic garb or style herself as “sister,” Vassa continues to address herself as "Sister Vassa" online. We can only speculate that she has taken the five days between the Synod’s decision and the announcement of that decision to be received into the OCU officially—thereby maintaining the image of being a rassophore nun.

UOJ previously reported that Vassa has joined the staff of the OCU(EP) Kyiv Orthodox Theological Academy’s Department of Church and Practical Disciplines. 

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