About 100 monks of Sviatogorsk Lavra refuse to leave the monastery

About 100 monks refuse to leave the territory of the Sviatogorsk Lavra, which is under the control of the Ukrainian army, but exposed to Russian shelling from the other bank of the Seversky Donets, the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense reports on its Facebook page.

According to intelligence, some of the monks are in serious condition due to injuries, age and illness, which makes their evacuation impossible.

The Directorate offers to organize a humanitarian corridor for their transportation through international intermediaries.

Earlier, UOJ reported that, according to the information of the abbot of the Sviatogorsk Lavra, Metropolitan Arseny, about 400 lay people are sheltering in the monastery, including 56 children.

The UOJ also wrote that Metropolitan Arseny told about how religious life is organized in a monastery being located on the front line.

Read also

Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training

Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Black, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.

Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again

A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.

OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience

More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.

Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors

The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.

Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies

ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.

Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says

Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.