Monk Killed, Two Wounded in Attack at Sviatohirsk Lavra

DONETSK, UKRAINE — A monk was killed and two other men were seriously wounded when unidentified assailants attacked members of the brotherhood of the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra on Aug. 23.

The attack occurred at approximately 11 a.m. near St. Nicholas Church in the upper part of the monastery. Monk Varsonofiy (Turyansky) was killed. Monk Grigory and Andrei Kiriyenko, a refugee living at the Lavra, were also wounded in the attack.

The incident became known about 15 minutes later, when the wounded Monk Grigory managed to reach the monastic living quarters and report what had happened. The brethren notified law enforcement, while the two injured men were transported to a hospital in Sloviansk for emergency treatment before later being transferred to Kharkiv.

Monk Grigory suffered approximately four stab wounds, including a penetrating injury to the lung. Kiriyenko also sustained a lung injury and was reported to be in more serious condition. Both men suffered significant blood loss. Authorities have opened a criminal investigation, and investigative and operational measures are continuing.

Following the All-Night Vigil on Aug. 23, the Lavra’s brethren served a memorial service in the Dormition Cathedral for the newly departed Monk Varsonofiy.

Previously, the UOJ reported that thieves stole bells and sacred items from a Sviatohirsk Lavra skete.