Russian Orthodox Church reports death of "warrior-monk" in Ukraine

ROC's Monk Pitirim (Vlasov) died in Ukraine with a weapon in his hands. Photo: Prihod
Clerics of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) are fighting in Ukraine with weapons in hand. The death of one such cleric was reported on March 14, 2025, by Archbishop Savva Tutunov, a vicar of Patriarch Kirill.
"Eternal memory to warrior-monk Pitirim," the ROC hierarch wrote on Telegram.
According to the Russian media outlet Prihod, the deceased Pitirim (Vlasov) was a monk of Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery in the Kazan Eparchy.
It is known that he took monastic vows under the Lesser Schema on August 30, 2024, pledging to renounce worldly life. However, by the fall of the same year, Vlasov decided to volunteer for the war. It remains unclear whether the monk received the blessing of his abbot to leave the monastery and take up arms.
"While on the front lines, he fearlessly served his homeland and comrades in battle. During a combat mission, he sustained a fatal shrapnel wound," Prihod reported.
As a reminder, Patriarch Kirill previously told President Putin that the Russian Church fully supports the 'Special Military Operation'.
Read also
Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code
The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.
Rabbi thanks SBU for arresting Ukrainian over antisemitic threats
Moshe Azman called for those who incite religious hatred to be held accountable, warning that the line between online threats and real-world violence can be very thin.
Pochaiv Lavra calls for fasting ahead of Kyiv Metropolia court hearing
The Pochaiv Lavra Spiritual Council called on the faithful to unite in prayer and fasting from October 5 through 7.
Russian strike damages Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Sumy for fourth time
One of the aerial bombs struck the cemetery in Sumy, causing extensive damage to the church’s facade, roof and interior.
Baptist in Volyn gets suspended sentence for refusing mobilization
The Baptist denied being a draft evader, saying his religious beliefs prevent him from taking up arms.
Hundreds of faithful honor St. Kuksha in Odesa
Pilgrims had the opportunity to venerate the relics of St. Kuksha at the Dormition Monastery in Odesa.