Musician becomes a monk: monastic tonsure performed at Mezhyrich Monastery

Monk Kronid. Photo: Press service of the Rivne Eparchy

On 5 April 2025, on the Feast of the Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos, the rite of monastic tonsure took place within the walls of the Holy Trinity Mezhyrich Monastery, as reported by the press service of the Rivne Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

The tonsure was performed by Archbishop Pimen of Rivne and Ostroh. Novice Boris, who had served for 18 years as a sacristan at the Resurrection Church in the town of Ostroh, renounced the world and pledged allegiance to Christ. During the tonsure, he received a new name – Kronid, in honour of Saint Martyr Kronid.

"Monastic life is not an escape from the world, but a feat of love for God. In the tonsure, a person leaves everything to find Everything. Today, you, Brother Kronid, have become part of Christ’s spiritual army. Pray, work, be humble – and the Lord will not leave you without His grace," addressed Archbishop Pimen to the newly tonsured monk.

The tonsure rite took place in the monastery’s church after the evening service, in the presence of the brethren, pilgrims, and parishioners. In prayer, silence, and focus, the newly tonsured monk stood before the altar of God as a "living sacrifice", according to the ancient monastic tradition.

The eparchy’s press service noted that Boris had been a musician in the past, a drummer in well-known Ukrainian bands.

Earlier, the UOJ analyzed why, despite the persecution, the number of monks in the UOC is growing.

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