Monastic tonsures performed at Kyiv Theological Academy

Monastic tonsure of KDAiS students. March 9, 2026. Photo: KDAiS press service

On March 9, 2026, the rector of the Kiev Theological Academy and Seminary (KDAiS), Archbishop Sylvester of Bilohorodka, performed monastic tonsure over four students of the schools at the St. Agapitus Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Monasticism was accepted by second-year KDA students Denis Nebronchuk, Kostiantyn Pecherytsa, fourth-year seminary student Dmytro Ivanashko, and second-year KDS student Vladislav Omelchuk, reports the KDAiS press service.

In the tonsure, they received the names Ambrose – in honor of the confessor Ambrose, Metropolitan of Moschonisia; Hierotheos – in honor of Saint Hierotheos of Ostrog; Justin – in honor of Saint Justin of Ufa; Dimitry – in honor of Saint Dimitry of Rostov.

The spiritual godfather of the new monks became the confessor of the Kiev Theological Schools, Bishop Panteleimon (Melnyk).

After the completion of the rite, the rector addressed the newly tonsured with a word of instruction. "Monastic tonsure is what unites a person with the community of true ascetics. This path has never been easy, however, when entering it, it is important to keep deep awareness in the heart, because from now on and forever the Lord is with you." He called upon the young monks to cherish the gracious time and gather spiritual treasures, which they will subsequently share with the faithful.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Kiev Theological Schools will hold an annual student conference.

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