Metropolitan Longin offers condolences to Sviatohirsk Lavra brethren

Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny. Photo: UOC

On August 26, 2026, Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny sent condolences to Metropolitan Arseniy, abbot of the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra, as well as to the brethren and all members of the monastery community, following the tragic death of Monk Varsonofiy (Turianskyi).

“In these sorrowful days, together with you we pray for the newly departed Monk Varsonofiy, that the Lord may grant rest to his soul in the dwellings of the righteous, forgive all his voluntary and involuntary sins, and grant him the Kingdom of Heaven,” Metropolitan Longin said in a message issued on behalf of the brethren of the Holy Ascension Bancheny Monastery.

The hierarch also prayed that the All-Merciful Lord would strengthen the Sviatohirsk brethren, grant them the spiritual strength to endure their profound grief, and have mercy on all who knew and loved the newly departed monk.

“Memory eternal!” Metropolitan Longin concluded.

As the UOJ reported, Monk Varsonofiy (Turianskyi) was killed on August 23 in an attack on members of the Sviatohirsk Lavra community. On August 25, the monastery brethren held his funeral service and buried him behind the altar of the Dormition Cathedral. According to the forensic examination, the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head.

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