Toronto parish prays for slain Sviatohirsk Lavra monk

Parishioners of the ROCOR Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto during a memorial service for slain Monk Varsonofiy. Photo: ROCOR

On August 28, 2026, a memorial service was held at the ROCOR Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto for Monk Varsonofiy (Turyansky), a slain member of the Sviatohirsk Lavra brotherhood. The UOJ was informed of the service by Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto.

On the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Divine Liturgy was presided over by the cathedral rector, Mitred Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko, with clergy concelebrating. After the service, he told parishioners about the tragic events that took place on August 23 at the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra.

The priest recalled that Monk Varsonofiy was killed and two others were seriously wounded in an armed attack on members of the monastery brotherhood. The clergy and parishioners then held a memorial service for the slain monk and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Holy Trinity Cathedral also expressed prayerful support for the abbot, brotherhood and all members of the Sviatohirsk Lavra community. In their message, the clergy wished them strength, God’s help and the protection of the Most Holy Theotokos amid their present severe trials, and called on the faithful to keep the slain Monk Varsonofiy in their prayers.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that prayers were offered at the Sviatohirsk Lavra for the slain Monk Varsonofiy.

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