Swiss elder: Murdered Sviatohirsk Lavra monk should be glorified as martyr

Schema-Archimandrite Gabriel called the murdered Sviatohirsk Lavra monk a martyr. Photo: UOJ

Renowned Orthodox theologian Schema-Archimandrite Gabriel (Bunge) said that Monk Varsonofiy, who was killed during an attack at the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra, gave his life for Christ and is a true martyr.

The prominent Swiss patristics scholar, who lives at the Monastery of the Exaltation of the Cross in Roveredo, commented on the tragic death of the Sviatohirsk Lavra monk for the UOJ-Germany editorial office, noting that the attack was connected with the broader situation surrounding the entire UOC.

“I must say that this concerns not only the murdered monk, but also the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church as a whole, with which we feel a deep personal bond.”

Elder Gabriel said he was deeply impressed by the courage and steadfastness of the brethren who remain faithful even unto death. According to him, Monk Varsonofy’s faithfulness is an example for everyone: he could easily have saved his own life by complying with the attackers’ demands, but instead chose to answer them as a Christian – glory belongs to God alone.

“Personally, I believe that the murdered monk is a martyr and should be glorified among the martyrs,” Schema-Archimandrite Gabriel said. “He gave his life for Christ.”

The theologian expressed his profound respect for the deceased monk’s sacrifice and said he was proud to belong to the same Church as such faithful ascetics.

According to the archimandrite, the leaven of the Gospel continues to work today just as it did in the first centuries of Christianity. It continues to produce martyrs – witnesses to the faith.

“For a martyr is a witness, one who bears witness to faith in God and His Messiah. We must follow his example and cherish his memory. We must not allow all of this to once again disappear into the Internet beneath the enormous amount of rubbish already there.”

On August 23, 2026, unidentified assailants attacked members of the Sviatohirsk Lavra brotherhood. Monk Varsonofy was killed by a through-and-through gunshot wound to the head and neck that damaged the bones of the skull, while Monk Hryhorii and novice Andrii sustained serious injuries.

As the UOJ reported, the killing of the Sviatohirsk Lavra monk was mentioned in an OIDAC report.

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