Novinsky: Zelensky knows who killed monk at Sviatohirsk Lavra
The protodeacon of the UOC calls attackers on Sviatohirsk Lavra brethren murderers and notes that the President did not even express condolences.
Protodeacon of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Vadym Novinsky stated that Volodymyr Zelensky knows who killed the monk of the Sviatohirsk Lavra. He said this in an interview with the Swiss outlet Die Weltwoche, published on November 2, 2026.
According to Fr. Vadym, radical nationalists from military units attacked the brethren of the monastery. "Zelensky knows who did this and which regiment they represent. These are not soldiers, they are murderers. They killed a monk who could not defend himself," the protodeacon said.
He noted that Ukrainian media remained silent about the murder, and Zelensky did not even express condolences. The clergyman also recalled that when a citizen of Ukraine attacked a priest in Poland, the president immediately expressed condolences.
“Do we not have a Church here in Ukraine? Or are we second-class citizens? These are double standards,” the protodeacon said.
We recall that on August 23, 2026, monk Varsonofiy (Turiansky) was killed at the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra. According to the forensic medical report, death resulted from a through gunshot wound to the head and neck. Monk Gregory and Andriy Kirienko, who lives in the monastery, received knife wounds. Kirienko said that he was attacked by three people in military uniform and full gear.
The police have opened criminal proceedings under the articles concerning premeditated murder and attempted murder. Procedural oversight is being provided by the Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the Field of Defence of the Eastern Region. The identities of the attackers have not been officially disclosed, and government authorities have made no comment on the incident.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that ex-MP Ihor Mosiychuk accused Azov fighters of killing the monk of the Sviatohirsk Lavra.
