Vinnytsia Metropolitan expresses words of support to Sviatohirsk Lavra brotherhood

Metropolitan Varsonofiy (Stoliar). Photo: Vinnytsia Eparchy

Metropolitan Varsonofiy of Vinnytsia sent a letter to the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, Metropolitan Arseniy, in connection with the tragic death of the monk. The archpastor expressed deep condolences and words of spiritual support to the entire monastic brotherhood, reports the Vinnytsia Eparchy.

The UOC bishop received the news of the murder of monk Varsonofiy (Turiansky) with deep sorrow. "It is especially painful to realize that this tragedy occurred during the days when our Church and our people were commemorating the memory of the Venerable John of Sviatohirsk, the recluse, one of the greatest ascetics of the Holy Mountains,” the hierarch noted.

Metropolitan Varsonofiy believes that the sacrificial death of the monk will bear spiritual fruit. The archpastor called on the faithful to remember the price of faithfulness to the Lord and His Church. In the metropolitan's view, the blood of the slain cleric will strengthen the Orthodox faith in the modern world. "May the martyric sacrifice of monk Varsonofiy (Turyansky), who gave his life within the walls of the Sviatohirsk monastery, serve as a reminder for all of us of the price of faithfulness to Christ and His Holy Church," Bishop Varsonofiy emphasized.

The hierarch expressed hope that the cleric's death would become a spiritual seed for future generations of believing Christians. "We believe that his martyric death will not be in vain, but will become a seed from which the Lord will grow a new strength of faith, courage, and love for God in our secular society," the archpastor added.

Bishop Varsonofiy asked the abbot of the Lavra, Metropolitan Arseniy, to convey words of support to the entire monastic brotherhood. The archpastor earnestly prays to God to grant the monks strength of spirit and long-suffering to continue their difficult monastic struggle on the front line. "May the Lord strengthen each member of the monastery community in carrying out the monastic life, and grant them courage, patience, and spiritual strength for their continued service," Metropolitan Varsonofiy wished.

As the UOJ reported, police have launched an investigation into the attack on Sviatohirsk Lavra.

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