NEW YORK: August 27, 2026
The First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia sends condolences to Metropolitan Arseny of Svyatogorsk and the brethren of the Dormition Lavra

Your Metropolitan of Svyatogorsk
and the Brethren of Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra

Your Eminence, Most Eminent Vladyka!

With deep sorrow and heartfelt pain, we learned about the tragic passing of Monk Varsonofy of Svyatogorsk Lavra, who died at the hands of lawless men. During these difficult days, we join in prayer to share in the grief of Your Eminence and the entire brotherhood of the holy monastery, offering you our sincere, brotherly condolences.

The Svatogorsk Lavra holds a special place both in the spiritual memory of the Russian Church and in the heart of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. In the 20th century, the Holy Mountains became a haven for refugees and also welcomed the monastic brothers expelled from the community of Pochaev, who were saving their holy relics from destruction.

Some of them, later finding themselves outside their homeland, looked back on this time warmly. Now, this ancient tradition of hospitality has manifested once again in all its strength: since 2014, the Lavra has reopened its doors to thousands of people who have lost their homes. It is also no accident that the memory of Miracle-worker St John, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco, born in the village of Adamovka, connects the Svyatogorsk monastery with the spiritual life of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad: some of the relics belonging to St John are kept here.

This connection is not just a historical memory for us. It is evidence that, despite distances, tribulation, and the passage of time, the united spirit of Orthodox monasticism and Christian charity unites Svyatogorsk.

Today, as a new tragedy has touched the brotherhood of Svyatogorsk, we once again feel ourselves standing beside you — not only in heart but also in prayer. We lift up our fervent prayers to the Lord for the repose of the newly-reposed Monk Varsonofy, that the Lord may place him "where the light of His Face shines," forgive him all voluntary and involuntary sins, and grant him eternal rest in the dwellings of the righteous. We also pray for the health and strengthening of the wounded Monk Gregory and all those affected, for the safety of Svyatogorsk monastery, and for the courage and spiritual strengthening of its brotherhood.

Especially in these days, we turn our gaze in prayer to those refugees and suffering people whom the Sviatogorsk Lavra still receives, shepherds, and surrounds with monastic prayer and care. May the Lord not abandon them in their time of trial, may He cover them with His mercy.

The bright feast of the Svyatogorsk Lavra — the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos — is approaching. In these days, let us especially pray to the Most-Blessed Virgin for the sending of enduring and comforting joy about the Pascha of the Theotokos to all of you, which does not leave us in Her Dormition!

May the prayer of the entire brotherhood of the Lavra, now joined with the prayers of the brothers and sisters from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, become a spiritual protection for all who are going through this difficult time. And may the memory of the martyrdom of the Monk Varsonofy serve for all of us not only as a reminder of the tragedy, but also as a testimony of faithfulness to Christ, to the monastic calling, and to the holy place to which he dedicated his life.

As I ask for the prayers of the saints, I remain with fraternal love in the Lord,

+ NICHOLAS
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia