TORONTO: 31 August, 2026
Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto, Canada, the memory of the murdered Monk Varsonofy was commemorated in prayer

On Friday, August 28, 2026, the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, festive services were held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto with a large gathering of worshipers.

Divine Liturgy was led by the Rector of the cathedral, Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko, joined by Priest Pavel Ruiz-Gomar and Priest Valentin Losev, with Protodeacon Alexander Morin and Deacon Georgy Bolshane serving.

At the end of the service, Fr Vladimir addressed the parishioners with a heartfelt message dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos and the final days of Her earthly life. The rector particularly emphasized that the Mother of God does not abandon believers even after Her Dormition, but remains with us, being an Intercessor and Advocate for all who turn to Her in faith.

In his sermon, Fr Vladimir also told the parishioners about the tragic events that took place on August 23 at the Dormition Sviatogorsk Lavra, where as a result of an armed attack by militants of the Kiev regime on the monastery community, Monk Varsonofy (Turyansky) was killed, and two more people were seriously injured. Fr Vladimir expressed deep sympathy and prayers of support to the abbot, the monks, and all the residents of the Lavra who are going through this difficult ordeal.