Amsterdam & Partners LLP condemned the murder of Monk Varsanofy at the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra on August 23, attributing the violence to a state-led campaign against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

The law firm stated that the attack occurred on the same day President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted Ukraine’s National Prayer Breakfast in Kyiv. Amsterdam & Partners described this timing as highlighting "staggering hypocrisy" by the administration, which it claims fosters persecution while publicly celebrating religious freedom.

Attack Details

On August 23, unidentified individuals entered the Sviatohirsk Lavra and attacked monastery members. The assault resulted in the death of Monk Varsanofy (Turyansky). Monk Hryhoriy and Andriy Kyriienko, a refugee residing at the monastery, were wounded in the incident.

Robert Amsterdam, Founder and Managing Partner of Amsterdam & Partners, which serves as international counsel to the UOC, stated that the murder is a "horrifying consequence" of an atmosphere created by political leadership. He noted that the UOC had declared independence in 2022 after backing Ukraine during the Russian invasion.

Political Context

The firm accused the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), led by Viktor Yelensky, of playing a leading role in escalating violence and coercion against the UOC. Amsterdam & Partners argued that state institutions systematically portray the UOC as suspect to prop up the rival Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).

Amsterdam warned that international leaders participating in the prayer breakfast must consider whether their presence legitimizes conduct that violates religious freedom principles. He emphasized that Ukraine’s independence should not be hijacked by a government undermining fundamental freedoms.

What the Numbers Show

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Calls for Action

Amsterdam & Partners called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the attack. The firm urged the identification and prosecution of those responsible for Monk Varsanofy’s killing. It further requested that Ukraine’s international partners scrutinize the wider campaign against the UOC and demand respect for religious freedom and institutional independence.