At a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on October 22, it was decided to dismiss Bishop Kirill of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov from the post of vicar of the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, expressing gratitude for his efforts, while retaining the administration of the Sergiev Posad diocese and the position of rector of the Moscow Theological Academy.
During the years of his service as the vicar of the Lavra, a lot has been done. The icon of the Trinity, painted by St. Andrey Rublev, was returned to the monastery. In honor of this event, a new church holiday was established — the bringing of the image of the Holy and Life-giving Trinity to the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra. The Kinovia Lavra cultural and educational center, the bell ringing museum in the Lavra, and much more were created. Bishop Kirill put all his strength into the monastery, both spiritual and physical. Under his leadership, the Lavra lived a full church life: divine services were held, educational and social work was carried out.
Vladyka was always by the side of the brethren and parishioners. His word, prayer, and concern for everyone who came to the Lavra is something that will remain in the hearts of many people.
By a decision of the Holy Synod, His Grace Bishop Savva of Armavir and Labinsk was appointed vicar of the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra with the title "Zaraisky", relieving him of the administration of the Diocese of Armavir and expressing gratitude for his efforts.
Bishop Savva, in the world Evgeny Vladimirovich Lesnoy, was born in 1973 in the Lipetsk region. In 1998, he entered the brotherhood of the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, and since then his life has been inextricably linked with the monastery of St. Sergius.
In 1999, at the Trinity Lavra Cathedral, he took monastic vows with the name Savva, in honor of St. Sava of Serbia. In the same year, he graduated from the Moscow Theological Academy with a PhD in Theology.
From 2010 to 2023, Vladyka served at the Monastery's compound, at the Gremyachy Klyuch, the source of St. Sergius. At first he was an employee of the hieromonk, and then the rector.
In 2024, he was consecrated bishop of Armavir and Labinsk, and now returns to his native Lavra as a vicar.
This is especially important for the monastery of the Monk. The lavra will be headed by a person who knows it from the inside — the brethren, the divine services, the history of the monastery and its needs.
We wish Vladyka Savva strength, wisdom and God's help in this responsible ministry. Have a long and happy summer!