Pereslav-Zalessky, Russia, September 30, 2019
Photo: pravoslavie.ru
The body of 42-year-old Abbot Daniel (Sokolov) of the Holy Trinity-Danilov Monastery in Pereslav-Zalessky was discovered in his cell with multiple stab wounds after the morning service on July 7.
Now, after a 3-year investigation, his murdered has been found.
The Investigative Committee found the suspect the next—according to some, a novice of the monastery who disappeared immediately after the murder—though no evidence of his involvement in the crime was found, reports the Committee’s press service.
During the investigation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs investigated more than 3,000 people, when they finally received information about the possible involvement of the 31-year-old Vladivostok native Alexander Avdeev, who was sentenced to 6 years in prison in 2018 for a similar crime.
Avdeev then confessed to the murder of Abbot Daniel as well, explaining that he did so to steal 1 million rubles ($15,445), which he spent on personal needs.
The Investigative Committee stressed that his testimony is “objectively consistent with previously-obtained evidence.”
His Grace Bishop Theoctist of Pereslavl and Uglich told how Avdeev was taken to the monastery and explained exactly how he committed the crime.
“The case is solved, and the keys to Fr. Daniel’s cell will soon be returned to us,” Bp. Theoctist said.
A memorial service in Fr. Daniel’s honor was held in Fr. Daniel’s honor on July 7 at the monastery, where parishioners fondly remember the slain abbot.
Metropolitan Panteleimon of Yaroslavl and Rostov said of Fr. Daniel at the time of his murder:
Having chosen the monastic path, Fr. Daniel came to ascetically struggle in Holy Trinity-Danilov Monastery, so beloved to his heart. His labors restored the monastery, and his prayers were among the first ringing out within the monastery walls after the return of the sacred site to the Church. A few years later Fr. Daniel was given the obedience to labor as the abbot of the Holy Trinity-Danilov Monastery, to nourish the parishioners of his church, and to revive and build the monastic life. Fr. Daniel bore this obedience with love and humility. We trust in the mercy of God and we believe that the prayers and labors of Fr. Daniel will be accepted by the All-Merciful Lord, and the Lord will grant rest to this shepherd in the dwellings with the righteous. Eternal memory to the newly-departed servant of God Igumen Daniel!
