A knife attack carried out by a 31 year old Ukrainian national at the Benedictine Sisters monastery in Jarosław, Poland, on September 24 has left one dead and four others injured. According to Reuters, Father Stanisław succumbed to fatal injuries, while two people, including Father Marek, are in critical, life threatening condition.
ATTACKER IN POLICE CUSTODY
The attacker, who arrived in Poland from Germany, is in custody. Polish broadcaster Radio ESKA identified him as Ihor M, and reported that he had previously served in the Ukrainian military. According to a report by Polish media outlet Wirtualna Polska, the man had approached the abbey earlier in the day for financial assistance. However, he was asked to come back later due to the suspicion that he was drunk or under the influence of drugs. He then lost his temper and allegedly threatened the priests.
The superior of the Benedictine Sisters Monastery, Barbara Dendor, told news website Interia that Father Stanisław had been in the confessional when the attack began. He had rushed out to attempt to close the gates and protect other people, but was stabbed in the chest and abdomen by the assailant before he could do so.
TRAGIC INCIDENT SPARKS CONCERN
Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki condemned the violence and called for a swift investigation. He emphasized that the state must take relentless action to enforce the law and protect its citizens, stressing that Poland’s principles, security, and laws must be respected by everyone. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the crime “horrific,” stating that “the perpetrator of this evil must bear full responsibility according to the law.”
Locals have been lighting candles and praying in front of the abbey’s gates since the tragedy and offering Masses and rosary prayers for the victims. The mayor of Jarosław has declared a period of mourning until the end of the week.
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