A Russian Orthodox priest monk at the All-Merciful Saviour Monastery on Vashon Island, in Washington State, was assaulted at a gas station this past week by a stranger, with authorities and the cleric pointing to a religious motive.
Abbot Tryphon said the at-large suspect “zeroed in on my cross, because when he started coming my direction, he had this look of anger.”
The leader of the Vashon monks said the suspect first asked, “How’s Trump?” When Tryphon answered, “I have no idea, that’s when he hit me.”
Law enforcement in King County released surveillance video from the incident, so members of the general public can identify the man.
In later statements, the Abbot said he wants to see the man incarcerated, not as punishment, but so he can offer him the forgiveness and compassion of Christ.
