Hieromonk Lavrenty (in the world Luka Evseevich Proskura) was born in 1868 in the village of Karylske, Chernigov province. From a young age, he showed talents in music and singing, and he studied the art of choir directing. At the age of 17, he became a tailor to help his family. After the death of his mother, he decided to enter the monastery, but his older brother convinced him to stay.
Luka managed the choir of the Rykhlovsky Nikolsky Monastery, which gained fame. In 1905, he moved to Chernigov, where he continued his spiritual life. In 1912, he was tonsured into monasticism with the name Lavrenty, and then ordained as hierodeacon and hieromonk. In 1928, he was elevated to the rank of archimandrite.
After the monastery was closed, he lived in a humble cottage, performing services in the Ilyininsky Church. He preserved church books and a musical library despite the difficulties. During the Great Patriotic War, at his urging, the Trinity Monastery was restored, where he again managed the choir.
He passed away on January 19 (6) 1950. The burial service was led by Bishop Jacob. He was buried in the crypt under the Trinity Cathedral. After the monastery was closed, access to his grave was restricted, but after 26 years, the faithful were once again able to venerate his memory.
