UOC bishop asks Zelensky to change the measure of restraint for Met Arseny

Metropolitan Yevlogy of Sumy and Akhtyrka. Photo: portal-pravoslavie.sumy.ua

On April 25, 2024, Metropolitan Yevlogy of Sumy and Akhtyrka appealed to President Volodymyr Zelensky in connection with the arrest of Metropolitan Arseny of Sviatohirsk. The bishop's letter was published on the website of the Sumy Diocese.

Metropolitan Yevlogy described Metropolitan Arseny as a pious monk, a wise abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, a respected archpastor, a true patriot of Ukraine, and reminded of his extensive humanitarian work throughout the years of warfare.

"It is known that for many years, the Sviatohirsk Lavra has provided shelter, food, and medical assistance to numerous refugees and victims of hostilities," wrote the hierarch of the UOC.

Expressing hope that "the criminal investigation against Metropolitan Arseny will be impartial and fair," the bishop drew attention to the health condition of Metropolitan Arseny.

"At present, I would like to note the following: knowing that His Eminence Metropolitan Arseny has many illnesses and requires constant medical supervision, I am deeply concerned about his forced detention in a remand centre. This can irreparably harm his extremely weak health and lead to dire consequences," wrote Metropolitan Yevlogy.

He appealed to the President to provide Metropolitan Arseny (Yakovenko) with the opportunity to be under constant medical observation by mitigating his measure of restraint so that it does not involve constant confinement in a pre-trial detention center.

As the UOJ reported, an international alliance demanded the release of Sviatohirsk bishop from custody, noting that foreign members of the organization are ready to provide personal surety for the UOC hierarch.

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