Serbian hierarch supports Met. Arseniy and Sviatohirsk Lavra brethren

Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral. Photo: svlavra.church.ua

Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral (the Serbian Orthodox Church) expressed his sincere support for Metropolitan Arseniy and the Sviatohirsk Lavra brethren. As stated in his letter, the Serbian hierarch learned about the criminal prosecution of the monastery's abbot from the media.

"We know Metropolitan Arseniy as a wise shepherd, who is shunned by his brother bishops both in Ukraine and beyond, by the brothers of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, by their number of parishioners-pilgrims and refugees, who found shelter in the holy monastery from the beginning of the war. Since 2014 and to this day, the monastery, at its own expense and with the support of various social missions from different eparchies of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, has been consistently carrying out humanitarian activities, supporting local residents not only in difficult wartime circumstances but often in the most challenging conditions for survival," the hierarch highlighted.

Metropolitan Joanikije, expressing his sincere support for Metropolitan Arseniy and the brethren entrusted to his hegumenal care, expressed his hope for a democratic and impartial approach to the resolution of the bishop's case.

The Serbian hierarch also hopes that Metropolitan Arseniy will soon be able to return to managing the monastery and continue its social activities.

"In these holy days, we believe that the Risen Christ will not abandon His faithful servant, will bless the triumph of justice and will allow Metropolitan Arseniy to return in good health to his immediate duties as abbot of the Lavra," the letter says.

As reported by the UOJ, a prayer service for Metropolitan Arseniy was held at the relics of John of Shanghai in the United States.

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