Metropolitan Arseniy calls for faithfulness to Church from detention center

Metropolitan Arseniy. Photo: facebook.com/svlavra

Metropolitan Arseniy. Photo: facebook.com/svlavra

Metropolitan Arseniy, abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, who is currently in detention, addressed believers with guidance on how to remain faithful to Christ and the Church under persecution, Orthodox Life reports. In his letter, he emphasized that the salvation of the faithful depends on their unity with the Church.

"The Holy Fathers say that we do not save the Church, but She saves us, and all we need to do is hold on to the Mother Church, as She is the mystical yet real Body of Christ," the bishop noted.

The hierarch of the UOC reminded believers that, in addition to preserving dogmas and canons, it is essential to guard oneself against sin, which separates a person from the Church. "The most important thing is to guard ourselves against sin, which takes us away from the Church. If we are outside the Church, what benefit can we have? All our efforts will not have full strength, as they will be deprived of God's Power, that is, grace."

Metropolitan Arseniy also urged believers not to neglect the Sacraments, which strengthen their spiritual fortitude, especially Confession and Holy Communion.

In conclusion, the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra thanked everyone for their kindness and stressed that all the good in his life is connected to his belonging to the Church. "I am sinful, and if I have anything good in your eyes, it is all because I was and am a small part of the Church of Christ, which made me a bishop and, by God's action, instilled kindness toward me from good people."

As reported by UOJ, the court has extended the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra's detention until February 2025.

Read also

Congresswoman to Zelensky: Ban the Church? Then no weapons funding for you

Anna Paulina Luna criticized Zelensky for the persecution of the UOC.

Russia the first to officially recognize Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

After recognition, the Taliban raised the flag of the Islamic Emirate at the Afghan embassy in Moscow.

Armenian bishop warns authorities of possible anathema

Father Asoghik called on the authorities of Armenia to cease the persecution of the Church and put an end to the course that is destroying faith and social unity.

President of Estonia rejects anti-church bill for the second time

President Karis did not approve the bill on churches adopted by the parliament in April, considering it to be contrary to the Constitution.

Archbishop of Cyprus: We stop responding to Bishop Tychikos' letters

The Archbishop stated that the Ecumenical Patriarchate will consider not only the appeal of Metropolitan Tychikos but also the arguments of the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus.

Archbishop Pimen consecrates antimensia for churches of Rivne Eparchy

The relics will be transferred to those churches of the eparchy where the renewal or replacement of antimensia is required.