Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk marks 30 years as abbot of the Lavra

Metropolitan Arseniy. Photo: svlavra.church.ua

On January 20, 2025, Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk celebrates 30 years of serving as the abbot of the Holy Mountains Monastery, according to the monastery's website.

In their congratulations, the brotherhood of the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra noted that on January 10, 1995, by the decree of Bishop Alipy (Pohrebniak) of Horlivka and Sloviansk, Metropolitan Arseniy was appointed abbot of the Sviatohirsk Monastery. On January 20 of the same year, he was elevated to the rank of hegumen and entrusted with the abbot’s staff.

Throughout his ministry, Metropolitan Arseniy has distinguished himself as an outstanding spiritual guide, administrator, and architect of the Lavra's revival.

Under his leadership, the monastery was restored from ruins, transformed, and elevated to the status of a Lavra. Ancient monastic traditions were revived, churches were beautified, sketes were established, and educational and cultural projects were launched.

Metropolitan Arseniy made a significant contribution to the social and spiritual life of the Donetsk region. His efforts restored historical monuments, published scholarly works on the Lavra's history, and established Sviatohirsk as a cultural center of the region.

Metropolitan Arseniy is the first abbot of the Lavra to serve in the episcopal rank. Today, he continues his ministry despite being imprisoned in a pre-trial detention center, following in the footsteps of the holy confessors of the past.

The Lavra's brotherhood, skete sisters, refugees, and pilgrims express hope for Metropolitan Arseniy’s swift return to the monastery and pray for him to be granted strength for his further ministry.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Arseniy gave an interview to British media about the persecution of the UOC.

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