Court keeps Metropolitan Arseniy in pre-trial detention
Metropolitan Arseniy (Yakovenko). Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra
On January 30, 2025, the Sloviansk City District Court of Donetsk Region extended the detention period for the abbot of Sviatohirsk Lavra, Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk. His previous arrest was set to expire on February 2, but the court ruled to keep Metropolitan Arseniy in the Dnipro pre-trial detention center for another 60 days, until March 30.
This decision was made despite requests from eleven Ukrainian Members of Parliament from various factions, who petitioned for his release on bail or under personal surety.
Metropolitan Arseniy’s lawyers are already preparing appeals against this court ruling.
Additionally, during the January 30 session, the court began considering a defense motion requesting permission to broadcast the trial hearings on the YouTube channel and website of "Judicial Power of Ukraine." The lawyers had filed this motion three months ago, arguing that a public broadcast would allow all interested parties to follow the case. However, no decision has been made on this matter yet, and its review will continue at the next hearing.
The next court session on Metropolitan Arseniy’s case is scheduled for February 4, 2025, and will be held online. The hearing is set to begin at 1:00 PM.
As previously reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Arseniy has been in the Dnipro pre-trial detention center since April 24, 2024. Believers continue to call for prayers for the imprisoned bishop and the brotherhood of the Lavra.
Read also
OCU eparchy sells church center site to developer for housing
The OCU’s Volyn Eparchy sold land intended for a spiritual center to a private developer planning to build townhouses and residential buildings.
SBU names UOC priest’s wife a suspect in Cherkasy region
The SBU accused Matushka Kateryna Prykotenko of “spreading enemy propaganda” through correspondence with parishioners.
UGCC cleric calls Russian Orthodox literature dangerous for clergy
While examining the causes of divisions within the UGCC, Yustyn Boiko concluded that Russian Orthodox literature had influenced Greek Catholic clergy.
UOC will play major role in achieving peace, says Vadym Novynskyi
UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi believes the Church will help bring about reconciliation within Ukrainian society after the war ends.
Catholic media outraged by forcible conscription of Uniate cleric
The Vatican’s Apostolic Nunciature has demanded the return of a forcibly mobilized Greek Catholic cleric.
Rivne court fines man for criticizing parish's "transfer" to OCU
A resident of the Rivne region was convicted over Facebook posts criticizing the “transfer” of a religious community in the village of Butove to the OCU.