Court rules to keep Metropolitan Arseniy in SIZO till end of May

Court hearing in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy, March 27, 2025. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra
On March 27, 2025, a hearing was held in the Sloviansk City District Court of Donetsk Region, during which the judge ruled to extend the pre-trial detention of Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk. According to the press service of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, the judge granted the prosecutor's request to keep Metropolitan Arseniy in custody for another two months.
The defense argued for a change in the measure of restraint to one not involving detention, such as release on bail, personal surety by Members of the Ukrainian Parliament, or house arrest.
Metropolitan Arseniy’s legal team presented all the necessary evidence refuting the prosecutor’s earlier claims about alleged risks associated with his release from custody.
Eleven Members of the Ukrainian Parliament submitted official statements expressing their readiness to vouch for Metropolitan Arseniy.
“After hearing both the defense and prosecution, the court rejected the motions filed by the lawyers and MPs to release the Metropolitan, siding with the prosecutor’s request, which was not supported by any evidence,” the Lavra's statement reads.
The lawyers are now preparing an appeal to overturn the court’s decision.
The next hearing is scheduled for April 14, Holy Monday, at 13:00.
Metropolitan Arseniy has been held in pre-trial detention at the Dnipro SIZO for nearly a year – since April 24, 2024.
“Dear brothers and sisters, we ask for your prayers for the imprisoned Metropolitan Arseniy and the brethren of the Lavra,” the message concludes.
Supporters are also encouraged to contribute financially. Donation details are available on the Sviatohirsk Lavra’s official website.
As previously reported by the UOJ, an appeals court had earlier extended Metropolitan Arseniy’s detention until March 30.
Read also

Zelensky wants to ensure "spiritual independence" from Christ – Novynskyi
The protodeacon believes that under the pretext of "spiritual independence," the authorities are simply fighting against the canonical Church.
Detained archbishops of Armenian Church declare hunger strike
In Armenia, the detained Archbishops Galstanyan and Ajapahyan have declared a hunger strike.
Estonian Church thanks country's president for upholding Constitution
The EOCC expressed hope that the country's parliament will refrain from attempts to ban the Church.
His Beatitude's fellow villagers share thoughts on his passport deprived
Believers doubt the legality and justification of this decision.
Dumenko to Community of Democracies: UOC is creating "persecution image"
Dumenko told the head of the international community that there is freedom of religion in Ukraine.
Entire Orthodox world is with you – Bancheny Monastery backs His Beatitude
The brethren of the monastery emphasized that Metropolitan Onuphry was and is their Primate.