Amsterdam responds to charges against Bishop Arseniy: "Constructed lies"
Metropolitan Arseniy. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra
Robert Amsterdam, an international lawyer representing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), stated in an interview with TRT that Metropolitan Arseniy has been imprisoned for nine months under fabricated charges brought by Ukrainian authorities.
In response to a question about the arrests of UOC clergy allegedly for disclosing Ukrainian military positions or storing weapons for Russians, Amsterdam called these accusations “constructed lies.”
“You know in in Bronx language I would have stronger terms,” he said. “I know exactly the case you’re talking about – Metropolitan Arseniy, a man without a stomach who has been in horrific conditions for nine months in a Ukrainian jail. And do you know what he did? During a sermon, he was angry that the police had stopped parishioners from coming to his church.”
Amsterdam underscored that the hierarch had been in conditions that are beyond horrible for nine months because the government fabricated these charges so they could steal his church.
“It is beyond horrifying what they are doing to priests,” the lawyer added.
As previously reported by the UOJ, Robert Amsterdam has also stated that disturbing the holy relics at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is complete blasphemy.
Read also
Expert on DESS deferrals: Pagans from “Orthodoxy” and “Svit Dazhbozhyi”
Liudmyla Fylypovych analyzed the list of “exotic” cults and organizations included by DESS in its register of “critically important” groups for the country.
KDA associate professor slams DESS study on UOC's alleged affiliation to ROC
According to Fr. Herman, the study was conducted by people who lack understanding of church realities, who manipulated documents and simply tailored the conclusions to fit a predetermined result.
Court hearing in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy postponed to July 17
At the next hearing, the court is expected to consider the prosecutor’s request to extend the hierarch’s detention.
In Cherkasy, “bishop” and clergy of OCU wear vestments stolen from UOC
Media outlets have published photos of liturgical vestments and church items stolen by raiders from the Cherkasy Cathedral, which are now being used by members of Dumenko’s structure.
DESS expert comments on UOC-ROC affiliation claims
In conclusion, a religious organization can be liquidated based on its canonical affiliation – this has been repeatedly criticized by international organizations.
In Myropillia, St. Nicholas Church of UOC destroyed by shelling
As a result of a direct hit, the central part of the church was completely destroyed, the dome and central tower were demolished, and the ceilings, roof, and roofing collapsed.