Sviatohirsk Lavra congratulates Metropolitan Arseniy on his 57th birthday

Metropolitan Arseniy. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra Telegram channel

On June 21, 2025, the 57th birthday of Metropolitan Arseniy – who has been held in pre-trial detention for over a year – the brethren, sisters, and refugees of the Sviatohirsk Lavra sent greetings to their abbot and assured him of their constant prayers before the miracle-working icon of the Most Holy Theotokos and the relics of the Sviatohirsk saints.

"Your life’s path is one of sacrifice, love, fatherhood, and confession. From the first days of your ministry in the Holy Mountains to this very moment – when your spiritual strength shines all the more brightly in the midst of trial – you remain for us a father, a pastor, an intercessor, and an example of uncompromising faithfulness to God and His Church," the greeting reads.

The faithful offered the following heartfelt wishes: "May your whole life, like a lamp, continue to burn before Christ and warm the hearts of all those for whom you have become a source of inspiration and comfort."

"We wish you strength of soul and body, heavenly consolation, the grace of God, and a swift release! May your sorrows be transformed into joy, and your patience into a crown of spiritual victory," the Lavra community added.

As previously reported by the UOJ, on June 19, 2025, another court hearing was held in the Sloviansk City-District Court of Donetsk Region in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy, abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra. The defense, among other matters, raised the issue of ensuring his right to be visited by a priest.

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