Lawyers file a motion for judge’s recusal in Metropolitan Arseniy case

Hearing in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra website

On September 10, 2025, the Sloviansk City District Court of Donetsk region held another preparatory hearing in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk, the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra. Presiding judge Tetiana Khaustova proceeded with the session despite the absence of part of Metropolitan Arseniy’s defense team.

The court examined motions filed by the defense back in June of this year. The judge denied the request to return the indictment to the prosecutor on the grounds of its non-compliance with criminal procedural law. At the same time, the court granted the petition to restore Metropolitan Arseniy’s rights to medical care. The Dnipro pre-trial detention center (SIZO) has been ordered to conduct a medical examination and provide proper treatment for the hierarch. However, the request for oversight by Members of the Ukrainian Parliament was ignored.

Since the hearing was conducted without the full participation of all attorneys – which constitutes a violation of Metropolitan Arseniy’s right to legal defense – the defense filed a motion to recuse the presiding judge. Further proceedings in the case will continue after a decision is made on this motion. The date for its consideration has not yet been set.

On the day of the hearing, the brotherhood of Sviatohirsk Lavra served a collective moleben before the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God “Sviatohirska,” praying for their abbot. The monastery continues its round-the-clock reading of the Akathist to the Protection of the Mother of God. Metropolitan Arseniy has been held in the Dnipro SIZO since April 25, 2024.

As a reminder, on September 5 the court once again postponed the hearing in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk.

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