Antiochian hierarch urges the world to pray for Metropolitan Arseniy
Metropolitan Isaac calls for prayers for Metropolitan Arseniy. Photo: UOJ
On November 6, 2025, Metropolitan Isaac (Barakat) of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in Germany and Central Europe issued a statement in defense of Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk, reports the UOJ in Germany. In his message, he highly praised the hierarch’s ministry as an example of genuine pastoral love and urged believers to join together in prayer for the persecuted bishop.
“I sincerely pray to the Lord that He may strengthen Metropolitan Arseniy, heal him physically and spiritually, and that justice and mercy may soon prevail in his case,” said Metropolitan Isaac.
He called on all the faithful to unite in prayer for the speedy release of Bishop Arseniy, for his health, and for peace in the Church and in the country.
In the full text of his statement, Metropolitan Isaac wrote:
“With deep sorrow I watch the fate of Metropolitan Arseniy, my brother in episcopal service, who for so many years has served his people with love, humility, and self-sacrificing devotion. His life’s path, especially in the difficult times of war, is a shining example of true pastoral love. He remained with his people, comforted the suffering, and helped those in need.
I sincerely pray to the Lord that He may strengthen Metropolitan Arseniy, heal him physically and spiritually, and that justice and mercy may soon be revealed in his case.
I ask everyone who hears or reads these words to join me in prayer for his speedy release, for his health, and for peace in the Church and in the country.
May the Lord Himself shed light upon this dark situation and grant us all the courage to stand for the tr
uth and for the love of Christ.”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a priest of the Bulgarian Church had also called for prayers for Bishop Arseniy.
Read also
Amsterdam criticizes anti-UOC law in British media
On the air of a British TV channel, lawyer Amsterdam stated about the torture of clergy, church seizures, and the adoption of the anti-UOC law that violates the Constitution of Ukraine.
Kyiv street and square to be renamed after Caucasian imams
The capital authorities abandoned Soviet toponyms and immortalized figures associated with the North Caucasian resistance.
Relics of Sts. Job and Amphilochius of Pochaiv permanently given to Khmelnytskyi church
On the Feast Day of St. Nicholas, the relics from the Pochaiv Lavra were brought to the St. Nicholas Cathedral, which will henceforth become a permanent place of prayerful veneration for the faithful.
In Kyiv, His Beatitude consecrates St. Nicholas Sviatosha Church
In the Sviatoshynskyi district of the capital, the Primate of the UOC performed the rite of consecration and led the Liturgy with prayers for peace, warriors, and the suffering.
In Kvasyliv, UOC believers celebrate 130th anniversary of Sts Peter and Paul Church
The hierarchs of the UOC led the solemn Liturgy in the Rivne region; during the service, prayers were offered for peace, the defenders of Ukraine, and all those in need.
His Beatitude: One deprives oneself of God’s gifts by failing to thank Him
During a sermon at the Church of St Nicholas Svyatosha in Kyiv, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful that ingratitude spiritually impoverishes a person.