UOC Primate congratulates Met. Arseniy on 20 years of episcopal ordination

Metropolitan Arseniy. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra

His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry congratulated Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk on the 20th anniversary of his episcopal consecration – a milestone the Primate called the hierarch’s “personal Pentecost.” According to the UOC press service, in his message, the UOC Primate praised Metropolitan Arseniy’s unwavering fidelity to Christ throughout two decades marked by trials, spiritual labor, and the quiet courage of confessorship. 

“The past two decades have been a vivid testimony to your faithfulness to Christ, to your quiet and courageous abiding in the Truth, now crowned by the humble bearing of the cross of confession,” the greeting reads.

His Beatitude highlighted that the hierarch has borne the cross of his ministry “not as a burden, but as a blessing,” accepting hardships and sorrows with apostolic strength and dignity. He noted that the bishop’s life itself has become a sermon, his word – a source of comfort, and his prayer – a support for countless faithful.

“In this feat is reflected the strength of true faith which, in the words of St. Basil the Great, ‘the storms of this world cannot break, for it is rooted in trust in God.’ You have shown that a true archpastor does not seek human glory but the salvation of human souls; does not pursue advantage, but serves in patience, in prayer, in love. Your life has become a sermon, your word a consolation, your prayer a support for many,” Metropolitan Onuphry said.

His Beatitude wished the hierarch health, strength, and vigor of spirit.

“We pray unceasingly that the Merciful Lord may strengthen Your Eminence in spiritual steadfastness, increase your strength and peace, grant grace and long life, so that you may continue to carry the light of Christ into the world like a lamp that burns and shines (John 5:35),” he added.

As the UOJ reported, on December 5 a court in Dnipro will determine pre-trial measures for Bishop Arseniy.

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