Video shows Metropolitan Arseniy brought to court in handcuffs

Metropolitan Arseniy in handcuffs in court. Photo: screenshot from the video of the Svyatogorsk Lavra Telegram channel

On December 15, 2025, Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk was brought in handcuffs to a preparatory hearing of the Chechelivskyi District Court in Dnipro. A video of the hierarch’s arrival at the hearing was published on social media by the press service of the Sviatohirsk Lavra.

The press service of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church commented on the situation, noting that the hierarch – who had earlier been denied hospitalization by the court – was escorted by four security officers.

“In the comments, readers compare the measures that have been applied to Metropolitan Arseniy for a prolonged period with the treatment of individuals suspected of crimes whose public resonance has shaken not only Ukrainian society but has also affected the country’s image among its partner states,” the statement by the UOC Information and Education Department says.

Later, the Sviatohirsk monastery published another video showing clergy and faithful attempting to support Metropolitan Arseniy, joking about his ‘chains.’

As the UOJ previously reported, the court had extended Metropolitan Arseniy’s detention in custody until February 2026.

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