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.
Read also
Pilgrim group from Kyiv Theological Seminary visits Mount Athos
KTS students are making a pilgrimage to the holy sites of Romania, Greece, Mount Athos and Italy.
UOC cathedral celebrates its patronal feast in Ternopil
The service in the cathedral of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia was led by Metropolitan Serhii of Ternopil, concelebrated by four hierarchs.
MinCulture marks centenary of Soviet-era reserve at Lavra's Refectory Church
Representatives of the Ministry of Culture presented awards to the Reserve's employees on the occasion of the anniversary at the Refectory Church of the Lavra.
Conference to mark 1700th anniversary of Christianity adoption held in Georgia
In Georgia, representatives of the Church and the state noted the defining role of Christianity in the country's cultural development.
MP urges to ease pressure on UOC for sake of peace
Oleksii Honcharenko proposed compromises on language, historical memory, and Church issues as part of efforts to achieve peace, saying those who wish to attend the “Russian Church” should be allowed to do so.
Court takes 17th-century church in Staryi Pochaiv from UOC community
A commercial court overturned a 2018 registrar’s decision and stripped the UOC’s Ternopil Eparchy of ownership of the 17th-century church.