Metropolitan Arseniy not to be forcibly operated on, lawyers say

Metropolitan Arseniy. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra

As reported by the defense representatives, on January 6, 2025, Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk was not transferred from the detention center to a local hospital for a forced heart surgery, and such actions are not planned in the near future. This was achieved thanks to the appeals of lawyers and numerous prayers of the faithful, according to the press service of the Sviatohirsk Lavra.

The defenders submitted an official statement to the medical institution, informing the doctors of Metropolitan Arseniy's refusal of surgery at this stage. According to the lawyers, the bishop primarily needs long-term inpatient treatment and rehabilitation, and only then possible surgical intervention in a specialized medical institution in Kyiv.

It is also reported that on January 5, the Dnipro Court of Appeal denied the defense's complaints against the decision of the Chechelivsky District Court on December 6 to extend Metropolitan Arseniy's detention for 60 days.

The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, at 1:30 p.m.

The Sviatohirsk Lavra thanked everyone for their prayerful support and congratulated the faithful on the upcoming feast of the Nativity of Christ, urging them to continue praying for Bishop Arseniy and supporting the monastery's legal defense.

Metropolitan Arseniy has been in custody for more than a year and a half. During this time, the defense has repeatedly reported a sharp deterioration in his health and the need for specialized treatment. Previously, lawyers have pointed out pressure regarding the medical care of the archbishop and the courts' disregard for the provided medical documents.

Previously, the UOJ wrote that Bishop Arseniy is being pressured into an urgent heart surgery at a local hospital.

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