Sviatohirsk Lavra congratulates imprisoned Bishop Arseniy on Christmas

Metropolitan Arseniy at the Christmas service in 2023. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra

The brethren of the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra, the sisters of the monastery's sketes, as well as the faithful who took refuge in the monastery during the hostilities, sent a Christmas greeting to Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk, who is in custody, as reported on the official website of the Sviatohirsk Lavra.

In the greeting, the flock assured the archbishop, who is spending his second Christmas in a detention center, of their prayerful support, reminding him of their love and gratitude.

"This is already the second Christmas you are celebrating in custody, far from your native Holy Mountains and from the Lavra services. Yet we know and believe that for the Christ Child there are no barriers, locks, or walls. Just as He once humbly descended into a cave, so now He visits you in your confinement, granting consolation that surpasses all earthly understanding," the message says.

They also noted that despite the distance and imprisonment, spiritual unity and prayerful connection remain unshakable. The monks told the bishop that they daily offer prayers for him before the miraculous icon of the Sviatohirsk Mother of God.

The greeting was signed by the Lavra's brethren, the sisters of the sketes, and lay refugees who found shelter in the monastery.

In the letter, they also wished Metropolitan Arseniy comfort from the Christ Child and a speedy return to his native monastery. The authors of the message emphasized that the bishop's example of steadfastness strengthens the faith of all who share the path of trials with him.

"May the light of the Nativity of Christ warm your heart in the narrow cell of confinement, turning it into Heaven. We ask the Lord that the joy of Christmas may also touch your present companions, who share with you the hardships of imprisonment, and bring peace to their souls. We await you, pray unceasingly, and love you endlessly! Christ is born – glorify Him!" the faithful wished their archpastor.

As the UOJ reported, calls grow in U.S. to repeal the anti-UOC law and free Metropolitan Arseniy.

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