Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk left in pre-trial detention

Metropolitan Arseniy in court. Photo: 1kozakTv

On June 7 in Dnipro, at the October District Court of Dnipro, the case of the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, Metropolitan Arseniy (Yakovenko), regarding a change in his preventive measure, was heard, the monastery's press service reports.

Parishioners of the UOC came to court to support the bishop. Also, 10 deputies of the Verkhovna Rada from various factions were ready to stand as sureties for the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Monastery; they submitted relevant statements to the court.

Metropolitan Arseniy, as before, did not admit his guilt in transmitting the location of checkpoints during his sermon, which could have been used by the enemy.

"I asked the people standing in the cathedral to pray for the situation at the checkpoints to be resolved, and the pilgrims who were not allowed through eventually managed to get to the celebration," said the abbot of the Lavra.

He talked about the role the Sviatohirsk Lavra plays for Ukraine.

"The Sviatohirsk Lavra is an icon of the unity of Ukraine," emphasized Metropolitan Arseniy. "Pilgrims come to us from different parts of the country, including from the West, for example from Bukovyna. However, I am accused of betraying Ukraine. In addition to the life of prayer, we also engage in social activities. Currently, there are 100 pensioners living on the Lavra's maintenance. In 2015, there were 1,000 refugees in the Lavra, including 470 children and 74 paralyzed people. We provided foods to 3-5 thousand people a day, essentially taking on the functions of the state."

"All accusations against me are unfounded and cause me bewilderment," concluded the UOC hierarch.

The hierarch's lawyers asked the court to release Metropolitan Arseniy on bail or to set bail. The court left this request without satisfaction; the bishop remained in pre-trial detention until June 22, 2024, without the right to post bail.

As reported by the UOJ, the abbot of the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra, Metropolitan Arseniy (Yakovenko), is still in pre-trial detention, as evidence continues to be collected in his case and new examinations are being initiated.

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