The UOC Department of Administration spoke in support of Metropolitan Arseny of Sviatogorsk

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) spoke in support of Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatogorsk, commenting on the recent decision to extend his detention indefinitely. In his address, the hierarch called what is happening a disregard for the law and humanity, and called on the faithful to pray intensely for the health and salvation of Metropolitan Arseny.

Commenting on the extension of the arrest, Metropolitan Anthony expressed bewilderment at the actions of the authorities. «Humanly speaking, we cannot find an explanation for why this is happening, why they disregard the law and even what they like to call in a democratic society — humanity,» he said. In his opinion, the purpose of such actions may be an attempt to break the spirit of Metropolitan Arseniy, but he expressed confidence that it is impossible to undermine his spirit.

Metropolitan Anthony characterized Metropolitan Arseny as «a deeply religious and devoted to the will of God,» who «did nothing illegal in his life.» He emphasized that all of Metropolitan Arseny’s works were aimed at the benefit of the Church and the beautification of the Donbas land with numerous churches.

Drawing historical parallels, the hierarch recalled the persecution of Christians in ancient times and in the XX century. He quoted the words of the ancient apologists: «The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians,» emphasizing that the suffering and devotion of believers only strengthen the Church. Metropolitan Anthony also mentioned the Renewal schism as an example of an attempt to bring confusion into the minds of the faithful, noting that the Church has survived thanks to the steadfastness of its followers.

Metropolitan Anthony concluded his remarks by calling on the faithful to pray for Metropolitan Arseny. «It is necessary to pray for the health and salvation of Metropolitan Arseny, so that the Lord will help him, » he said. The hierarch expressed hope that the Mother of God, whose icons Vladyka Arseny especially venerated, will intercede for him and grant him patience and courage to endure all the trials. «It is in such a state that the human spirit very often grows manifold,» Metropolitan Anthony concluded.

We will remind, Soborny district court of Dnipro decided to elect a measure of restraint in the form of detention without the right to bail for Metropolitan of Svyatogorsk Arseny. The decision was made in the evening of November 3, 2025 after a multi-hour session, during which the bishop’s health deteriorated sharply, requiring his hospitalization. The court ignored requests for sureties from 10 people’s deputies of Ukraine and requests from the Metropolitan himself to undergo treatment. Of his 60 days in the pre-trial detention center, 38 of them cannot be bailed for the bishop.