OCU lobbyist speaks of Metropolitan Arseniy's "colossal guilt" before Ukraine

Journalist Yaroslava Mishchenko, who is associated with the leadership of the OCU, made harsh statements against Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk (UOC), saying that he is «colossally guilty before Ukraine.» Samokhvalova believes that Metropolitan Arseniy, through his suffering in the pre-trial detention center, helps to create an information pretext for criticizing the Ukrainian government and the OCU.

It is reported that at a meeting at the Media Center Ukraine, Yaroslava Mishchenko said that she was following the trials of Metropolitan Arseniy through Russian resources. «It is known that Bishop Arseniy’s guilt is enormous before Ukraine,» she emphasized. According to the journalist, the Metropolitan did not go to Russia, which she called his «politically close homeland,» because he «wants to be those operators or objects of demonstrative persecution.»

Commenting on the transitions of parishes, Mishchenko expressed surprise at why the UOC resources cover conflict situations that she claims are «provoked by Moscow.» She stated that this ignores «dozens, hundreds of beautiful transitions.» «Well, sometimes the transitions are accompanied by some conflicts, some acute situation. Well, not without reason, because it is ultimately provoked by Moscow,» she explained.

At the end of her speech, the journalist noted that the OCU is ready to treat the UOC believers «with love.» However, according to her, this is possible only if a certain condition is met: the dialogue will become fruitful only if the state completes the process, which she called «the liquidation of the Church.»

Earlier, Metropolitan Isaac (Barakat) of Germany and Central Europe, a hierarch of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, publicly expressed support for Metropolitan Arseny of Sviatohirsk, who is under investigation. In his address, he emphasized the pastoral merits of Bishop Arseny and called on the faithful to pray for his speedy release and healing.