Met. Arseny Released from Jail, Immediately Detained Again by Ukrainian Security Service

Metropolitan Arseny. Photo: svlavra.church.ua

DNIPRO — Lawyers succeeded in securing the release of Met. Arseny of Sviatohirsk from the pre-trial detention center in Dnipro on bail set at 1,514,000 hryvnias, equivalent to roughly $36,000. However, immediately after his release, the hierarch was detained again by officers of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

As reported by UOJ's Ukrainian bureau (SPZh), at around noon on Oct. 28, 2025, Met. Arseny was released from the detention center after the bail was paid. His release was arranged by his legal team due to his severe health condition — the hierarch urgently requires heart surgery and was expected to be taken to a hospital for treatment.

However, upon exiting the facility, he was met by SBU agents. According to available information, the security officers presented him with a previously issued notice of suspicion, delivered about three weeks earlier, and transported him to the SBU building, where he continues to be held. Officials reportedly justified their actions by citing the need to “establish all the circumstances of the case.”

Sources told UOJ-Ukraine that SBU personnel stated they could hold the hierarch for up to 72 hours. As of now, there have been no official comments from the security authorities.

Earlier, on Sept. 30, due to worsening health, Met. Arseny — abbot of the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra — was taken to a hospital in Dnipro for an examination of his heart and blood vessels. A cardiologist determined that heart surgery was necessary, and additional medical evaluations by other specialists were recommended.

Previously, UOJ reported that a Ukrainian laity movement released a video stating that authorities are slowly killing Met. Arseniy.

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