Sviatohirsk Lavra Publishes Fresh Account of Metr. Arseniy Court Hearing

Metr.. Arseniy and faithful shortly after his release. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra

DNIPRO, UKRAINE — New details have emerged regarding the release of Metr. Arseniy, as Sviatohirsk Lavra published a more full account of the court proceedings that led to his transfer from pre-trial detention to 24-hour house arrest.

According to the Lavra, the Checheliyivskyi District Court of Dnipro reviewed a defense motion seeking a preventive measure not involving detention. Metr. Arseniy participated in the hearing in person, while faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) gathered in support. Ukrainian MP Viktoriya Hryb was also present. Defense attorneys argued that detention is an exceptional measure and pointed to jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights recognizing round-the-clock house arrest as an alternative.

After deliberation, Judge Tetyana Bezruk ordered 24-hour house arrest without electronic monitoring until April 25, 2026. The court denied a motion to return the indictment, and the ruling is not subject to appeal. The next hearing is scheduled for March 5 at 11:30.

The Sviatohirsk Lavra has released its first video since the archpastor’s release. In the footage, Metr. Arseniy glorifies the Most Holy Theotokos, proclaiming: “Rejoice, O Good Gatekeeper, who opens the gates of Paradise to the faithful!”

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Arseniy's custody was prolonged despite health warnings.

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