Antiochian Hierarch Urges Prayers for Met. Arseniy

BERLIN — Met. Isaac (Barakat) of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in Germany and Central Europe has issued an urgent appeal for worldwide prayers on behalf of Met. Arseniy of Sviatohirsk, a Ukrainian bishop currently detained amid ongoing persecution.

In a heartfelt statement, Met. Isaac described Arseniy as “a shining example of true pastoral love,” highlighting his decades of humble service, especially during wartime. The bishop remained with his flock, offering comfort to the suffering and aid to the needy despite intense hardship, the UOJ's Ukraine branch reports.

“I sincerely pray to the Lord that He may strengthen Met. Arseniy, heal him physically and spiritually, and that justice and mercy may soon prevail,” Isaac wrote. He urged believers everywhere to unite in prayer for Arseniy’s immediate release, restored health, and peace within the Church and Ukraine.

The appeal follows similar calls from clergy in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Arseniy, a prominent figure in the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, has faced legal challenges widely viewed by supporters as politically motivated.

Met. Isaac concluded: “May the Lord Himself shed light upon this dark situation and grant us all the courage to stand for the truth and for the love of Christ.”

Recently, the UOJ interviewed Met. Arsiney as to why he was refused urgent medical care for his heart condition.

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