Ukrainian Court Releases Metr. Arseniy to House Arrest
After nearly two years in custody, Metr. Arseniy has been released to house arrest by a Dnipro court.
DNIPRO, UKRAINE — The Chechelivskyi District Court of Dnipro on February 25, 2026, ruled to change the preventive measure for Metr. Arseniy, abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, from detention in custody to house arrest, bringing an end to nearly two years of pretrial confinement.
In total, the hierarch spent one year and ten months behind bars following his arrest on April 25, 2024. His detention had drawn significant attention among the faithful and observers of Church–state relations in Ukraine.
The court’s decision allows Metr. Arseniy to leave pretrial detention under specified conditions while legal proceedings continue. Supporters have maintained close interest in the case throughout the duration of his incarceration, which has remained a topic of public and ecclesiastical discussion.
Lawyer Robert Amsterdam on X expressed profound gratitude for all who prayed for and supported Metr. Arseniy during his detention.
The Society of St. John of Shanghai celebrated Metr. Arseniy's release as well, stating, "We thank God, who heard the prayers of his people and did not forget his long-suffering servant, Vladyka Arseniy."
Previously, the UOJ reported that, less than two weeks prior, the court had upheld the ongoing detention of Metr. Arseniy.
