Rep. Luna Hails Metr. Arseniy’s Release and Recovery
The Florida congresswoman welcomed Metr. Arseniy’s release and subsequent heart surgery while renewing calls for greater protection of Ukrainian Orthodox Christians.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a post on X, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna hailed Metr. Arseniy's release from custody and subsequent heart surgery as encouraging news, noting that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) hierarch is now recovering under house arrest after receiving urgently needed medical treatment. Luna said she and her team had worked to secure his release and thanked Ukrainian officials who cooperated in the effort.
"I am still concerned that these UOC clergymen are being targeted and have heard that they are continuing to be sent to the front lines in combatant roles which is against international law," she added.
Metr. Arseniy, abbot of the Svyatohirsk Lavra, was released to house arrest on February 25 after the Chechelivskyi District Court of Dnipro changed his preventive measure following nearly two years in detention. His incarceration, which began in April 2024, drew widespread attention among Orthodox Christians and religious freedom advocates both within Ukraine and abroad.
Less than a month after his release, Metr. Arseniy underwent successful heart surgery at a Kyiv clinic on March 18. According to reports from the monastery, doctors determined that his prolonged detention had significantly worsened his coronary heart disease and warned that further delays could have caused irreversible damage. The operation was completed without complications, and the Metropolitan subsequently began a period of rehabilitation.
Luna has emerged as a prominent American supporter of the UOC in recent months. In her latest statement, she vowed, “I will continue to fight for Christians being persecuted, especially if it is in a country that is ASKING for our aid, and will be tracking all of this."
Earlier this year, she pledged to document alleged church seizures and raise concerns about religious freedom issues affecting UOC communities, arguing that countries receiving U.S. assistance should respect the rights of religious believers.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Hilarion was released without charges as the Czech investigation continued.
