Court extends round-the-clock house arrest for Metropolitan Arseniy

Metropolitan Arseniy. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra's Telegram channel

On April 20, 2026, the Chechelivsky District Court considered the issue of extending the preventive measure for Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk, whose term was set to expire on April 25, reports the press service of the Sviatohirsk Lavra.

His Eminence and his lawyers participated in the hearing via videoconference.

On this topic Release of Metropolitan Arseniy – result of U.S. pressure, Greek media say

The prosecution insisted on extending the round-the-clock arrest for another two months. The metropolitan's defense asked the court to replace the preventive measure with nighttime arrest or bail, noting that over two months His Eminence had not committed a single violation.

After hearing both sides, Judge Tetiana Bezruk ruled to extend the round-the-clock house arrest, while simultaneously allowing Metropolitan Arseniy to undergo any medical procedures without separate court permission. It is noted that previously such right applied only to emergency procedures. 

The court's decision also granted the defense's motion for the return of bail posted last autumn by twenty donors.

Believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church came to the courtroom to support His Eminence, and Verkhovna Rada deputy Victoria Hryb participated in the hearing online.

As the UOJ reported, Metropolitan Arseniy underwent heart surgery.

Read also

US helps restore Orthodox church in Turkey after earthquake

Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines

Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat

Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.

Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center

The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."

OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media

OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.

Kamianske Eparchy commemorates New Martyr Ioann Mohylevsky