Primate of UOC Congratulates Met. Arseniy on 20th Anniversary of His Episcopal Consecration
The hierarch - who has been in custody for a year-and-a-half - is spending his anniversary in court.
KYIV — His Beatitude Met. Onuphry has congratulated Met. Arseniy of Sviatohirsk on the 20th anniversary of his episcopal consecration. As reported by the UOC press service, the Primate noted the bishop’s fidelity to Christ, his steadfastness in trials, and his bearing of the cross of confession.
It should be noted that Met. Arseniy is spending this anniversary in court. Having already been in custody for a year-and-a-half, a hearing was scheduled for today to determine if his stay in detention will be lengthened even more.
"The past two decades have become a vivid testimony to your faithfulness to Christ, to your quiet and courageous standing in the Truth, which is now being crowned by the humble bearing of the cross of confession," the greeting from Met. Onuphry reads.
His Beatitude emphasized that Met. Arseniy has borne it “not as a burden, but as a blessing, accepting hardships, sorrows, and trials with apostolic steadfastness and spiritual dignity.”
“In this struggle is reflected the power of true faith which, in the words of St. Basil the Great, 'the storms of this world cannot break, for it is rooted in trust in God.' You have shown that a true archpastor does not seek human glory, but the salvation of human souls; does not strive for advantage, but serves in patience, in prayer, in love. Your life has become a sermon, your word a consolation, your prayer a support for many," Met. Onuphry said.
His Beatitude Onuphry wished the hierarch health, strength, and vigor of spirit:
“We pray unceasingly that the Merciful Lord may strengthen Your Grace upon the spiritual rock, grant you strength and peace, bestow grace and longevity, so that you may continue to bring the light of Christ to the world, like a lamp that burns and shines (John 5:35)."
Previously, UOJ reported that Met. Arseniy — who is in desperate need of heart surgery — fell ill during a hearing, forcing a postponement.
