Metropolitan John of Montenegro-Primorye (Serbian Orthodox Church) expressed sincere support to Metropolitan Arseny of Svyatogorsk and the brethren of the Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra entrusted to his hegumen's care. He expressed hope "for a democratic and impartial approach to solving the case of Vladyka Arseny, after which he would be able to return to the management of the monastery and to further social activities in it."
It is known that at the end of April, the Security Service of Ukraine conducted searches at the Svyatogorsk Lavra, one of the largest monasteries of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, known in Ukraine and abroad. The vicar of the monastery, Metropolitan Arseny of Svyatogorsk, was charged with suspicion under political articles. His word in the temple is called the basis for criminal prosecution. Metropolitan Arseny himself was detained during the search, and the next day the court arrested him for 60 days of detention without the right to bail. On May 13, the Court of Appeal upheld the measure of restraint.
"We know Metropolitan Arseny as a wise pastor who enjoys respect from fellow bishops both in Ukraine and abroad, the brethren of the Svyatogorsk Lavra, its numerous parishioners-pilgrims and refugees who have found shelter in the holy monastery since the beginning of the war," Metropolitan Ioanniky said in a letter published on the website of the Svyatogorsk laurels. "Since 2014 and to this day, the monastery, at its own expense and with the support of many social missions of various dioceses of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, has been steadily carrying out humanitarian activities every day, supporting local residents not just in difficult circumstances of wartime, but – quite often – in the most difficult conditions for survival."
"On these holy days, we believe that the Risen Christ will not leave His faithful servant, bless the triumph of the law and direct Metropolitan Arseny to return in good health to the immediate duties of the vicar of the Lavra," writes Metropolitan John of Montenegro and Primorye.