Kiev, March 19, 2026
Photo: svlavra.church.ua
The persecuted Ukrainian hierarch Metropolitan Arseny of Svyatogorsk underwent heart surgery at a clinic in Kiev yesterday, reports the Holy Dormition-Svyatogorsk Lavra.
His Eminence’s already poor health was greatly exacerbated by his nearly two years in pre-trial detention on fake charges by Ukrainian authorities.
Doctors determined back in September that he needed urgent heart surgery, but he was denied proper medical care while in detention.
Following his release from detention on February 25, the Metropolitan and abbot of the Svyatogorsk Lavra underwent the necessary examinations and preparations for surgery due to serious cardiovascular problems.
The operation lasted several hours and, by God’s mercy, concluded successfully. According to doctors, the Metropolitan’s nearly two-year detention had significantly worsened his condition. Had surgery been delayed much longer, irreversible consequences would have set in, at which point an operation would no longer have been possible. The persecuted hierarch now has to undergo a period of rehabilitation.
On the day of his surgery, the brotherhood of the Lavra and the sisters of its sketes served a molieben for the successful outcome of the surgery.
“We thank God for His mercy toward the abbot of the Lavra. We also thank all those who have been praying alongside the Metropolitan in spirit and ask that you continue to keep him in your prayers.”
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