Metropolitan Longin: I will defend my rights in UN and EuroParliament
Metropolitan Longin. Photo: screenshot of the video of the YouTube channel “Bancheny Monastery”
Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) of the UOC (Ukrainian Orthodox Church) stated that he intends to appeal to the European Parliament and the United Nations to protect his rights, as well as the rights of the Ukrainian people who suffer due to the persecutions of the UOC. He made this statement in an address published on the YouTube channel of the Bancheny Monastery.
The hierarch noted that he would request permission from the court to travel abroad to have the opportunity to address the relevant international organizations.
Commenting on the criminal case in which he is accused of "inciting interreligious discord," Metropolitan Longin stated that he doesn't even know what he is being charged with or whom he may have offended.
According to him, the victims are the UOC congregation and the Ukrainian people, who don't even know why they have to suffer.
"Those who 'suffered' from me are not present in court. I have never seen them – neither during the investigation nor today in court. I don't know what I'm being charged with, whom I may have offended. Today, we are the victims, and we are suffering – the UOC congregation, my people. The state, the law, and the Constitution should protect each of us. [...] We need to unite now. I think it's a great shame. It's shameful that our Church and our people are suffering so much today," he said during a court recess.
As the UOJ reported, the case of Metropolitan Longin was sent to court.
Read also
Greek hierarch criticizes new school textbooks containing LGBT propaganda
Metropolitan Seraphim called on parents to monitor school lessons in order to protect their children.
Site blessed for new church construction in Oleksandriia Eparchy
On the feast day of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Bogolep laid a capsule in the foundation of a new church.
World Council of Churches condemns confiscation of Evangelical church in Iran
Secretary General Jerry Pillay demanded the return of the St. Peter's Church compound to believers.
Poland repeals law recognizing same-sex unions concluded in EU
The court ruled that the registration of foreign same-sex unions contradicts the article of the Constitution defining marriage as a union of a man and a woman.
St. Basil the Great's hand to visit Romania for first time
The relic from Greece will be displayed in the cathedral of Alexandria to mark the 30th anniversary of the local diocese.
DESS expert tells US State Department reps about religious freedom in Ukraine
Andriy Smirnov held a meeting with staff of the US State Department's Office of International Religious Freedom.