Metropolitan Longin: They can imprison me, but not the whole of Ukraine

Metropolitan Longin in front of the courthouse. Photo: UOJ

Metropolitan Longin in front of the courthouse. Photo: UOJ

On November 17, 2023, hundreds of believers came to the Hertsa District Court to support Metropolitan Longin during the hearing of the case against him, according to the UOJ correspondent.

While the hearings were underway, the clergy and parishioners prayed and served akathists.

Leaving the courtroom, the metropolitan addressed everyone gathered with words of gratitude in Romanian and Ukrainian.

"I am very grateful to you for your love, for your faith, for being true Christians of our Orthodox Church," said Metropolitan Longin. "We want peace and tranquility, we want God's blessing for everyone. We pray for our country. We have always served it and will continue to serve it because it is our country. But there are people who want to disgrace us. Lord, forgive them all. They can kill me, they can arrest me, but they cannot arrest the entire country. Always remain faithful to God, our canonical Orthodox Church, and our beloved Metropolitan Onuphry in our hearts and souls. I bless you all to pray and thank you for your support."

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the lawyer of Metropolitan Longin died from poisoning.

Read also

OSCE expert: Pressure on Romanian parishes may strengthen UOC in EU courts

The oppression of Romanian-speaking Orthodox communities reveals the true motives of the Ukrainian authorities regarding religious freedoms.

“OCU Lavra abbot” claims UOC monks “betrayed” relics of Venerable Fathers

Avrahamiy Lotysh accused the monks of the monastery – who have been denied access to the Kyiv Caves Lavra catacombs for several months – of having “forgotten their duties.”

ROC DECR Chairman informs Pope of persecution against UOC

During the conversation, numerous topics were discussed, including the state of Orthodox-Catholic dialogue and ongoing global conflicts.

Faithful in Chernivtsi Oblast hold procession for the Baptism of Rus’ Day

Orthodox believers from Bukovyna are walking in prayer toward the patronal feast of the Vladimir Monastery in Kolinkivtsi.

Human rights advocates: TRC threatens those wishing to join Romanian Church

Three communities in Chernivtsi Oblast were threatened with mobilization of their men if they did not withdraw applications to change jurisdiction.

Human rights advocates: DESS sabotaging establishment of RomOC in Ukraine

Yelenskyi claims that the existence of Romanian Church structures in Ukraine requires the consent of the OCU.