Metropolitan Longin: Two state expert examinations prove that I am innocent
Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) in front of the courthouse on May 21, 2024. Photo: screenshot from the Bancheny Monastery YouTube channel
Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny stated that there had been expert examinations proving his innocence. He shared this with the UOC believers who had come to support him in court in the city of Hertsa in Bukovyna on May 21.
"I have two state expert examinations exonerating me. i.e. proving that I am not guilty of what I am being accused of. Their examination is illegal. The person who wrote the expertise did not have a license or the right to do so," the bishop said.
The hierarch of the UOC also claims that the prosecution is altering the facts of the case and adding data that he has nothing to do with.
"They do not give me the right to speak, they changed everything... Mr. Prosecutor also added three letters: 'OCU,' which I never mentioned and will not mention because they mean nothing to me," emphasized the metropolitan.
The UOC hierarch also thanked everyone for their support and asked them to remain steadfast in their Orthodox faith.
As the UOJ reported, Metropolitan Longin asked believers to support him in court, assuming that the hearing on May 21 would be more challenging than previous ones.
Read also
Greek authorities to close illegal mosques in Athens
A large-scale inspection of religious sites has begun in Athens, during which authorities intend to close around 60 mosques operating without permits
Polish Church discusses prospects for Orthodox religious classes in schools
In Warsaw, representatives of the Polish Orthodox Church and the Ministry of National Education examined the future of Orthodox religious education in schools.
Bulgaria to allocate €1.5 million for road to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos
The Bulgarian government will finance repairs to the road leading to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kyiv–Pechersk Lavra brotherhood honors memory of Hieromartyr Volodymyr
Services were held at the Kyiv Lavra on the day of remembrance of St Volodymyr, Metropolitan of Kyiv and Halych.
Abp Elpidophoros: Ukraine will shape the future of inter-Orthodox relations
The head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Archdiocese of America said that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will determine church relations among the Orthodox Churches.
Case opened against organizer of UOC believers’ cross procession in Bukovyna
Police drew up an administrative report against a believer of the Chernivtsi Eparchy who organized a prayer procession to the skete of Blessed Xenia of St Petersburg in the village of Molnytsia.