Arson committed at Bancheny Monastery (updated)

Arson of an outbuilding on the grounds of Bancheny Monastery. Photo: Screenshot from the monastery’s video

On May 23, 2025, an outbuilding on the territory of the Bancheny Monastery was deliberately set on fire. A video of the blaze was published on the monastery’s social media channels.

“Arson of an outbuilding on the grounds of Bancheny Monastery. The brethren are praying. 23.05.25,” the accompanying message stated.

The UOJ was informed on-site that the fire occurred in the afternoon near the village of Vanchykivtsi.

“At one of the monastery's ponds, which is used for raising fish to supply the monastery, pilgrims, and orphaned children, two wooden cabins caught fire under unclear circumstances. They could not have caught fire due to an electrical short or faulty wiring, as there was no electricity in them. Moreover, it was raining at the time. The buildings were made of wood and burned down completely,” witnesses explained to UOJ.

The faithful called the police, who, according to them, arrived promptly. An investigation is underway. Reportedly, law enforcement has identified a blogger who posted the video of the fire on social media and is currently questioning him.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the police in Bukovyna launched a criminal case involving the staff of the monastery’s orphanage. This was announced on May 23, 2025, followed by a wave of media publications containing a fabricated “investigation” against Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny.

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