Ombudsman responds to accusations against Bancheny Monastery

Metropolitan Longin with his children in Bancheny. Photo: UOC press service

On May 27, 2025, the Ombudsman's Office reported that it had sent appeals to several state structures demanding an "impartial" investigation into allegations of alleged violence against children at the Bancheny Monastery of the UOC. This was reported by Espresso.

In response to a journalistic information request, they noted that they had contacted the National Social Service of Ukraine. 

"The Secretariat of the Commissioner has urgently taken response measures to establish the circumstances outlined in the request. On 21.05.2025, requests were sent to the National Social Service of Ukraine and the Chernivtsi Regional State Administration demanding a comprehensive, complete, and impartial investigation and assistance in protecting children's rights," the statement said.

Earlier, the police in the Chernivtsi region confirmed the opening of a criminal case based on the allegations against the staff of the orphanage at the UOC monastery. However, it concerns the article on "child exploitation" while other claims actively spread in the media have not received legal confirmation.

It should be recalled that Metropolitan Longin, who adopted hundreds of children and was recognized as a Hero of Ukraine, became a target of slander amid pressure on the UOC. A blogger published a video featuring alleged orphans from the monastery's orphanage, where they voice unconfirmed allegations of violence. The video materials were spread by propaganda media. There has already been an arson at the monastery, and direct threats are being made against the clergy.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the orphans of the Bancheny Monastery refuted the fakes of blogger Edgar Kalancha against their father, the Metropolitan.

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