Bancheny Metropolitan responds to slander
Metropolitan Longin (Zhar). Photo: Bancheny Monastery
On the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, May 29, 2025, Metropolitan Longin in his sermon at the Bancheny Monastery addressed the community with words of support and gratitude. Commenting on the latest wave of lies and fake news spread in the information space against him, he asked not to be offended by anyone and to forgive everyone.
Metropolitan Longin emphasized that he has no right to justify himself or judge anyone, as he is a monk. He will not file a lawsuit for slander, his strength lies in love and forgiveness: "I strive to forgive, to love, and not to lose the Lord God. I have nothing against anyone. I forgive everyone. But everyone knows what we did, who we are. But the most important thing is that the Lord knows."
He reminded that Christ was sinless, but He was also accused, judged, and condemned. «And who are we not to endure?» said the bishop, calling everyone to humility, forgiveness, and love.
Without revealing names, the metropolitan responded to the wave of lies and fake news spread in the information space: "Do not be offended by those who write about us. I ask very much. Do not be offended by my children. I love them very much. And I will love them. They are my children. They wanted to hear from me that I still love them. I am not interested in what you said. What you were forced to. I love you. Only God grant that you understand this in time, repent, and always speak the truth. Because the truth never hurts – only untruth hurts. And it is very painful when very close ones betray."
In conclusion, the metropolitan gave pastoral advice: "Just do not write bad words anywhere. Do not quarrel. The Lord God will protect us. We ask for His protection. And forgive everyone, love everyone, and pray for everyone, so that the Lord helps everyone."
As reported by the UOJ, on May 21, Ukrainian media began spreading a fake "investigation" about the orphanage at the Bancheny Monastery, based on testimonies of anonymous individuals with covered faces. Later, the police opened a criminal case based on these publications.
Read also
FIFA dedicates Iran–Egypt match to LGBT community
FIFA has required Muslim athletes to take part in a “Pride match” featuring rainbow-themed symbolism despite their religious convictions.
Palestinian MFA condemns Israel’s seizure of Jerusalem Church land
Palestine called on the international community to stop the displacement of Christians from Jerusalem.
Czech authorities opt out of Istanbul Convention over “gender ideology”
The government withdrew its consent to ratify the document, calling its provisions destructive to the traditional understanding of sex and family.
Dozens of residents embrace Orthodoxy in Mozambique
After administering the sacrament of Baptism, the priest went on to bless the homes of the newly converted Christians.
His Beatitude: Man should use wealth, rather than be used by wealth
The Primate of the UOC explained how to set priorities correctly, stressing that “wealth without God makes a person the most miserable in the whole world.”
Anniversary LGBT march held in Kyiv
Participants in the gay pride parade demanded recognition of same-sex cohabitation and the removal from the new Civil Code of the definition of family as a union between a man and a woman.