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.

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