In Hertsa, another court hearing in Metropolitan Longin case takes place
Metropolitan Longin (Zhar). Photo: the Bancheny Monastery
On August 12, 2025, a regular session was held in the Hertsa District Court in Bukovyna regarding the case of Metropolitan Longin (Zhar). A video message to the faithful who came to support the bishop at the courthouse was published by the YouTube channel of the Bancheny Monastery.
The bishop thanked all Orthodox Christians for staying with him during difficult times.
"Let us pray that the Lord will bring to reason all those who are mocking us today," said the metropolitan.
In his conviction, such persecutions are a mockery not only of the faithful – citizens of Ukraine, but of the entire Church.
"Today, neither the Constitution nor the law protects us, but we are strong, brothers and sisters, because we are with God. And when the time comes to endure for God, we must thank Him for everything," noted the UOC hierarch.
As reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Longin called the mobilization of priests a disgrace and lawlessness.
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