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.
Read also
Military servicemen award UOC Sumy Eparchy cleric
A priest of the Sumy Eparchy, Archpriest Oleksandr Petrenko, received gratitude from the territorial defense command for assistance to military personnel.
Vatican again lets OCU approach St. Nicholas' relics
With the assistance of the Ukrainian embassy, OCU clerics served a “liturgy” in the crypt of the papal basilica in Bari.
Exhibition about “church rascism” touring across Ukraine
Experts believe the exhibition about “church rascism” is aimed at the UOC, since the authorities portray it as “Moscow's.”
Cypriot hierarch calls 2026 the year of "spiritual trials"
Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou warned the faithful about coming trials and urged repentance and participation in the Divine Liturgy.
Metropolitan Lazar (Shvets) departs to the Lord
At the age of 86, Metropolitan Lazar of Simferopol and Crimea has reposed in the Lord.
UOC deacon's family home burned down in Pohreby, believers ask for help
After a gas explosion, two sons of Deacon Olexiy Orlov underwent surgeries, the family asks for prayers and help in finding housing.