Bishop Longin: I cannot call patriots those who grab God by the throat

Metropolitan Longin (Zhar). Photo: Bancheny Monastery

Speaking after the session of the Hertsa Court on September 23, 2025, Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny stated that he considers those who pressure the Church and believers not to be true Ukrainians.

"Do not anger God. You voted to destroy my Church – this is a grave sin. You are the grandchildren of Khrushchev, the spiritual successors of the communists. They closed monasteries, murdered thousands of monks and priests, and you are following their path," said the bishop.

According to him, it is impossible to call people who fight against God patriots.

"You are not true Ukrainians – a true Ukrainian loves his country and faith, he is ready to die for it, not to fight against God. You have grabbed God by the throat – but you will not succeed. No one has ever been able to stop God – neither communists, nor atheists, nor Khrushchev. And you will not succeed too," emphasized Metropolitan Longin.

He noted that the Church has always remained with the people, and believers are ready to continue to keep their faith. "We must stand firm to the end, protect the true faith and not betray it, no matter what happens," said the UOC hierarch.

In his view, courts and pressure on communities disgrace the country. "Ukraine is disgraced in the eyes of the whole world when church doors are broken down and Christians are imprisoned. Metropolitan Arseniy has been detained for two years without trial and investigation, without guilt. Is this our Ukraine?" Metropolitan Longin stated.

As reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Longin said that he was forbidden to take orphans under his care.

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