Metropolitan Longin after hearings: Sessions conducted under the rule of law

Metropolitan Longin (Zhar). Photo: a screenshot from the Bancheny Monastery video

On March 3, 2026, after another court hearing at the Hertsa Court, Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny addressed the believers who came to support him. The archpastor thanked the clergy and laypeople for their prayers and presence, noting that he does not feel abandoned. A video of his address was published on the Bancheny Monastery's Facebook page.

“We are together, and God is with us,” said the bishop, expressing gratitude to the court for considering the case “under the rule of law” and adding that justice will certainly prevail.

The bishop emphasized that he perceives what is happening as a spiritual trial. “Today they are not judging us. They are judging God, they are judging the Lord's Church, the canonical and Orthodox Church,” noted Metropolitan Longin. He called on believers during Great Lent to maintain peace in their hearts, to forgive and not allow bitterness.

The hierarch also said that he forgives all those who participated in document falsifications and conducting the investigation. “If the hour has come to suffer for the Lord God, for our holy and Orthodox faith - let us thank God,” he said.

The Metropolitan called on believers to remain firm in faith and not fear persecution: “Do not fear being persecuted, fear losing grace.”

The next hearing in the bishop's case is scheduled for April 2, 2026.

Earlier, an appeal to believers calling to come on March 3 to the court building for prayerful support of the UOC hierarch was published on the official Facebook page of the Bancheny Monastery.

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