Met Longin: We will not betray our faith, nor will we transition anywhere

Metropolitan Longin (Zhar). Photo: Screenshot from Bancheny Monastery video

In his sermon on the feast day of the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon, August 9, the patronal feast of Bancheny Monastery, Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) stated that one should not change the Church but always strive to change oneself. The video of the sermon was published on the monastery's YouTube channel.

The bishop urged believers to support their priests because they pray for their flock and remain faithful to their Church.

"We will not betray the Holy Orthodox faith, and we will not change anything, we will not transition anywhere," emphasized Metropolitan Longin. "For we are in God's Church and want to love all people, regardless of their nationality."

The archbishop called on everyone to live in purity and love for God.

"Look at how these people love God. It would be so difficult for us today without you. But how good it is that we are all together," he said, thanking God for all the mercies He bestows upon His people.

As the UOJ reported, on August 9, the car in which Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) of Bancheny was travelling got in a traffic accident. The bishop is currently in intensive care.

The Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy and Bancheny Monastery have called on the faithful to double their prayers for the UOC hierarch.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.