Met Longin: They plan 12 years of jail for me and another raid on Bancheny

Metropolitan Longin. Photo: Screenshot of the YouTube channel of Bancheny Monastery

On October 20, during the Divine Liturgy at the Bancheny Monastery, Metropolitan Longin (Zhar), vicar of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese and abbot of the Ascension Bancheny Monastery, announced that he is facing a second accusation and 12 years in prison.

“They are now preparing another accusation against me, and a raid on our monastery; personally, they are preparing 12 years of prison for me,” Metropolitan Longin shared with the congregation.

“But this is actually very good, because even the saints were sinful, and we are even more so,” the bishop reflected.

“They are trying to accuse me, but I defended my children, the orphans, who were treated unfairly. I am sick and no longer able to help them personally, so I asked people to stand up for them so that they would not suffer,” the bishop said.

“I ask the Lord to enlighten everyone, to give us all the strength to endure until the end, and to remain faithful to our Orthodox Church and to our beloved Beatitude,” concluded Metropolitan Longin.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that after another court hearing, the bishop emphasized that he would never change his faith or his Church.

Read also

EXCLUSIVE: ROCOR Weighs Canonization of Its First U.S.-Born Saint

Abp. Gabriel of Montreal and Canada speaks to UOJ-USA about the commission to investigate the life of Fr. Seraphim Rose.

Metr. Shio Receives Church Leaders in Tbilisi

Orthodox delegations gathered in Tbilisi to honor Patr. Ilia II and affirm unity among the Churches.

Abp. Mark Visits Pennsylvania Parish for Lenten Services

Abp. Mark’s visit strengthened Coal Region faithful during their Lenten journey.

Metr. Saba Appeals for Lebanon Relief Donations

Metr. Saba calls for urgent donations to aid displaced families in Lebanon.

New Orthodox Parish School Set to Open in Pennsylvania

"The School has been in the prayers of St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church since the community's founding in 1992," a press release states. "Through God, all things are possible!"

Ancient Monastic Complex Found in Egypt

A newly discovered Egyptian site highlights the scale and sophistication of early monastic life.