Met. Longin's lawyer: Vladyka is in hospital, his condition is worsening

The lawyer for Metropolitan Longin outside the courthouse on October 31, 2024. Photo: Screenshot from the Bancheny Monastery video

After a court session at the Hertsa District Court in Bukovina, where the case of Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny was to be heard, the bishop’s lawyer addressed the many faithful who had gathered to support him. The Bancheny Monastery posted the lawyer's statement on its YouTube channel.

The lawyer expressed gratitude to everyone who came to the courthouse and those who are praying for him.

"Unfortunately, the Metropolitan’s condition is worsening, and he is now in intensive care. After yesterday’s session, he felt very unwell," he said.

The lawyer noted that the court session was broadcast on Bancheny Monastery’s social media, and many were able to witness what happened to the bishop. After he felt unwell during the hearing, the hierarch requested a break or that the session be postponed until the next day. According to the lawyer, the judge allegedly did not respond to this request, and the hearing continued.

"Even after his condition worsened and he began to lose consciousness, he asked for an ambulance, but the session went on. Only when he felt extremely unwell was the session stopped, and an ambulance was called. At present, he is in intensive care," the lawyer said.

He emphasized that Metropolitan Longin is innocent, yet he has been forced to attend hearings for nearly a year.

"His condition is getting worse. Please pray for him. I don’t know when he will be healthy enough to appear in court again. Of course, we will keep you informed. In the meantime, thank you to everyone who is praying and supporting him," concluded the UOC hierarch’s lawyer.

As the UOJ reported, over a thousand faithful gathered outside the courthouse to support Metropolitan Longin.

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