Metropolitan Longin says he has been forbidden to take orphans under his care
Metropolitan Longin (Zhar). Photo: Bancheny Monastery
On 12 August 2025, following a hearing at the Hertsa District Court in Bukovyna, Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) stated that, while the investigation is ongoing, he is not allowed to take orphans under his care. A video of his address was published on the Bancheny Monastery’s YouTube channel.
According to Metropolitan Longin, the court refuses to grant permission either to him or to the monastery brethren to take children or disabled persons into their care.
“This court in Hertsa does not want to allow giving children under protection. Everyone is refused. Like a criminal, I no longer have the right,” he stressed.
Moreover, the hierarch is effectively deprived of the ability to protect and care for children living in the orphanage. He is not even allowed to accompany them to a medical facility, and any surgical operation requires the signature of the legal guardian.
“Today the time has come when we have no right to live in this state, to have the rights that everyone else has. We must endure a little longer. The Lord will deliver us from our enemies, visible and invisible,” the Bancheny Metropolitan added.
As the UOJ reported, another court hearing was held in Hertsa in the case of Metropolitan Longin.
Read also
UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary
Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.
Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”
The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl
UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.
Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom
The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.
Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million
Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.
DESS official says state should not govern the Church
A DESS official called for cooperation between the state and the Church for the benefit of citizens.