Metropolitan Longin: They can imprison me, but not the whole of Ukraine
Metropolitan Longin in front of the courthouse. Photo: UOJ
On November 17, 2023, hundreds of believers came to the Hertsa District Court to support Metropolitan Longin during the hearing of the case against him, according to the UOJ correspondent.
While the hearings were underway, the clergy and parishioners prayed and served akathists.
Leaving the courtroom, the metropolitan addressed everyone gathered with words of gratitude in Romanian and Ukrainian.
"I am very grateful to you for your love, for your faith, for being true Christians of our Orthodox Church," said Metropolitan Longin. "We want peace and tranquility, we want God's blessing for everyone. We pray for our country. We have always served it and will continue to serve it because it is our country. But there are people who want to disgrace us. Lord, forgive them all. They can kill me, they can arrest me, but they cannot arrest the entire country. Always remain faithful to God, our canonical Orthodox Church, and our beloved Metropolitan Onuphry in our hearts and souls. I bless you all to pray and thank you for your support."
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the lawyer of Metropolitan Longin died from poisoning.
Read also
US priest urges defense of UOC amid persecution
Fr. Zachariah Lynch criticized plans to honor Zelensky at St. Nicholas Church in New York and urged Orthodox Christians to speak out against the persecution of the UOC.
Greek theologian condemns murder of monk at Sviatohirsk Lavra
Professor Georgios Foundoulakis of the University of Athens called the death of Monk Varsonofiy a tragedy for the entire Christian world.
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."