Metropolitan Longin's trial postponed due to the absence of "victims"
The trial of Metropolitan Longin has been postponed. Photo: UOJ
The trial of Metropolitan Longin, which was scheduled for November 17, 2023, in the Hertsa District Court, did not take place due to the absence of "victims." The announcement was made by the hierarch's lawyer, as reported by the UOJ.
"Today we began the consideration of the criminal case on the merits. The prosecutor read out the indictment. Unfortunately, the 'victims' did not appear again. Since this is a private prosecution case, the court cannot proceed without the participation of the 'victims'," said the lawyer first in Romanian and then in Ukrainian.
He stated that the next hearing would take place on December 5, expressing hope that the "victims" would attend the court session.
According to him, the "victims" came to the court two days before the hearing and announced that they would not be able to attend due to "some of their circumstances."
Over 300 believers came to support Metropolitan Longin. They demanded that prosecutor come out to them, but he never appeared. During the hearing, Metropolitan Longin felt unwell.
To recall, Metropolitan Longin is accused of inciting interreligious discord. He has repeatedly stated that he does not know those on whom he has inflicted damage and does not understand the accusations against him.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to a Romanian priest, the Ukrainian authorities are persecuting Metropolitan Longin for refusing to join the OCU.
Read also
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."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.